A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario

1 BLEEDA Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in GUIDETO Programs AND SERVICESFOR SENIORSIN ONTARIOS eniors INFO line1-888-910-1999 TTY: 1-800-387-5559A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario is your resource for information about Programs and Services available to Ontario s Seniors . It is produced by the Ministry of Seniors Affairs and distributed by ServiceOntario copies may be ordered through ServiceOntario Publications by calling 1-800-668-9938 or online at you have suggestions about how to improve this publication.

2 Please fill out the enclosed postage-paid business reply card and drop it in a mail is current as of March updates to this Guide will be posted on the Ministry of Seniors Affairs website at galement disponible en fran ais sous le titre Guide des programmes et Services pour les personnes g es de l Ontario . Queen s Printer for Ontario , 2018 ISBN 978-1-4868-1532-6 (Print) ISBN 978-1-4868-1548-7 (HTML) ISBN 978-1-4868-1564-7 (PDF) 50M/17-iii-Simply put, Seniors matter. They have given, and continue to give, so much to our province.

3 They ve raised families, helped build our economy and made their communities better places to live. They re our connection to the past, but they re also firmly fixed on the future and on all the possibilities it has to offer. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude, and want them to remain healthy, independent and actively engaged in s where A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario comes in, a free Ontario government publication containing information on Programs and Services aimed at giving Seniors the best possible quality of life.

4 Seniors , and their families and caregivers, will want to keep this information close at hand for answers to questions about a range of important issues, from accessing cultural, recreational and social activities to preventing identity province s Seniors deserve our respect, and it s our job as a society to give them the opportunity to age with dignity, independence and choice. This Guide plays a vital role in helping create that supportive hope you find it Ford PremierPremier of Ontario - Premi re ministre de l Ontario A MESSAGE FROM PREMIER DOUG FORD-iv-As Ontario s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, I look forward to supporting positive aging for Ontario s older adults by encouraging active engagement and healthy lifestyles in their communities.

5 Our government respects the contributions of, and challenges facing, Seniors and people with disabilities. That respect will be at the heart of everything we know that Ontario s Seniors prefer to live independently, with dignity and respect, in communities and that they may need timely access to Services and supports. That is where this Guide to Ontario s Programs and Services for Seniors comes a senior citizen myself, I am pleased to tell you that it provides clear, accurate and up-to-date information on Programs and Services fundamental to Seniors well-being.

6 This Guide also makes it easy to find out about and access information on the wide range of government Services available in Ontario everything from active living activities to health and wellness, from caregiving to finances, from housing to and much, much addition to this Guide , I encourage you to visit and explore our online Guide to Programs and Services available in Ontario to help you lead a safe, engaged, active and healthy Cho Minister for Seniors and AccessibilityMinister for Seniors and Accessibility - Ministre des Services aux a n s et de l Accessibilit A MESSAGE FROM MINISTER RAYMOND CHO-v--vi-Table of Contents1 ACTIVE LIVING 1 Community Activities 1 Sport and recreation 2 Travel 3 Employment 4 Lifelong Learning 6 Volunteering 7 Recognizing Seniors Contributions 8 Services for Newcomers 10 For Indigenous Seniors 11 For Lesbian, Gay.

7 Bisexual and Transgendered Seniors 12 For Veterans 122 CAREGIVING 14 Tax Credits for Caregivers 14 Employment Benefits 153 FINANCES 17 Taxes 17 Pensions and Other Benefits 19 Financial Planning 23 Financial Assistance 24 For Veterans 254 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 27 General Information 27 Public Health 29 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) 32 Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program 35 Dental Care 37 Assistive Devices Program 38 Ambulance Services 38 Regional Geriatric Programs (RGPs)

8 Of Ontario 39 Mental Health and Addictions 39 Fall Prevention 42 Nutrition 43 Hearing Care Counselling Program 44-vii- MedicAlert Safely Home 44 Finding Your Way 44 Community Support Services 45 For Indigenous Seniors 48 For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Seniors 50 For Veterans 505 HOUSING 51 Home Adaptations 51 Financial Assistance Programs 51 Housing Options 53 Housing Options for Low-Income Seniors 55 Emergency Rental Assistance 56 Landlord and Tenant Relations 56 For Indigenous Seniors 576 LONG-TERM CARE HOMES 58 General Information 587 SAFETY AND SECURITY 63 Consumer Protection 63 Emergency Services and Public Safety 68 Legal Matters 70 End of Life 768 TRANSPORTATION 82 Driving 82

9 Alternatives to Driving 84 Buying or Selling Vehicles 85 Public Transportation 85 For Veterans 869 KEY CONTACTS 87 Government of Ontario 87 Government of Canada 88 Local Government 89 Community Safety 89-viii-10 Ontario GOVERNMENT 90 Ontario Photo Card 90 Driver s Licence 90 Enhanced Driver s Licence 90 Ontario Health Insurance Plan Health Card 90 To Change Your Address 9111 INDEX 92-1-1 ACTIVE LIVINGC ommunity ActivitiesThere are many ways to learn about cultural, recreational and social activities in your community.

10 You can begin by contacting your local: community and Seniors centres service clubs (such as the YMCA, Rotary Club or Royal Canadian Legion) cultural centres places of worship Parks and recreation Department2-1-1 LibrariesOntario s extensive public and First Nations library Services provide many Services to Seniors and their families in a welcoming, accessible and friendly environment. Along with lending books and other material, libraries provide Internet access and training, reference material and Library Services North 1-800-461-6348 Ontario Library Service 1-800-387-5765 Active Living CentresSeniors Active Living Centres help local Seniors stay active, become more involved in their community and meet new friends.