Services in Oshawa

First Link connects people living with dementia and their care partners to one on one support, education, and support groups, plus referral to the MINT Memory Clinic for memory assessment. This is a registered charity offering community based dementia support across Durham Region.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call the toll-free line, email intake@alzheimerdurham.com, or fill out the online First Link referral form on the contact page, and a First Link Coordinator will follow up; the MINT Memory Clinic needs a referral from a primary care provider.

The national office of the Alzheimer Society, a registered charity. It is a first point of contact after a dementia diagnosis: staff answer the line Monday to Friday and connect families to the Alzheimer Society in their own province, where local societies deliver the programs such as First Link, support groups and education.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call 1-800-616-8816, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Eastern, or use the contact form at alzheimer.ca; for dementia programs the national office connects families to their local Alzheimer Society through alzheimer.ca/find.

A program of MedicAlert Foundation Canada, a registered charity, for people living with dementia who may wander or go missing. The subscriber wears a distinctive blue MedicAlert ID, and through the charity's Connect Protect partnership, 9-1-1 dispatchers, police, and paramedics across Canada can pull up the person's health record, wandering history, and caregiver contacts to bring them home safely. This is a charity subscription service, not a government program and not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call 1-877-217-7449 to subscribe to Safe & Found, or sign up online at medicalert.ca/safe-and-found; general inquiries 1.800.668.1507, Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm Eastern.

Free monthly home delivery of books and other library materials from Oshawa Public Libraries, the City of Oshawa's library system, for residents who cannot visit a branch. Staff build a personalized selection each month and deliver to homes, long-term care centres and retirement residences.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call (905) 579-6111 ext. 5267 or complete the Visiting Library Services application form online or at any branch.

A registered charity that matches Durham Region seniors and adults with disabilities to a volunteer for regular, friendly social visits, usually about once a week. This is a free non-profit community service, not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-888-255-6680 or fill out the online Request Service form on communitycaredurham.on.ca to book an appointment with a Central Intake Coordinator; the Adult Day Program additionally requires a separate referral from Ontario Health atHome (905-430-3308).

The Region of Durham runs supervised day programs for older adults at Hillsdale Estates in Oshawa, Lakeview Manor in Beaverton and Lakeridge Health Port Perry, with the Hillsdale program built for people living with dementia. Days include activities, exercise, a hot lunch and snacks, and give family caregivers a regular break.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Referrals go through Ontario Health atHome at 1-800-263-3877; for program questions call Hillsdale Estates at 905-579-1777 ext. 6318.

More than 400 local centre programs funded by the Ontario government where older adults join fitness classes, arts and culture programs, book clubs, social groups and lifelong learning, in person, online or by phone. Ontario has funded these centres for 60 years.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Use the online map to find the centre nearest you, then call that centre directly to join; the ministry's Seniors' INFOline at 1-888-910-1999 can also help you find one.

A public program coordinated by Ontario Health atHome, Ontario's public home and community care agency. Adult day programs offer recreational and social activities, meals, personal care, and basic health care in a small group community setting, giving older adults social connection and giving family caregivers a break.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-833-515-1234, available 7 days a week 365 days a year, and the call is automatically routed to the nearest local office; anyone, including the person themselves, a family member, or a doctor, can start a referral.

Trained Red Cross volunteers call people age 18 and up on a regular basis just to check in, talk, and share wellbeing resources, an easy way to feel less alone. It is free and available by phone anywhere in Canada, including every city in the GTA. The Canadian Red Cross is a federally chartered registered charity, and this is a public community support service, not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. There is no single phone number across these programs. Families call the specific line: Toronto Transportation and Meals on Wheels at 416-236-3180, Burlington Transportation at 1-844-843-7331 ext 2, Burlington Meals on Wheels at 905-637-5664, or the national Friendly Calls Program at 1-833-979-9779.

