How to Plan Your Senior Care in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide for Solo Seniors and Couples
A calm, step-by-step guide for older adults who want to think ahead about their care, whether you live alone, with a partner, or without family nearby.
Published by Livia Care | Toronto, Ontario | August 2026
How to Use This Guide You do not need to read this guide all at once. Think of it as a reference you can return to at your own pace. If you want to know when to start, begin with Section 1. For where to start today, go to Section 2. For care types and costs, see Sections 3 and 4. For people and services that can help you, go to Section 5. The Resource Directory and Personal Planning Checklist at the end are designed to be printed and kept somewhere accessible. |
Planning your own care is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for yourself. It means that if your needs change in the future, you will already have a plan in place, and the people around you will know what you want.
This guide is written for Ontarians aged 60 and older who are thinking ahead about their care. It is especially relevant if you live alone, if you and your partner are planning together without adult children nearby, or if you simply prefer to handle your own affairs independently.
You will find plain, practical information here, not complicated legal language, and not anything designed to worry you. The goal is to help you feel confident, informed, and well prepared.
Section 1: When Is the Right Time to Start?
The short answer is: any time is a good time. But earlier tends to be easier.
When you plan while you are healthy and well, you have the most options available to you. You can take your time, think things through, ask questions, and make decisions without pressure. That is a very different experience from planning during or after a health event, when decisions may need to be made quickly.
If You Are in Your 60s
Your 60s are an excellent time to begin. You are likely still active and healthy, which makes conversations with lawyers, financial planners, and doctors straightforward. At this stage, you can review your finances, put legal documents in place, and start thinking about what you would want if your circumstances changed. You are not planning for anything imminent – you are simply making sure the foundations are solid.
If You Are in Your 70s
The 70s are a common time for people to think more concretely about their future care. If you have not yet put a Power of Attorney in place, this is the time to do it. It is also a good time to review your living situation and think about whether it would still suit you well if your health changed. Many people in their 70s also begin exploring what care options are available in their area, so that they would know where to turn if they needed more support.
If You Are in Your 80s or Beyond
It is not too late. Even if some planning has not yet happened, there are still meaningful steps you can take today. A conversation with a lawyer, your doctor, or a care coordinator can open doors and help clarify your options. The most important thing is to start, wherever you are.
A Note Planning for your care does not mean you expect to need it soon. It is simply a way of staying in control of your own life. Most people who plan ahead say that doing so gave them peace of mind, not anxiety. |
Section 2: Where to Start
Care planning can feel like a large topic. Breaking it into a few clear starting points makes it much more manageable. Here are the four most useful things to do first.
Step 1: Put Your Legal Documents in Order The two most important documents for any Ontario senior are a Power of Attorney for Personal Care and a Continuing Power of Attorney for Property. A Power of Attorney for Personal Care names someone you trust to make health and personal care decisions on your behalf, if you are ever unable to make them yourself. A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property gives that person, or another person you choose, the authority to manage your finances. If you do not have a family member to name, you can name a trusted friend, a professional (such as a lawyer or accountant), or ask the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) to step in as a last resort. The OPGT is an Ontario government office that can act as a decision-maker for people who have no one else. You can reach them at 1-800-891-0504. These documents must be prepared and signed while you have legal capacity to do so. A lawyer can help you with both, and many offer straightforward estate planning packages at reasonable fees. |
Step 2: Write Down Your Care Preferences Think about what matters most to you as you age. Do you want to stay in your own home for as long as possible? Are you open to moving to a retirement community? What are your preferences about medical treatment if you become seriously ill? What cultural, religious, or personal values would you want any future care provider to know about? Writing these preferences down, even informally, is enormously helpful. It can guide the people who make decisions on your behalf, and it helps any care team understand what kind of support you would find meaningful. In Ontario, you can also complete an Advance Care Plan, which is a written record of your wishes, values, and the name of your substitute decision-maker. Your family doctor can help you with this. |
Step 3: Understand Your Financial Picture You do not need to have everything perfectly sorted, but it helps to have a clear sense of your monthly income (pension, CPP, OAS, investments, rental income) and your approximate assets (savings, property, RRIF). This gives you a realistic picture of what care options may be within your reach. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you model what your finances would look like if you needed paid care for a period of time. You can find a certified planner through FP Canada at fpcanada.ca. |
Step 4: Build Your Support Network This is especially important for people who live alone. Think about who in your life knows you well, and who you could call in an urgent situation. This does not need to be a family member – it could be a long-time friend, a neighbour, a member of your faith community, or a trusted professional. If you feel that your social network is smaller than you would like, Section 5 of this guide includes programs specifically designed to help seniors build community connections. |
For Senior Couples: Planning Together If you are planning as a couple, it is worth thinking through two scenarios: what would your care look like if both of you were well, and what would it look like if one of you needed more support? Many couples find that discussing this together, calmly and in advance, is a relief rather than a difficult conversation. It removes uncertainty and strengthens your shared plan. It is also important that both partners have their own legal documents in place. A Power of Attorney held by one partner does not automatically apply to the other. |
Section 3: Your Care Options in Ontario
Ontario offers a range of care options for older adults, from light support at home to full-time care in a licenced facility. The right option for you will depend on your health, your preferences, and your financial situation, and it may change over time. Here is a plain-language overview of each.
