Seniors: health and well-being
Find advice and referrals. Learn how to get coverage for prescription drugs, assistive devices and more.
Health care options
Call 9-1-1 if people are at risk and immediate action is needed.
Health811
Access health care 24/7 online, phone or chat:
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
Get health services you may need paid for through OHIP.
- Apply for OHIP
- Documents needed to get a health card
- Learn what OHIP covers
- OHIP+
- Renew your health card
- Search for covered prescription drugs
Get temporary health coverage across Canada or outside of Canada.
Public health units
Learn how to get information from professionals on healthy lifestyles, including sexual health, vaccinations, addictions, and healthy growth and development.
Mental health and addiction services
Find free, confidential support for depression, anxiety, addiction, gambling and other problems in your community.
Services for Indigenous people and families
Find healing, health and wellness services. This includes counselling, advocacy, residential and day programs, referrals and translation services.
Aboriginal Health Access Centres
Find a list of centres. These are primary health care facilities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario
Find your local specialized geriatric services provider. These providers offer direct health care, build capacity and advocate for services for older adults.
Rainbow Health Ontario
Find a service provider and information on 2SLGBTQIA+ health and wellness.
211 Ontario
Search for health care options and support programs near you.
Home and community support services
Ontario Health atHome
Find a local Ontario Health atHome provider to assess your needs and deliver in-home and community-based services to support your health and well-being.
Find a health care provider with Health811
Use our search tool to find doctors, nurse practitioners, specialists, or health services for you and your family.
You can also find a doctor, nurse or counsellor with:
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario directory provides information about registered doctors in Ontario.
- Register with Health Care connect and a nurse will search for a doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in your community.
- ConnexOntario provides 24/7 counselling and referrals for mental health, drug and alcohol addiction and problems with gambling.
Coverage
MedsCheck
Set up a free meeting with your pharmacist to make sure you are using your medications in a safe and proper way.
Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program
Get help paying for prescription drugs.
It also helps you pay for some:
- allergy shots and epinephrine injectable products
- products used in monitoring and testing for diabetes
- prescribed over-the-counter drugs
- nutrition products
- drugs used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS
- drugs used in palliative care
- support and treatments to quit smoking
Seniors Co-Payment Program
Learn about this program under the Ontario Drug Benefit program that helps you pay for prescription drugs.
Trillium Drug Program
Get a reduction in what you pay if you have high prescription drug costs compared to your household income.
The Exceptional Access Program
Get access to drugs not funded by the ODB program, or when no listed alternative is available.
Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit
Get coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered by other programs or insurance plans.
Veterans Independence Program
Get tax-free funding for professional health and support services, as well as home and personal care.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Access free, routine dental care if you are a low-income senior 65 years or older.
Assistive Devices Program
Get help paying for equipment and supplies for long-term physical disabilities, like wheelchairs and hearing aids.
Hearing Care Counselling Service
Get help coping with hearing loss if you’re a senior 55 years and over.
Ambulance services
Learn about what OHIP covers if you need an ambulance for a medical emergency, depending on the circumstances.
Northern Health Travel Grant
Apply for financial assistance if you live in Northern Ontario and must travel long distances to access medical specialist services.
Diabetes
Preventing and living with diabetes
Learn about living with diabetes if you have been diagnosed.
National Aboriginal Diabetes Program
Find programs and services that support and prevent diabetes in Indigenous communities.
Medical tests
Colon cancer testing and prevention
Information about colon cancer, including when you should get checked and tips to protect yourself.
Bone mineral density (BMD) test
Learn who should take a BMD test and how it can tell if you have osteoporosis.
Addiction and mental health
Find mental health support
Learn about supports available to you and how to get help when you need it.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Find programs and services for seniors suffering from addiction or mental illness.
ConnexOntario
Access free, 24/7, confidential health services and information if you are experiencing problems with mental health, addictions and gambling.
Substance use treatment centres for First Nations and Inuit
Find Canadian treatment centres available for First Nations and Inuit individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
Support to quit smoking
Find support, treatments and tips to help you stop smoking.
Smokers' Helpline
Find support to quit smoking and vaping online, by phone and in your community.
Sexual health
Sexual Health Ontario
Get information about sexual health, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and/or needle exchange services.
HIV/AIDS
Ontario AIDS Network
Browse through a network of community-based organizations that provide HIV/AIDS education, outreach, prevention and programming.
The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange
Get unbiased 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 and organizations
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network
Learn how this organization works to improve the health and lives of people living with and at risk of HIV.
Meals
Meals on wheels
Delivers nutritious and affordable meals to a variety of groups, including: seniors, and people with physical disabilities and cognitive impairments.
Friendly calls and visits
A Friendly Voice
Is a free, confidential phone line for Ontarians 55+ who just want to chat with a friendly person. Call toll-free
The Friendly Calls Program
Connect with Red Cross volunteers who provide supportive listening, social interaction and emotional support.
Seniors Active Living Centre program
Available across the province, these programs consist of social, cultural, learning and recreational activities that encourage community involvement and help seniors stay active, independent and engaged.
Complaints
Patient Ombudsman
Get help with a complaint involving a health sector organization. The ombudsman will investigate and facilitate a resolution without taking sides and make recommendations to improve future experiences.
Vaccinations
Vaccines and immunization
Learn how and when to get vaccinated, a flu shot or immunized to protect yourself and others against preventable diseases and serious illness.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Safe and Found Program
Protect yourself or a loved one who has Alzheimer’s and other dementias by registering them with this identification program.
Finding Your Way
Learn how to recognize the risk of going missing and how to be prepared for incidents when someone has gone missing.
Prevent falls and injuries
Exercise and falls prevention programs
Join free classes to help maintain balance, strength and prevent falls.
Resources to help reduce your risk:
- Too Fit To Fracture: exercise recommendations
- Preventing slips, trips, and falls in the workplace
- Safe Living Guide — A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors
- You CAN Prevent Falls!
- Steps to Stair Safety at Home
Nutrition
Find a registered dietitian with Health811
Find a registered dietitian who can provide free advice about food and healthy eating.
Canada’s Food Guide: Healthy eating for seniors
Learn why healthy eating is important in staying healthy and strong, so you can maintain your independence and quality of life when you are a senior.
Dietitians of Canada
Find resources and dietitians in your area that can help you make healthier food choices.