Health and well-being
Take care of your health and personal wellness as you age. This chapter provides resources to help you put your health first.
Get medical help
Medical emergency
Call 9-1-1 if you or someone else is in danger and you need help right away.
Get health advice by phone or online
Ontario’s Health811 connects you to a registered nurse for health advice. It’s free and confidential.
Here’s what you should know about the service:
- it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- it’s offered in English and French
- you can access support in other languages
- you will need to describe your symptoms and answer questions
The registered nurse may give you self-care suggestions. They may recommend a visit to a health practitioner or refer you to community resources near you.
Chat online
Find a doctor or health care provider
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Search for a doctor using this free online service.
Health Care Connect
If you don’t have a regular primary health care provider, Health Care Connect is for you. It provides referrals to doctors and nurse practitioners who are accepting new patients in your community.
Register online
ConnexOntario
Get access to services and referrals for mental health, addiction and problem gambling.
Find in-home care and support services
Ontario Health atHome (formerly known as the Home and Community Care Support Services) coordinates in-home and community-based care for thousands of people across Ontario every day.
Go to the “Support services at home and in the community” chapter of this guide for details.
Get help with concerns about health care
The Ontario Patient Ombudsman investigates and helps to resolve complaints from patients and caregivers about health care services. You may submit your concerns about the services you received from:
- public hospitals
- long-term care homes
- home and community care support services
Email: info@patientombudsman.ca
Public health and immunizations
Ontario’s public health units offer many services to support you, including immunizations for illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu.
Get information about healthy living and preventing disease
Public health units offer healthy living programs and information on preventing and managing disease. Programs and services include help with:
- addictions
- healthy growth and development
- sexual health
- vaccinations
Find a public health unit in your community.
Public health units
Stay up to date with your vaccines
Immunizations (vaccines) help save lives and prevent serious illness. Make sure that you are up to date with your vaccines. This helps protect you and your loved ones against certain preventable diseases, including COVID-19.
Ontario offers free vaccines for adults. That includes seniors aged 65 and up. The vaccines include:
- COVID-19
- flu shot (every fall)
- pneumococcal (at age 65)
- shingles (two doses for people between the ages of 65 and 70)
- tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (once in adulthood)
- tetanus and diphtheria (every 10 years)
Older adults over age 65 are at a higher risk for complications from influenza (flu) and pneumonia. It’s important to get:
- a free flu shot every year before the flu season begins (usually early October)
- the pneumonia vaccine only once over age 65 (it can be given at any time of year)
There are other free vaccines that doctors recommend for seniors. Many are for older adults with medical conditions. This includes:
- the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for high risk adults 60 years or older.
Contact your health care provider to make sure your immunizations are up to date.
Learn more about vaccines and Ontario’s publicly funded immunization programs by contacting your primary health care provider or your local public health unit.
Protect yourself against COVID-19
Book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment and get your proof of vaccination
To book a vaccine appointment online or download your vaccine certificate online, you will need:
- your green photo health card with the numbers on the front and back (expired cards will be accepted)
- an email address or a phone number (your own or someone helping you)
- your date of birth
- the postal code that’s linked to your health card
Reach out to the Vaccine Contact Centre if you need:
- help to book an appointment
- help with your proof of vaccination
- information about the vaccines
The centre offers services in over 300 languages. It is open Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern time.
COVID-19 information
Get information on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, how it spreads, public health measures, testing and vaccinations.
Get tested for COVID-19
Treatment for COVID-19
Paxlovid is a medication that helps prevent you from getting very sick from COVID-19. Here’s what you should know:
- it’s for people who are at high risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19
- it stops the virus from spreading inside your body
- it may prevent your symptoms from getting worse
- it may lower the chance that you will need to go to the hospital for COVID-19
- it will not prevent you from getting infected with COVID-19 again
Paxlovid is not a substitute for vaccination. The best defence against serious COVID-19 infection is to stay up to date with vaccinations.
Learn more about Paxlovid and how to get it (PDF).
Screening and testing programs to stay healthy
This section lists programs that test or screen for illnesses like colon cancer, diabetes, bone density and more. It also includes supports for people living with HIV.
Breast cancer testing
Breast cancer can happen at any age. In most cases, it occurs in people over the age of 50.
In Ontario, breast cancer has one of the highest survival rates of all cancer types.