St. John Ambulance, one of Canada's oldest registered charities, sends volunteer handlers and their gentle, screened dogs into seniors residences, care facilities, and hospitals for regular visits that ease loneliness and lift spirits. Over 2,500 dog teams volunteer across Canada, and there is one national online form to request visits for a facility or event. This is a charity program, not a government service and not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. A seniors residence, care facility, or event organizer requests visits through the national online request form linked from the Therapy Dog Program page, or calls 1-800-989-3787; visits are then arranged with the local volunteer dog teams.

A City of Oshawa service that cuts the side boulevard of corner lots for seniors 65 and over and people with disabilities, up to thirteen times a season from May to mid-October. It covers only the city-owned side boulevard, not the front boulevard or private lawn.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Complete the application and submit it to Service Oshawa; renew before April 1 each year.

A free City of Oshawa service that clears the city sidewalk and the windrow, the pile of snow a plow leaves at the end of the driveway, for seniors 65 and over and people with disabilities who have no one in the home able to shovel. Service starts after snowfalls of more than 2.5 cm.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply online starting September 1 for the winter season; renew each year (renewal notices go out in October).

An Ontario government funded program, delivered by March of Dimes Canada, that pays for basic home changes such as ramps, stair lifts and bathroom modifications so people whose mobility is limited can keep living safely at home. It covers up to $15,000 lifetime for home modifications and up to $15,000 every 10 years for vehicle modifications.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Download the application from marchofdimes.ca and mail it in with proof of income, disability verification and a vendor quote; call 1-877-369-4867 or email hvmp@marchofdimes.ca with questions.

A City of Oshawa grant that lowers the property tax bill for senior homeowners with low incomes. If you are 65 or older, receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement and have owned and lived in your Oshawa home for at least a year, the grant is credited straight to your tax account. Homeowners receiving ODSP also qualify.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply between January 1 and April 30 each year, online or in person at Taxation Services, Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre St. S.

A specialty community legal clinic funded through Legal Aid Ontario that serves low-income seniors, the first of its kind in Canada. Its lawyers give free advice and representation on elder abuse, health care consent, powers of attorney, home care, retirement home and long-term care problems. Direct casework focuses on the Greater Toronto Area; callers elsewhere in Ontario get information and referrals.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call the intake line on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 9 a.m. to noon or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; intake is by phone only.

Ontario's provincial legal aid agency gives people with low incomes free legal help, including certificates that pay for a lawyer, duty counsel at court and a province-wide network of community legal clinics. One call checks what you qualify for, with service in over 300 languages.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to check what you qualify for and be directed to the right service or local clinic.

The Ontario government's free information line for anything to do with programs and services for seniors, from benefits and tax credits to housing, safety and community supports (TTY 1-800-387-5559). One call is often the fastest way to find out which provincial program fits your situation.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call the Seniors' INFOline for anything to do with Ontario seniors programs; no referral needed.

An Ontario Energy Board program that puts a monthly credit of $35 to $113 straight onto the electricity bill of lower income households. Apply online, by paper form or with free help from a local intake agency; if you are already behind on a bill, ask about the related Low-income Energy Assistance Program at the same time.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply online at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca, by paper form, or with free help from a local intake agency; the OESP contact centre answers questions at 1-855-831-8151.

The Ontario government office that steps in as decision maker of last resort when an adult can no longer manage their money or make care decisions and there is no family member or attorney able to act. Families can also call its investigations unit if they believe a mentally incapable person is being harmed or financially abused (TTY 1-833-813-5696).

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-800-891-0504, or email OPGT.Investigations@ontario.ca if you believe a mentally incapable adult is at risk of harm or financial abuse.

A refundable Ontario government tax credit that gives seniors 70 and older back up to 25 percent of eligible medical and home care expenses, to a maximum of $1,500 a year. It is claimed on Form ON479 with the income tax return.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Claimed once a year on the senior's income tax return (ON-BEN or ON479 forms); GAINS needs no application for seniors already getting OAS and GIS.

