A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario

1 A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in of Ontario - Premi re ministre de l OntarioA PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIEROn behalf of the Government of Ontario , I am delighted to extend warm greetings to everyone consulting A Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in s senior citizens a vital part of our society have wide-ranging needs. In response to that diversity of needs, this Guide provides information on Programs and Services aimed at helping older adults in our province to stay healthy, safe, active and commend Ontario s Seniors for the significant role they continue to play in helping to build our communities, and in contributing to our growth and prosperity. I also wish to thank all the family members, friends and caregivers who provide our Seniors with am confident that, by working with our community partners and in consultation with older adults themselves, we can continue to ensure that Ontario remains the best place in North America to grow old.

2 To everyone reading this valuable resource please accept my sincere best WynnePremierA PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTERDear Friends,I am pleased to share with you this important publication. It s a clear and concise Guide for Seniors , their caregivers and family to the Programs and Services available in Ontario government has a clear and comprehensive plan to respond to the growing needs of Seniors . A key element of this plan includes making it easier for Seniors to find and access Programs and Services offered by the provincial and federal governments, and service providers. We want to ensure that there is a one window access point for Ontarians looking for information related to Seniors , their caregivers and Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario is that key resource to encourage and assist Ontarians to achieve a future that is healthy, active and safe.

3 It s why we put this Guide together; to provide a summary of Programs and Services that are uniquely beneficial and of interest to Seniors ll find there are many supports offered in particular, by the Ontario government, and many ways to find out more about them. In addition to this Guide , you can also access information online at , by email at or by phone at goal is to help Seniors stay engaged in their communities for as long as possible. It is more important than ever that we continue working hard, together, to make this province the best place in the world to DamerlaMinister of Seniors AffairsMinister of Seniors Affairs - Ministre des Affaires des personnes g esA 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 .

4 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, please fill out the enclosed postage-paid business reply card and drop it in a mail is current as of August 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 , 2017 ISBN 978-1-4606-8733-8 (Print) ISBN 978-1-4606-8734-5 (HTML) ISBN 978-1-4606-8735-2 (PDF) 50M/17-v-Table of Contents1 ACTIVE LIVING 1 Community Activities 1 Sport and Recreation 2 Travel 3 Employment 4 Lifelong Learning 7 Volunteering 8 Recognizing Seniors Contributions 8 Services for Newcomers 11 For Indigenous Seniors 12 For Lesbian, Gay.

5 Bisexual and Transgendered Seniors 13 For Veterans 132 CAREGIVING 15 Tax Credits for Caregivers 15 Employment Benefits 163 FINANCES 18 Taxes 18 Pensions and Other Benefits 20 Financial Planning 23 Financial Assistance 25 For Veterans 254 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 27 General Information 27 Public Health 28 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) 32 Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program 35 Dental Care 37 Assistive Devices Program 37 Ambulance Services 38 Regional Geriatric Programs (RGPs) of Ontario 38 Mental Health and Addictions 39 Fall Prevention 41 Nutrition 43 Hearing Care Counselling Program 43 MedicAlert Safely Home 44-vi- Finding Your Way 44 Community Support Services 44 For Indigenous Seniors 47 For Lesbian, Gay.

6 Bisexual and Transgendered Seniors 49 For Veterans 495 HOUSING 50 Home Adaptations 50 Financial Assistance Programs 50 Housing Options 52 Housing Options for Low-Income Seniors 54 Emergency Rental Assistance 55 Landlord and Tenant Relations 55 For Indigenous Seniors 566 LONG-TERM CARE HOMES 57 General Information 577 SAFETY AND SECURITY 62 Consumer Protection 62 Emergency Services and Public Safety 67 Legal Matters 69 End of Life 758 TRANSPORTATION 81 Driving 81 Alternatives to Driving 83 Buying or Selling Vehicles 84 Public Transportation 84 For Veterans 859 KEY CONTACTS 86 10 Ontario GOVERNMENT 89 Ontario Photo Card 89 Driver s Licence 89 Enhanced Driver s Licence 89 Ontario Health Insurance Plan Health Card 89 To Change Your Address 9011 INDEX 91-1-1 ACTIVE LIVINGC ommunity ActivitiesThere are many ways to learn about cultural, recreational and social activities in your community.

7 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 Department 2-1-1 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 Adult CentresOlder Adult Centres (sometimes called Seniors Centres or Elderly Persons Centres) help local Seniors stay active, become more involved in their community and meet new friends. These centres offer unique social activities, learning and educational opportunities and recreational Programs .

8 -2-Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario 1-866-835-7693 find an Elderly Persons Centre, please contact your municipality or call and RecreationThere are many health benefits of being physically active, including improved fitness, strength and well-being. Regular exercise is an important part of healthy aging. For tips about how you can increase your physical activity, maintain good health and improve your quality of life visit:Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults Physical Activity Guidelines senior GamesAlso known as the Ontario 55+ Summer Games and the Ontario 55+ Winter Games, the Ontario senior Games include multi-event provincial competitions for older adults. Held every two years in alternating years, these games allow adults 55 years and older to interact in an environment that celebrates a healthy and active Seniors Games Association 1-800-320-6423 ParksOntario s provincial parks offer reduced camping and day-use fees to Seniors over the age of 65 and to persons with physical disabilities.

9 Many Ontario parks offer barrier-free facilities, including showers, washrooms, campsites and visitor centres. The Park Locator at allows visitors to search for parks with barrier-free facilities. Many campsites accommodate recreational vehicles and may also provide electrical hook-ups and trailer dumping (1-888-668-7275) TTY: 1-866-686-6072 and HuntingIf you re over 65 years of age or a canadian resident with a disability, you are not required to obtain an Outdoors Card with a fishing licence tag to fish in Ontario . However, you must still follow all regulations, including catch and possession limits. If you wish to hunt in Ontario , you are required to obtain an Outdoors Card and you must have a licence valid for the species or group of species you are hunting. You are required to carry the licence and any validation tags while you are hunting, and show the licence to a Conservation Officer if asked to do of Natural Resources and Forestry Outdoors Card Centre 1-800-387-7011 in OntarioMany of Ontario s tourist attractions offer discounted rates for Seniors , while some offer Programs with Seniors in mind.

10 Visit an Ontario Travel Information Centre to learn more about Ontario s attractions and to customize an itinerary based on your Travel 1-800- Ontario (1-800-668-2746) Outside Ontario or CanadaIf you are temporarily away from Ontario or Canada, OHIP may cover all or a part of your health care costs. If you are travelling outside of Ontario but within Canada and pay for health Services , submit an itemized bill and original receipts to your local OHIP office within a year for a you are travelling outside of Canada, OHIP will pay a set rate for emergency hospital and physician Services for an acute, unexpected condition, illness, disease or injury that requires immediate treatment. To cover medical charges not paid for by OHIP, you should purchase private health insurance for all trips outside of Ontario and you are enrolled in the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, you may receive up to a maximum 100-day supply of medications.