A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast that can find cancers, even when they are too small for you or your doctor to feel or see.
Getting regular mammograms — and proper follow-up testing for abnormal results — are important because they can:
- find cancer early when it may be smaller and easier to treat
- lower the risk of dying from breast cancer
These tips can help reduce your risk:
- maintain a healthy body weight
- stay active
- reduce alcohol intake
- don’t smoke
- discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or nurse practitioner if you are on birth control or hormone replacement therapy
Learn more about breast cancer screening and prevention
Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)
Email: info@cis.cancer.ca
Colon cancer check
This program is designed to increase screening rates and reduce deaths from colon (colorectal) cancer. Colon cancer is highly curable if detected early. Ontario has one of the highest rates of colon cancer in the world. It’s important to know the risk factors.
Review the questions to find out if you’re at risk of colon cancer. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner. They can recommend healthy lifestyle changes and screening methods to catch this disease early.
- Are you between the ages of 50 and 74? Do you eat a healthy diet? Try eating more fiber. Eat less red meat and processed meats.
- Are you a smoker? If you smoke, consider quitting. There is no safe tobacco product and no safe level of smoking.
- Do you consume a lot of alcohol? Avoid drinking alcohol. If you choose to drink, follow the low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines for cancer prevention outlined in Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health.
- Are you physically inactive? Get moving! People who are more active have a lower risk of colon cancer.
- Are you maintaining a healthy body weight? Reach a healthy weight and stay at it. Having more body fat may increase the risk of colon cancer.
- Do you have a family history of colon cancer? This is especially important if it’s your parent, child or sibling.
- Do you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease? If you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, you may be at a higher risk of colon cancer.
Learn more about colon cancer testing and prevention.
Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)
Email: info@cis.cancer.ca
Diabetes testing
Diabetes is a serious disease. If you ignore the symptoms, it can lead to serious, long-term health complications such as heart and kidney disease, stroke, blindness and amputation.
Most people with diabetes can lead healthy lives if they:
- eat a balanced diet
- exercise regularly
- maintain a healthy weight
- manage blood glucose levels, taking insulin when/if needed
Visit a doctor to have your blood glucose (sugar) checked. The early signs of diabetes include:
- blurred vision
- feeling thirstier that usual
- urinating (peeing) a lot
- more and repeating infections
- injuries that are slow to heal (such as a cut or bruise)
- no energy or feeling more tired than usual
- sudden weight change (gain or loss)
- tingling or no feeling in your hands or feet
- trouble getting (or keeping) an erection
Learn more about preventing diabetes and living with it.
Funding to support diabetes testing
The Assistive Devices Program provides funding for devices and supplies for people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who do not have access to other funding sources.
Find a diabetes education program and apply.
The Ontario Monitoring for Health Program provides funding for
- glucose monitors
- the lancets and testing strips used with them
The program is run by the Canadian Diabetes Association on behalf of the Assistive Devices Program,
Ontario Monitoring for Health Program
Email: info@diabetes.ca
Bone mineral density testing
Osteoporosis is a disease that can cause fragile bones and increase your risk of fractures. Bone mineral density testing measures bone loss from osteoporosis. The test can help your doctor determine the:
- risk of future fractures
- need for medical treatment
- success of treatment
OHIP covers annual bone mineral density tests for people at high risk for osteoporosis and fractures. It covers less frequent testing for lower-risk people.
Osteoporosis Society of Canada
HIV and AIDS resources and treatment
Sexual Health Ontario
Sexual Health Ontario has resources and clinics for:
- HIV and AIDS
- hepatitis C
- needle exchange services
- other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Learn about HIV services in Ontario and find a clinic near you.
Sexual Health Ontario
Ontario AIDS Network
Find a local service provider through this network of community-based organizations. They offer services for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS:
- HIV and AIDS education
- outreach
- prevention
- support and care programming
Ontario AIDS Network
Email: info@oan.red
Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange
This is Canada’s source for current, unbiased information about HIV and hepatitis C. The organization provides knowledge, resources and expertise to reduce transmission and improve quality of life for:
- people living with HIV or hepatitis C
- at-risk communities
- health care providers
- community organizations
Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange
Email: info@catie.ca
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network
This non-profit organization funds and conducts HIV research. They offer:
- education
- capacity building
- evaluation services
- data collection
- monitoring for HIV services in Ontario
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
OHIP covers a wide range of health services. You need a valid Ontario health card to show that you have access to health care services covered by OHIP.