An Ontario government monthly payment that tops up the income of low-income seniors who already get Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Payments of up to $92 a month for the 2026 benefit year arrive automatically; most seniors just need to file their tax return each spring to keep them coming.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Automatic for seniors already receiving OAS and GIS; otherwise file your income tax return by April 30 or send a GIS application to Service Canada.

An Ontario government grant of up to $500 a year that helps seniors with modest incomes pay the property tax on their home. It is claimed by filling in the ON-BEN form with the yearly income tax return.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Claimed once a year on the senior's income tax return (ON-BEN or ON479 forms); GAINS needs no application for seniors already getting OAS and GIS.

A monthly Ontario government benefit that combines the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Ontario Sales Tax Credit and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit into one payment. Seniors 65 and older qualify for a higher property tax credit, up to $1,488 a year.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. File the yearly income tax return with the ON-BEN application form; payments then arrive automatically.

Government photo ID from the Ontario government for people who do not drive, handy when a senior gives up their licence but still needs official ID for banking, travel bookings and appointments. Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre; the card is valid for 5 years.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with identity documents; call 1-800-267-8097 with questions.

An Ontario government agency that gives veterans and their families up to $3,000 in a 12 month period for essentials such as home repairs, housing costs, health items, specialized equipment and personal needs. Many older veterans qualify; applications go through the Royal Canadian Legion or Veterans Affairs Canada.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply through the Royal Canadian Legion at 1-888-207-0939 (sac@on.legion.ca) or Veterans Affairs Canada at 1-866-522-2122, with quotes for the expense and recent bank statements.

A free Government of Canada online tool that asks a few quick questions and builds a personal list of federal benefits, with filters for seniors and retirees aged 60 and over and for caregivers. It needs no account or personal identifying information, and it links to your province's own benefits page too.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Use the tool online at benefitsfinder.services.gc.ca; for general help with federal programs call 1 800 O-Canada at 1-800-622-6232.

Canada Revenue Agency credits that cut the tax bill for seniors and the relatives who support them, all claimed on the yearly tax return. They include the age amount for people 65 and older, pension income splitting with a spouse, the medical expense credit that covers attendant care and many home health costs, the Canada Caregiver Credit, the Home Accessibility Tax Credit for up to $20,000 a year of safety renovations, and the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, which refunds 14.5% of up to $50,000 spent adding a secondary suite for a senior.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Claim these credits when filing the yearly income tax return, or ask a tax preparer or free tax clinic to check each one; call the CRA with questions.

A Government of Canada tax credit that lowers income tax for people with a severe, long-term impairment, or for the family member who supports them. Long-term conditions that affect everyday life, such as dementia, may qualify. Once approved, the credit can be claimed for past years going back up to 10 years, which can mean a large refund.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply using the CRA's digital DTC application or Form T2201 by mail; a medical practitioner completes the medical part, then the credit is claimed at tax time.

A tax-free Government of Canada payment every three months for people with low and modest incomes, which replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026 with a 25% higher amount. There is no application; filing your tax return each year, even with no income, automatically signs you up if you qualify.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. File a tax return every year to be enrolled automatically; call 1-800-387-1193 with payment questions.

Free tax clinics supported by the Canada Revenue Agency, where trained community volunteers complete tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation. Filing every year is what keeps benefits like the Guaranteed Income Supplement flowing, so these clinics matter even when no tax is owed. In Quebec the program runs jointly with Revenu Quebec as the Income Tax Assistance volunteer program.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Find a nearby clinic with the Find a free tax clinic directory on canada.ca; clinic types and dates vary by community organization.

Tax-free monthly Government of Canada payments for people aged 60 to 64 with low income. The Allowance is for the spouse or common-law partner of a senior who gets the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the Allowance for the Survivor is for someone whose spouse or partner has died. Apply 6 to 11 months before you turn 60, or right away if you are already in this age range.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. You must apply; call Service Canada or apply through My Service Canada Account.