1. Staying at Home with Support
Many Ontarians choose to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, with varying levels of support. This can work very well, even with significant health needs, depending on what supports are in place.
Publicly funded home care is available through Ontario Health atHome at no cost to you. After a care assessment, you may receive regular visits from a personal support worker (PSW), a nurse, a physiotherapist, or an occupational therapist. The number of hours available varies by individual assessed need and region. To request an assessment, call 310-2222 (no area code needed). You can refer yourself. You do not need a doctor's referral.
Private home care gives you more choice over who visits you, how often, and what support they provide. You pay for this yourself (or through insurance), but it can be combined with publicly funded care to create a fuller picture of support.
Typical private home care costs in Ontario (2026):
Type of Visit | Typical Cost Range |
Companion visit (conversation, errands, outings) | $24 to $42 per hour |
Personal support worker (PSW): bathing, dressing, meals | $28 to $55 per hour |
Part-time support (8 to 12 hours per week) | Approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per month |
Live-in care (full-time support at home) | Approximately $6,000 to $10,000 per month |
A Note on Home Modifications Staying safely at home often involves some modifications: grab bars in the bathroom, better lighting, a walk-in shower, or a ramp at the entrance. Ontario's Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP) offers financial assistance for eligible seniors and people with disabilities. Ask your occupational therapist or call 211 to learn more about local supports. |
2. Retirement Homes
Retirement homes are residential communities that offer meals, housekeeping, social activities, and varying levels of personal support, all in one setting. They are privately operated and regulated by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) at rhra.ca. You can check any retirement home's inspection history there before making a decision.
Retirement homes suit people who want a supportive community environment, regular meals, and the security of having staff available, while still being able to live relatively independently.
Typical retirement home costs in Ontario (2026):
Level of Support | Ontario-wide (per month) | Toronto Area (per month) |
Independent / light support | $2,800 to $4,500 | $4,500 to $6,000 |
Moderate assisted living | $4,000 to $6,000 | $5,500 to $7,500 |
Higher-level assisted living | $5,000 to $6,500+ | $6,500 to $8,000+ |
Memory care (dementia) | $5,500 to $7,500+ | $6,500 to $8,500+ |
These figures are general planning ranges. Retirement home costs vary significantly depending on the home, the room size, the location, and exactly which services are included in the monthly fee. Always ask what is included, and what is not, before signing anything.
What to Ask When Visiting a Retirement Home Visit at least two or three homes before deciding. During your visit, pay attention to whether residents seem engaged and content, how staff speak with residents, what meals look like, and what activities are on offer. Ask specifically which services are included in the monthly rate and which cost extra. You are allowed to bring someone with you to help ask questions. |
3. Long-Term Care Homes
Long-term care (LTC) homes provide 24-hour nursing and personal care for people whose needs are more complex. In Ontario, the cost of nursing and clinical care is funded by the provincial government. Residents pay a co-payment for their accommodation and meals, which is set by the province and is the same across all LTC homes.