Who qualifies for OHIP
You can receive funded health coverage under OHIP if you:
- are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have an OHIP-eligible immigration status (as set out in Regulation 552 under Ontario’s Health Insurance Act)
- are physically present in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month period
- are physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after establishing residency in the province
- live in Ontario as your primary place of residence
How to apply
Apply for OHIP and get a health card.
About your OHIP card
Your health card:
- can be used to access health care services
- is for you only; do not show your card or give your health card number to anyone except a health care provider
Renewing your health card
Your photo health card usually has an expiry date that matches your birthday. You may be able to renew your OHIP card online. In some cases, you may need to renew your card in person and have another photo taken. You can make an appointment online.
Renew your OHIP card in person.
You can sign up for reminders to renew your health card. For people over age 70 and living in a publicly funded long-term care facility, OHIP will send a renewal reminder in the mail about 3 months before the card’s expiry date.
Here’s what you should know about renewing your card:
- digital reminders: sign up for email reminders to renew your OHIP card.
- renew by mail: if you are 80 years or older, you may be able to renew by mail. The renewal reminder will tell you if this option is available and will tell you next steps.
- renew with help: if you are unable to visit a ServiceOntario centre for a medical reason, a doctor or nurse practitioner must fill out a Health Card Medical Exemption Request form. Ask a family member or friend to bring it into a ServiceOntario centre with the requested documents.
Red and white health card
If you still use the Ontario red and white health card, it’s time to switch to the more secure photo health card. It’s free.
Switch to a photo health card.
ServiceOntario
Ontario health card
What OHIP covers
OHIP provides free coverage for:
- medical services: OHIP covers all medical services you need from your doctor. These are called medically necessary services. Services such as sick notes or missed appointments are not covered. If your health card is not valid, OHIP will not pay for your services — your doctor may bill you for these.
- dental services in hospital: OHIP pays for some dental surgery when it’s medically necessary. You must pay the cost of regular dental services in a dentist’s office. Go to the “Dental care” section of this chapter for information.
- eye care: OHIP covers routine eye exams for people aged 19 years or younger and 65 years and up. People aged 20 to 64 with certain conditions may be eligible for insured eye exams by an optometrist or doctor. Ask your optometrist or doctor if you qualify.
- services from other health care providers: You may need to pay the full or partial cost of services for other health care services like podiatrists, chiropractors and physiotherapists. Contact the Ministry of Health if you have questions about your coverage.
Read the full list of services covered by OHIP.
Northern Health Travel Grants
If you live in Northern Ontario and need to travel long distances for specialty medical care, you may be eligible for this grant.
Northern Health Travel Grants
OHIP coverage while travelling outside Ontario or Canada
If you leave Ontario or Canada for a trip, OHIP may cover all or a part of your health care costs.
Travel to the rest of Canada
You can use your OHIP card across Canada. The province or territory you are visiting will usually bill Ontario directly for insured doctor or insured hospital services. They can also choose to bill you directly.
If you have to pay for insured health services you receive in another part of Canada, you can submit an OHIP claim for reimbursement. Here’s what you need to do:
- fill out the out-of-province claim submission form
- provide the treatment statement
- include your proof of payment
- bring or send your claim to the OHIP Claims Office
- submit your claim no later than 12 months after the date you received service or treatment
OHIP will not cover the following items in other provinces and territories:
- prescription drugs from pharmacies
- services such as home care, ambulance and long-term care
Learn about your OHIP coverage across Canada.
International travel
If you travel outside Canada, OHIP will cover some doctor and emergency services at set rates for an acute, unexpected:
- condition
- illness
- disease
- injury
Your problem must need treatment right away to qualify for OHIP coverage.
If your Ontario doctor recommends it, OHIP may cover some medical services in a licensed hospital or facility outside Canada while you are away. You must get written approval from the Ministry of Health before you leave.
Be sure to buy private health insurance if you plan to travel outside Canada. Emergency health services in other countries cost more than OHIP may pay. Without insurance, the costs of a sudden accident or health emergency could be very high.
Learn about your OHIP coverage while outside Canada.