A monthly taxable Government of Canada pension that replaces part of your income in retirement and is paid for life to people who contributed to the CPP while working. You can start it as early as 60 or wait until 70 for a larger amount. If you keep working while collecting before age 70, extra contributions earn a post-retirement benefit that raises your pension each year.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. You must apply; apply online through My Service Canada Account or call. If you worked in another country, international social security agreements may help you qualify.

A monthly taxable Government of Canada benefit for people over 18 and under 65 who cannot work because of a severe and prolonged disability and who contributed to the CPP. People already collecting a CPP retirement pension who become disabled before 65 may qualify for the post-retirement disability benefit instead. At 65 it converts automatically to the regular CPP retirement pension.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. You must apply, and a health care professional completes the medical part of the application; apply through My Service Canada Account or by paper form.

Government of Canada payments to the family of a CPP contributor who has died. The survivor's pension is a monthly payment to the legal spouse or common-law partner, and the death benefit is a one-time payment of up to $5,000 to the estate or the person who paid the funeral costs. Apply as soon as possible after the death, because the survivor's pension can only be back-paid for 12 months.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply online through My Service Canada Account or by mail as soon as possible after the death.

Employment Insurance benefits from the Government of Canada that replace part of your pay while you are away from work caring for someone. The family caregiver benefit covers up to 15 weeks for a critically ill or injured adult, and compassionate care benefits cover up to 26 weeks for a person who needs end-of-life care. You do not have to live with or be related to the person, and eligible caregivers can share the weeks.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply online at canada.ca as soon as you stop work, with a medical certificate for the person you care for; call 1-800-206-7218 for help with a claim.

A tax-free monthly top-up from the Government of Canada for seniors 65 and older who receive the OAS pension and have low income. It is worth checking even if you are not sure you qualify, and you must file your income tax return every year to keep the payments coming.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Many seniors are enrolled automatically and told by letter; if no letter has arrived a month after your 64th birthday, call Service Canada or apply through My Service Canada Account.

A monthly Government of Canada pension for people 65 and older, based on how long you have lived in Canada after age 18, whether or not you ever worked. Many seniors are enrolled automatically and get a letter from Service Canada; if no letter has arrived a month after your 64th birthday, you may need to apply. Years spent in countries that have a social security agreement with Canada can help you qualify.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call Service Canada or apply online through My Service Canada Account; many seniors are enrolled in OAS and GIS automatically and get a letter in the mail around their 64th birthday.

A registered charity offering one-to-one mental health case management and support in Durham Region, including recovery and crisis planning, medication management, life skills help, and family or caregiver support. This is a community mental health service, not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call, email, walk in, or use the online form at cmhadurham.ca/client-intake/ to reach Community Connection Services, the intake team that assesses anyone in Durham Region and refers them into Case Management and Community Services or other CMHA Durham programs; there is no separate senior-only intake line.

A registered charity running WeConnect, formerly called COPE Mental Health, a free community mental health program across Durham Region with support groups, workshops, and educational sessions for people 16 and older. This is a non-profit community service, not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-888-255-6680 or fill out the online Request Service form on communitycaredurham.on.ca to book an appointment with a Central Intake Coordinator; the Adult Day Program additionally requires a separate referral from Ontario Health atHome (905-430-3308).

Circle of Care's Bereavement Support offers free grief counselling, support groups, and art therapy for adults across Ontario grieving the death of a close family member or friend, in person, by phone, or online. This free program is run by a registered charity that is a system partner of Sinai Health, a non-profit community service.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call the main line at (416) 635-2860, or Ontario Health atHome at 1-833-515-1234 to be referred for government-funded home care.

A free 24/7 helpline funded by the Government of Ontario and Ontario Health that finds mental health, addiction and problem gambling services anywhere in the province. Staff look up local options with you and connect you to the right program.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call any time, text CONNEX to 247247, or use the live chat at connexontario.ca; no referral needed.