Take your medication safely
The MedsCheck program helps you to take your medication safely.
Here’s what you should know:
- the program is free
- you can schedule a talk with your pharmacist to make sure you’re using all your medications safely and properly
- the program is for any Ontario resident taking 3 or more medications for a chronic illness, living in a licensed long-term care home or living with diabetes
If you can’t get to a pharmacy, you may be eligible for an at-home visit with your pharmacist.
MedsCheck
Ontario Drug Benefit program
If you are aged 65 years and up and you have a valid Ontario health card, you are eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit program.
Here’s what you should know about the program:
- enrolment is automatic, so no application is needed
- you will receive a letter about the program 3 months before you turn 65
- it is for Ontario residents only
- an Ontario doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist must prescribe the drugs
- prescriptions (prescribed by an authorized health care provider) must be filled in an Ontario pharmacy to be covered
- your Ontario health card must be valid (not expired)
- your benefits will begin on the first day of the month after you turn 65 years
How to start using your benefits
Once you turn 65 and your benefits start:
- take your prescription and your health card to the pharmacy
- let the pharmacist know that you are eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit program
- your pharmacist will check your eligibility on the government’s Health Network System
If you move, tell the Ministry of Health. You can either:
- update your address online
- visit a ServiceOntario centre to update your address in person
Co-payments and deductibles
The Ontario Drug Benefit year starts on August 1.
- Seniors are required to pay an annual deductible of $100 to have a prescription filled. You pay the deductible by paying the first $100 of eligible prescription drug costs to the pharmacy.
- Once you have paid the $100 deductible at the beginning of a benefit year, you will pay up to $6.11 for each prescription filled. This is called a co-payment.
Seniors Co-Payment Program
If you are a low-income senior, you can apply for support. If you qualify, you:
- will not have to pay a deductible
- can reduce your co-payment on each prescription to $2
To qualify, you must be either:
- a single senior with an annual income of $25,000 or less
- a senior couple with an annual combined income of $41,500 or less
You need to apply for this program:
- ask your local pharmacy
- download an application
- call the toll-free number below and ask for one to be mailed to you
Trillium Drug Program
If your prescription drug costs are high, you can apply to the Trillium Drug Program if you:
- live in Ontario and are under 65 years
- have a valid Ontario health card number
- do not qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit program (for example, you are not enrolled in a program such as Ontario Works)
- have not already received 100% of the cost of your drugs from an insurance plan
- spend about 4% or more of your after-tax household income on prescription drug costs
Exceptional Access Program
If you need drugs that are not covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit program, you may be eligible for the Exceptional Access Program. It covers costs for:
- prescription drugs that you buy outside Ontario
- prescription drugs that you buy at your doctor’s office
A doctor has to apply for you.
What’s covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit program
The program covers most of the cost of about 5,000 drug products and therapeutic substances. It may not include every drug that may be prescribed for you.
Use this search tool to check if a drug is covered.
The program covers the same drugs regardless of whether you are a senior or enrolled in the Trillium Drug Program.
Diabetic testing agents
If you use diabetic testing agents to test your blood sugar and ketone levels in your urine, the Ontario Drug Benefit program will cover the costs of approved products.
You must:
- be eligible for coverage through the program
- have diabetes
- have a prescription for the approved diabetic testing agent from an Ontario doctor
Here’s what you should know:
- the program covers the cost for a maximum number of diabetic testing strips
- the number of strips covered is based on your treatment and clinical guidelines set by the Canadian Diabetes Association
- if you want more than the maximum quantity, you must pay for extra strips
There may be situations where you need more tests. If so:
- your doctor may prescribe an extra 100 test strips at a time
- you can ask your doctor for extra testing strips
Get support for diabetes equipment and supplies
Medication while you travel and at home
Get enough medication for your travels
You may be able to get a larger supply of prescription drugs for your trip if you are enrolled in the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program.
What you need to know:
- you must be planning to travel outside Ontario
- only one vacation supply to a maximum of 200 days is allowed every 365 days
- prescriptions filled outside Ontario are not covered by the ODB program
Here’s how the program works. If your supply is:
- less than 30 days, you can get a travel supply of up to 200 days
- 30 days or more, you can get a travel supply of up to 100 days
To get your travel supply, give your pharmacist either a:
- letter confirming you’re leaving the province for more than 100 days (you can write this yourself)
- copy of your travel insurance policy showing you’re leaving the province for between 100 to 200 days
You must pay the deductible or co-payment amount for the extra supply.
ServiceOntario
Dental care
You must pay for the cost of regular dental services in a dentist’s office. OHIP will cover some dental surgeries that need to be done in a hospital (by medical necessity).
Residents of a long-term care home
If you are a resident of a long-term care home, you will:
- get a dental assessment when you are admitted
- receive ongoing oral (mouth) care by qualified dental professionals for a fee
- be referred to a dentist (or other professional) If you need treatment or services not provided by your facility
- need to authorize and pay for these extra services (your representative, such as a family member, can do so for you)
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides free, routine dental services for eligible low-income seniors in Ontario. You must:
- be 65 years or older
- have no other dental benefits apart from the Canadian Dental Care Plan
- have an annual net income of $25,000 or less for a single senior
- have a combined annual net income of $41,500 or less for a couple
Coverage includes:
- check-ups (scaling, fluoride and polishing)
- repairing broken teeth and cavities
- x-rays
- removing teeth or abnormal tissue (oral surgery)
- anesthesia
- treating infection and pain (endodontic services)
- treating gum conditions and diseases (periodontal services)
You may get partial coverage for dental prosthetics (prosthodontic services), including dentures. Talk to your public health unit for more information.
Canadian Dental Care Plan
The Canadian Dental Care Plan will help ease financial barriers to dental care for eligible Canadians. Applications will open in phases. You must:
- not have access to dental insurance
- be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- have an adjusted family net income of $90,00 or less
- have filed your tax return in the previous tax year
You will need to meet all the eligibility criteria to qualify for the program.
Seniors 65 years or older can apply online.
If you require help with your application, you can call
For general questions, you can call:
Assistive Devices Program
If you are an Ontario resident with a long-term physical disability, you may be eligible to receive funding. The funds can be used for personalized assistive devices to help you live more independently.
Who can apply
You must be an Ontario resident to apply. You must also:
- have a valid OHIP card
- have a long-term physical disability
- need a device for 6 months
- meet the requirements of the device category
What does it cover
The Assistive Devices Program pays:
- up to 75% of the cost of equipment such as wheelchairs, respiratory devices, visual aids and custom-made orthotic devices
- up to 75% of the cost of equipment and related services for home oxygen therapy
- a fixed amount for other equipment, such as hearing aids
- a grant directly to you for items such as ostomy supplies, breast prostheses, needles and syringes
Email: adp@ontario.ca
Ambulance services
Using an ambulance when it’s medically needed
If you need an ambulance for a medically essential need (determined by the attending doctor) and you have a valid health card, you:
- won’t be billed for your ambulance trip between Ontario medical facilities (for example, between 2 hospitals)
- will be billed a co-payment fee of $45 for an ambulance trip to a hospital from any other location (for example, from your home)
You don’t have to pay the co-payment fee if you:
- receive social assistance
- live in a long-term care facility licensed or approved by the Ministry of Long-Term Care
- receive certain home care services or meet other exemption criteria
Using an ambulance when it’s not medically needed
You will be billed an ambulance service co-payment charge of $240 if:
- your ambulance trip is considered not medically essential by an attending doctor
- you don’t have a valid Ontario health card
Learn more about emergency and ambulance services.
Other transportation options to hospital
An ambulance may not be the right choice for you. If a person is medically stable and needs access to care, long-term care homes and hospitals may arrange for private (for-profit or non-profit) patient transportation services.
These non-ambulance patient transportation services are not:
- regulated by the ministries of Health and Long-Term Care
- covered by OHIP
Programs to help with costs
Usually, you need to cover the costs of your transportation services. The hospital will pay for a transfer to another hospital.
There are two programs to help cover costs for some people:
- dialysis treatments: the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s High Intensity Needs Fund covers costs of travel to and from hospital for dialysis treatments. This funding is for eligible long-term care home residents.
- Northern Health Travel Grant: this travel grant provides funding for eligible people who must travel 100 kilometres or more (200 kilometres or more round-trip). This is to help them access the closest medical specialist or a Ministry of Health-funded facility that is not available in the community.