A free 24/7 helpline for anyone caring for a family member or friend, run by the Ontario Caregiver Organization and funded by the Government of Ontario. Callers get a listening ear plus help finding respite, support groups and community programs near them, in English and French with interpretation in 150 languages.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call the helpline any time, 24/7; live chat is open weekdays 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Canada's suicide crisis helpline, funded by the Government of Canada and led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Call or text 9-8-8 free of charge, any hour of any day, in English or French, whether you are struggling yourself or worried about someone you love.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call or text 9-8-8 at any hour; free, confidential, and no referral needed.

A Government of Canada helpline offering free counselling and crisis support to all Indigenous people across Canada, 24 hours a day, with culturally grounded Indigenous counsellors. Support is available by phone in English and French, with Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut on request, and by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-855-242-3310 at any hour, or use the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca; no referral needed.

Free one-on-one peer support from The Kidney Foundation of Canada, a registered charity. It matches people living with kidney disease, and their family members, with a trained volunteer who has lived through it themselves, for confidential support by phone.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call 1-866-390-PEER (7337) to speak with a program coordinator, or complete the online request form on the peer support page.

A free stroke recovery program from March of Dimes Canada, a registered charity. An After Stroke coordinator works one-on-one with the survivor and their family, connects them to peer support and support groups, and stays with them from hospital to home and beyond. In-person teams are concentrated in Ontario, British Columbia and Atlantic Canada, with phone and online support across the rest of Canada.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call the After Stroke Support Line at 1-888-540-6666, email afterstroke@marchofdimes.ca, or complete the online form at afterstroke.ca to be matched with an After Stroke coordinator.

A free Veterans Affairs Canada helpline that connects veterans, former RCMP members, their families and caregivers with a mental health professional at any hour, every day of the year. Callers can receive up to 20 hours of confidential counselling and do not need an existing VAC file.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-800-268-7708 any time, day or night (TDD/TTY 1-800-567-5803); no referral or VAC file needed.

A registered charity providing in-home respite through Personal Support Workers, who give personal care, help with daily living, meal preparation, and light housekeeping so family caregivers in Durham Region can take a break. This is a non-profit community service, not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-888-255-6680 or fill out the online Request Service form on communitycaredurham.on.ca to book an appointment with a Central Intake Coordinator; the Adult Day Program additionally requires a separate referral from Ontario Health atHome (905-430-3308).

A Region of Durham Paramedic Services program where specially trained paramedics visit people with high care needs at home, offering health checks, diagnostic testing, remote monitoring and help connecting to other services. The goal is to keep seniors well at home and out of the emergency department.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Intake is by referral from Ontario Health atHome, a family doctor or paramedic services; families can call 289-404-7034 with questions about a referral.

The Region of Durham offers short respite stays of about one week to two months at Lakeview Manor, its long-term care home in Beaverton, so family caregivers can rest or travel. Short-stay residents receive the same care and services as long-stay residents, then return home.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply through Ontario Health atHome Central East at 905-430-3308 or 1-800-263-3877; Lakeview Manor's local line is 705-426-7388.

Ontario's public home and community care agency, a Government of Ontario Crown agency formerly known as Home and Community Care Support Services. Provides nursing, personal support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other in-home care coordinated by a care coordinator, covered through OHIP for people with a valid Ontario health card.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-833-515-1234, available 7 days a week 365 days a year, and the call is automatically routed to the nearest local office; anyone, including the person themselves, a family member, or a doctor, can start a referral.

An independent office of the Ontario government that takes complaints about public hospitals, long-term care homes, home and community care, and surgical and diagnostic centres. It is free, and staff work to resolve concerns the organization itself could not fix.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Use the organization's own complaint process first; then complain online at patientombudsman.ca or call. Note the office closes at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

A Veterans Affairs Canada program that pays for housekeeping, grounds maintenance, meal preparation, personal care and other supports so veterans can keep living in their own homes. Some survivors and primary caregivers of deceased veterans can also receive housekeeping and grounds maintenance funding.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call Veterans Affairs Canada at 1-866-522-2122, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time, or apply online through My VAC Account.