Mental health and addictions
Almost 30% of Ontarians will experience a mental health or addiction problem at some point in their lives. If you or someone you know needs support, Ontario offers several options. This help is free and confidential.
Find mental health support in Ontario.
Find mental health and addiction services in your community.
Specialized mental health services for seniors
Ontario funds over 500 mental health and addictions services at the community level that serve people of all ages, including seniors. ConnexOntario is a free government service that can help you find these services.
ConnexOntario
Text/SMS: CONNEX to 247247
E-mail or use the ConnexGO app, available on Android (Google Play) or iOS (App Store)
Seniors with serious mental illnesses can also receive geriatric mental health care through specialized outreach programs. These programs offer:
- assessment
- consultation
- treatment
- education
These programs also provide support to families and service providers. Here’s what you should know:
- you can usually access these programs directly
- your doctor can also refer you or a loved one to a program (some are offered through hospitals or other agencies)
Mental health services at hospitals
There are 60 psychiatric facilities in Ontario which admit people involuntarily, and other hospitals that provide voluntary inpatient psychiatric services.
Here are the options, depending on the care you need:
- longer-term hospital needs: many of the province’s specialty psychiatric hospitals have inpatient beds that provide treatment for seniors with serious mental illness who need longer-term hospitalization.
- outpatient: many of the province’s specialty psychiatric hospitals also have outpatient mental health programs for seniors with mental illnesses, including day treatment programs and outpatient clinics.
- psychiatric emergency: if you or a senior you care for is having a mental health crisis, contact or go to the hospital emergency department nearest you.
- hospital-based psychiatric services: to access these services, contact your family doctor.
- Ontario Health atHome: may offer mental health services for seniors.
Call310-2222 (no area code needed).
Community mental health services and resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
The Canadian Mental Health Association in Ontario is a non-profit, charitable organization that works to improve services and support for people living with mental illness and their families. The association provides community mental health services in branches located across Ontario.
Email: info@cmha.ca
In crisis? If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis or may be at risk of suicide, call or text:
Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline
Kids Help Phone
Support for addiction and mental health
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is one of Canada’s leading addiction and mental health organizations. It provides care for people experiencing addiction or mental illness.
You can access CAMH’s Geriatric Inpatient Services with a referral from your doctor. These services consist of two geriatric admission units open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The units focus on stabilizing symptoms and active treatment for mental health and addictions in older adults.
The service specializes in dementia care and serves people with:
- Alzheimer’s dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- fronto-temporal dementia
- vascular dementia
Here’s what you should know about the service:
- it is for seniors aged 65 years and up
- it is for people who are either newly diagnosed or have a long-standing psychiatric disorders like mood, psychotic, anxiety or concurrent disorders, or psychiatric conditions that may result from a medical condition, substances or medications
- the centre develops a care plan specific to the goals and values of the client and their family
People aged 60 to 64 who suffer from an age-related dementia may also be considered for the program.
Learn about mental health and well-being later in life.
Geriatric Inpatient Services (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Quit smoking
Tobacco products are the number one preventable cause of death and disease. Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke is linked to cancer, respiratory illness and heart disease. These can lead to decreases in your health, mobility and physical well-being.
Support to quit smoking
When you quit smoking, it can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of illness and death. Counselling can greatly increase your chances of quitting.
Find Ontario resources to quit smoking.
Smokers’ Helpline
Smoker’s Helpline is a free, non-judgmental, confidential service run by the Canadian Cancer Society. They offer bilingual support and information about quitting smoking, vaping and tobacco use.
Ontario Drug Benefit program
The Ontario Drug Benefit program can help you quit smoking. It offers:
- up to a year of pharmacist-assisted counselling (talk to your pharmacist or health care provider)
- Champix or Zyban to help you quit smoking if you are aged 18 years and up
Prevent falls
Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors. Here’s what you should know:
- about half of senior falls happen at home
- every year, about one-third of seniors fall
- a fall often means serious consequences for a senior’s health, independence and quality of life
Many falls are preventable. Here are some tips to reduce your risk.