A registered charity delivering hot and frozen meals across Durham Region, with volunteers who also do a friendly safety check at the door. Meal options include Halal, vegetarian, low sodium, gluten-free, minced, and pureed. This is a non-profit community service, not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-888-255-6680 or fill out the online Request Service form on communitycaredurham.on.ca to book an appointment with a Central Intake Coordinator; the Adult Day Program additionally requires a separate referral from Ontario Health atHome (905-430-3308).

A free 24/7 helpline funded by the Ontario government and United Ways that connects callers to food help near them, from Meals on Wheels programs to community dining, grocery help and food banks. Community Navigators answer in over 150 languages; dial 211, or toll free 1-877-330-3213.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Dial 211 (or toll free 1-877-330-3213) any time, 24/7; a real person answers and connects you to services near you.

A registered charity offering accessible van rides, volunteer drivers, and PSW-escorted medical rides for people in Durham Region who cannot use public transportation because of age or health needs. This is a non-profit community service, not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-888-255-6680 or fill out the online Request Service form on communitycaredurham.on.ca to book an appointment with a Central Intake Coordinator; the Adult Day Program additionally requires a separate referral from Ontario Health atHome (905-430-3308).

Durham Region Transit runs On Demand shared rides plus Specialized Transit, a door-to-door service for people whose disability keeps them from using the regular bus for all or part of a trip. It covers the whole region, including rural areas outside Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and Pickering. Regular DRT fares apply, and seniors 65 and over pay a reduced fare with a PRESTO card.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply for Specialized Services with a form from durhamregiontransit.com (download or request by mail), then book trips with an agent at 1-866-247-0055 or 311.

A free 24/7 helpline funded by the Ontario government and United Ways that connects callers to local community services, including seniors' rides, accessible transit and volunteer driver programs near them. Community Navigators answer in over 150 languages; dial 211, or toll free 1-877-330-3213.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Dial 211 (or toll free 1-877-330-3213) any time, 24/7; a real person answers and connects you to services near you.

The Ontario government's renewal program that keeps drivers 80 and older safely on the road. Every 2 years you watch a short senior driver education video at home, then attend a booked appointment for a vision assessment and a 5 minute screening exercise; most drivers do not need a road test.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Wait for the renewal letter that arrives up to 90 days before the licence expires, then book online or call 1-800-396-4233 (416-235-3579 in the GTA), Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A free Ontario government permit that lets a person with a walking limitation or other qualifying condition park in accessible spaces in any vehicle they are travelling in, as driver or passenger. A doctor, nurse, physiotherapist or other listed practitioner certifies the form, then you apply online, by mail or at a ServiceOntario centre.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call ServiceOntario or visit a ServiceOntario centre; many services can also be done online at ontario.ca.

The government delegated authority that licenses Ontario's funeral homes, cemeteries and crematoriums under provincial law. Families can check that a provider is licensed, read plain language guides on funeral costs and their rights, and file a complaint if something goes wrong (toll free 1-844-493-6356).

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 647-483-2645 (toll free 1-844-493-6356) or use the public register and complaint forms at thebao.ca.

ServiceOntario, the Ontario government's service counter, is the only official source for Ontario death certificates, which families need to cancel a health card, claim insurance and settle the estate. Order online for $15, by mail or in person; regular online orders arrive in about 15 business days.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Order online at services.ontario.ca, by mail, or in person at the Toronto and Ottawa centres; call 1-800-267-8097 with questions.

A registered national charity that helps families put end-of-life wishes in writing and understand their legal options. It offers free downloadable Advance Care Planning kits for every province, a support team that answers questions about end-of-life rights and medical assistance in dying, and trained volunteers who serve as the independent witness the law requires on a MAID request, including by video call. This is a charity, not a government agency and not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call the Support Team at 1-844-395-3640 or email support@dyingwithdignity.ca for end-of-life questions; request an independent witness through the online form, and download free province-specific Advance Care Planning kits from the website.

A Veterans Affairs Canada program, delivered by the nonprofit Last Post Fund, that helps pay funeral, burial and grave marker costs so eligible veterans receive a dignified funeral. Families apply through the Last Post Fund within one year of the veteran's death.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call the Last Post Fund at 1-800-465-7113 to apply; applications must be submitted within one year of the veteran's death.

A registered charity running 10 hearing clinics across Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, and Newmarket in York Region, offering hearing tests, hearing aid consultations, and fittings with a 90 day trial. This is a non-profit community service, not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-866-518-0000, email audiology@chs.ca, or book online (Ontario residents only) for a hearing test or hearing aid consultation. No referral is needed.

An Ontario government program that helps pay for hearing aids and equipment for low vision. It covers 75 percent of the cost of hearing aids up to $500 per ear, and also funds approved visual aids and communication devices.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. For hearing aids, get assessed by an ADP-registered audiologist or hearing instrument specialist and apply before you buy; the vendor submits the application.

Free routine dental care for lower income seniors 65 and older, run by the Ontario government through public health units and partner clinics. It covers checkups, cleanings, fillings, x-rays, extractions and gum care, and pays part of the cost of dentures.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply online at seniors.accerta.ca, by mail, or with help from your local public health unit; coverage runs to July 31 each year and must be renewed.

A Government of Canada benefit, administered by Sun Life, that pays much of the cost of dental care for people without private dental insurance, including cleanings, fillings, x-rays and dentures. Seniors of any age qualify if the household income is under $90,000, last year's taxes are filed, and they live in Canada. Applications for the 2026-2027 benefit year are open.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply online through My Service Canada Account or Canada.ca, or call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY 1-833-677-6262); a trusted helper can apply with the senior on the line to give consent.

A registered charity that helps Canadians who are blind or partially sighted use accessible technology, through free group and one-to-one training, smartphone apps, and devices like a free smartphone for registered clients. This is a national charity program, not a privately vetted company.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call the national line or fill out the online contact form at cnib.ca to reach a CNIB program coordinator, who can register you and connect you to programs like Tech and Peer Support, or point you to a referral for vision loss rehabilitation training.

A free, confidential helpline open 24 hours a day for older adults who are being abused, mistreated or feel unsafe, run by Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario with Ontario government support. Counsellors offer emotional support, safety planning and referrals to local services in over 200 languages (TTY 1-866-299-0008).

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call any time, day or night; a trained counsellor answers and no referral is needed.

The Government of Canada's central fraud reporting service, jointly managed by the RCMP, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau. Seniors and families can call to report a scam, check whether a call or offer is genuine, and learn what to do after money or personal information has been taken.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-888-495-8501, Monday to Friday 10 am to 4:45 pm Eastern time, or report a scam online any time through the reporting system at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.

An Ontario government program that pays 75 percent of the approved price of mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, power scooters and wheeled walkers. People receiving Ontario Works or ODSP support pay nothing.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Get assessed by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist registered with ADP before buying; they help complete the application and the vendor submits it.

A free information line from Osteoporosis Canada, a registered charity. Trained volunteer counsellors answer questions about bone health, osteoporosis and preventing broken bones, send helpful information and point callers to resources near them. A good call after a fracture or a fall risk warning.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call the toll-free information line at 1-800-463-6842 (in Canada only) and leave a message if no one picks up; a trained volunteer counsellor will help.

The Ontario government drug plan that starts automatically the month after you turn 65. Once you have paid the first $100 of prescription costs in a program year, you pay no more than $6.11 for each covered prescription.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Enrollment is automatic at 65; the province mails a letter about 3 months before your 65th birthday. Call with questions or to check a drug is covered.

An Ontario government top-up to the Ontario Drug Benefit for lower income seniors. It removes the $100 yearly deductible and drops the charge to no more than $2 per prescription.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply online at ontariodrugbenefit.ca or call to request a paper form; you can apply up to 3 months before turning 65 and renew each program year.