Get active
- adults 65 and up should do at least 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activity per week, in sessions of 10 minutes or more each time
- physical activity can help you improve your balance and prevent falls if you have poor mobility
- proper footwear that includes rubber soles, low heels and laces or Velcro that fasten securely will keep you safe when you exercise
Take a bone density test
- osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones brittle and more likely to break during a fall
- at least 80% of broken bones in older adults are related to osteoporosis and older women are at greatest risk
- ask your doctor for a bone mineral density test to determine your risk
Osteoporosis Canada
Know your medications
- be aware that your chances of falling increase when you are taking several medications
- talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications to learn why you are taking them, what side effects they have (such as drowsiness or dizziness) and if there are alternative options
Reduce home hazards
- look for loose carpets and cords on the floor, items blocking the stairs and poor lighting
- install assistive devices like grab bars or raised toilet seats
Resources to help prevent falls
- The safe living guide: a guide to home safety for seniors
- You can prevent falls!
- Aging and seniors: publications for the general public
Healthy eating and nutrition
Eating well and eating nutritious foods can help older adults stay healthy and energetic.
Find a registered dietitian
Health811
Health811 can connect you to a registered dietitian. Here’s what you should know:
- they provide free advice on food and healthy eating
- the service is confidential and available in English and French
- they offer translation support in other languages
Chat online
Dietitians of Canada
Dietitians of Canada is a great resource if you’re looking to eat and stay healthy or manage a chronic illness:
- find healthy food information and resources
- learn about the importance of nutrition in health
- find a dietitian in your area
Eat well with Canada’s food guide
Canada’s food guide helps Canadians find the right balance of nutrition and activity to stay fit and healthy. You don’t have to give up foods you love for your health, but you do want to aim for variety and moderation. Learn to make good food choices with Canada’s food guide.
Email: nutrition@hc-sc.gc.ca
Hearing care
Hearing Care Counselling Program
This hearing care program is designed to help older adults aged 55 and up stay connected, independent and confident. They provide information on hearing aids and other devices. Counsellors offer:
- home visits
- education
- demonstrations
- recommendations on communication devices
Email: info@chs.ca
Supports for people with dementia
MedicAlert® Safe and Found
A person living with dementia is at risk of becoming lost, even in familiar places. They may have trouble problem-solving, communicating and recognizing their surroundings.
The Safe and Found program offers blue (for dementia) MedicAlert bracelets. Health information is linked to the bracelet and stored securely. MedicAlert® has trained thousands of first responders to understand the special ID and act quickly to reunite people.
Finding Your Way®
This program is designed to keep people with dementia safe if they wander or become lost. It offers support to caregivers and communities.
This Alzheimer Society of Ontario program:
- raises awareness about the risks of wandering and offers advice to caregivers
- offers advice for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers
- provides advice for community members about how to respond if they encounter a missing person with dementia
Health services for Indigenous seniors
There are many programs and resources to support Indigenous seniors living in Ontario.
Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit
This national program provides health benefits to registered First Nations and recognized Inuit for specific, medically needed (necessary) items and services not covered by other plans and programs.
These include:
- dental care
- drugs
- medical supplies and equipment
- medical transportation
- mental health counselling
- short-term crisis intervention
- vision care
Indigenous primary health care organizations
These Indigenous, community-led primary health care centres provide First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities a combination of:
- traditional healing
- primary care
- cultural programs
- health promotion programs
- community development initiatives
- social support services
There are 21 centres in Ontario. They provide services both on- and off- reserve, in urban, rural and northern locations.
Find your closest Indigenous Primary Health Care Council centre.
National Indigenous Diabetes program
This program offers culturally appropriate programs and services for Indigenous people living with diabetes. It also raises awareness about the disease.
Email: coordinator@nada.ca
Substance use treatment centres for First Nations and Inuit
First Nations and Inuit communities with substance use challenges have access to funding from Health Canada to set up and run substance abuse treatment programs.
Search for substance use treatment centres.
National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program
Ontario Region Manager
Ontario Regional Office
Health services for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual+ (2SLGBTQIA+) seniors
Rainbow Health Ontario
Rainbow Health Ontario works to improve the health and well-being of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They do research, training outreach and public policy advocacy. They also build capacity for trans health care across Ontario through clinical and cultural competency training, mentoring and more.
Health services for veterans
Veterans Independence Program
Veterans Affairs Canada offers health benefits to eligible veterans and others, including:
- medical services
- surgical care
- dental care
- prescription drugs
- hearing and vision aids
They also offer the Veterans Independence Program. It helps qualified veterans and others stay healthy and independent in their homes and communities.