An Ontario government program for households that spend about 4 percent or more of their after-tax income on prescription drugs. After a deductible based on household income, you pay up to $2 per prescription, which helps spouses and family members who are under 65.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Apply online at forms.ontariodrugbenefit.ca or call for a paper form; enrollment renews automatically each year if you file your taxes on time.

An Ontario government service that puts you on the list for a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care team accepting new patients in your community. Register online or by phone and you are matched as spots open near you.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Register online through the Health Care Connect portal or call 811 (TTY: 711), available 24 hours a day; have your Ontario health card ready.

A free Ontario government line you can call day or night to talk to a registered nurse, get health advice and find services near you. Help is available in English, French and more than 300 other languages, by phone or online chat, and you can also ask to speak with a registered dietitian.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 811 (TTY: 711) any time, or chat online at health811.ontario.ca.

A free phone and email information service from Arthritis Society Canada, a registered charity. Trained volunteers answer questions about arthritis, treatment options and coping day to day, and can connect callers with a Peer Listener for one-on-one emotional support.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call 1-800-321-1433 and press 2 for the Arthritis Line, Monday to Friday in English or French; you can leave a message any time and they aim to reply within 24 hours.

A free helpline from the Canadian Cancer Society, a registered charity. Trained information specialists answer questions about cancer, treatments and side effects, and help find support services and community resources near you, Monday to Friday, with an interpreter service for other languages.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call 1-888-939-3333, Monday to Friday, or use live chat or the online form at cancer.ca; interpreters are available for languages other than English and French.

A free, confidential helpline from Diabetes Canada, a registered charity. Staff answer questions about living with diabetes and managing it day to day, share trusted resources and point callers to programs in their province. They do not give medical advice or make appointments.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464), Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, or email info@diabetes.ca; conversations are confidential.

A free, confidential information and referral line from Parkinson Canada, a registered charity. Staff give one-on-one help with questions about symptoms, medications and treatment options, and connect people with Parkinson's, their families and care partners to support groups and services in their community.

Verified by us 2026-08-07. Call 1-800-565-3000 or email info@parkinson.ca, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern; the contact page also lists 1-888-664-1974 and support@parkinson.ca for Parkinson's information.

Part of Ontario's public health system. Hospice palliative care nurse practitioners provide direct clinical care, pain and symptom management, and support in the home for people with a life-limiting illness, plus referrals to respite care, visiting volunteers, hospice day programs, hospice residences, and bereavement support.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-833-515-1234, available 7 days a week 365 days a year, and the call is automatically routed to the nearest local office; anyone, including the person themselves, a family member, or a doctor, can start a referral.

Ontario Health atHome is the Ontario government agency every family goes through to apply for a long-term care home. A care coordinator assesses eligibility, helps you compare and choose homes anywhere in Ontario, and manages the application and wait list.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-833-515-1234 or start with the online request form; a care coordinator guides the rest of the process.

The Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care's line for concerns and complaints about long-term care homes. Call if a resident is being harmed or a problem is not being fixed; the ministry can send an inspector, and urgent complaints can get same-day action.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Call 1-866-434-0144, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week; complaints can also be mailed or emailed to the ministry.

The regulator that licenses retirement homes across Ontario under the province's Retirement Homes Act. Before choosing a home, families can search its free public database for licence status and inspection history, and anyone can call to complain or report harm to a resident.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. Search the database online or call 1-855-ASK-RHRA (1-855-275-7472); reports of harm can be made by anyone, not just residents.

A Government of Canada program that helps pay nursing home costs for veterans who need 24-hour personal and nursing care. The veteran pays a capped monthly amount toward room and meals, currently $1,236.90, and Veterans Affairs Canada helps with eligible care costs beyond that.

Verified by us 2026-08-05. The veteran must first be admitted to a long-term care home, then the family applies through My VAC Account online or mails application package VAC1503APe; call 1-866-522-2122 for help.