Unlike retirement homes, you cannot simply choose to move into a long-term care home. You must first be assessed by Ontario Health atHome to confirm you qualify for this level of care, and wait times for a bed can be long, sometimes a year or more, depending on the home and your location.
LTC accommodation co-payments effective July 1, 2026:
Room Type | Daily Rate | Monthly Equivalent |
Basic (shared room) | $70.00 | $2,129 per month |
Semi-private | $84.40 | $2,567 per month |
Private room | $100.01 | $3,042 per month |
If the basic rate is more than you can afford, you can apply for the LTC Rate Reduction Program, which adjusts your co-payment based on your income. Importantly, your assets (including your home) are not assessed, only your income. A comfort allowance of $149 per month is always protected regardless of your rate. For more information, visit ontario.ca/page/paying-long-term-care or call 1-866-434-0144.
Applying for LTC is done through Ontario Health atHome (310-2222). You can apply to up to five homes at the same time. Being on a waitlist does not mean you must accept a placement when offered. You can decline and remain on the list.
Applying Early Is Worth Considering You can apply for the LTC waitlist before you actually need a placement. Being on a waitlist does not commit you to moving. You can always decline an offer if the timing is not right. But having your application in place means you have options available if your circumstances change. It is worth discussing with your doctor or care coordinator whether applying now makes sense for you. |
4. Supportive and Subsidised Housing
There is a range of housing options between fully independent living and a retirement or long-term care home. These include seniors' apartment buildings with on-site support services, co-operative housing, and non-profit supportive housing programs. Costs and availability vary by community.
To find options in your area, call 2-1-1 (Ontario's free social services helpline) or visit 211ontario.ca. You can search by postal code to find housing programs, meal programs, transportation, and other supports available near you.
Section 4: Thinking Through Your Budget
You do not need to have an exact figure in mind. The goal of financial planning for care is to have a realistic sense of what you can afford, and to understand what support is available to help cover the costs.
Start with Your Monthly Income
Add up your regular monthly income from all sources: Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) if you receive it, any workplace pension, RRIF withdrawals, rental income, or other sources. This is the amount you have to work with each month.
Model a Care Scenario
Ask yourself: if I needed 10 hours of home care support per week, could I afford it from my regular income? What about a retirement home? A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you work through these numbers in a structured way. Many planners offer a single planning session at a fixed fee, which can be a very practical starting point.
Government Programs That Can Help with Costs Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit: A refundable tax credit for Ontarians aged 70 and over. You can receive up to 25% of eligible home care expenses back, up to a maximum of $1,500 per year. You receive this credit even if you owe no income tax. It is claimed on your annual tax return using Form ON479. Medical Expense Tax Credit (federal): Many care expenses, including PSW services, nursing care, and medical devices, may qualify as medical expenses on your federal income tax return, reducing the amount of tax you owe. Home Accessibility Tax Credit (federal): If you make modifications to your home for safety or accessibility (grab bars, ramps, wider doorways), you may be able to claim up to $20,000 in expenses, with a 15% credit. That is up to $3,000 back. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): If your annual income is below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for the federal GIS on top of your OAS. It is not automatically calculated. You need to apply. Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914. Ontario GAINS (Guaranteed Annual Income System): A provincial supplement for low-income Ontario seniors, on top of the federal GIS. It is income-tested and non-taxable. Ask your financial planner or accountant whether you may qualify. |
A Note on Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is a private insurance product that pays a benefit if you need significant care in future. The availability of these products in Canada has reduced in recent years, and premiums rise significantly after age 65. If you are in your early 60s and in good health, it may be worth asking an insurance broker whether this product makes sense for your situation. If you are already in your 70s or have existing health conditions, your options may be more limited.
Section 5: People Who Can Help You
You do not have to figure all of this out on your own. There are many people and organisations specifically there to help.
For Legal Planning
An Estate Planning Lawyer or Elder Law Lawyer A lawyer specialising in wills and estates can prepare both of your Powers of Attorney and your will, often in a single appointment. Fees for straightforward documents are generally reasonable. The Law Society of Ontario's referral service (at lso.ca) can connect you with a qualified lawyer in your area. Many community legal clinics also offer free or low-cost services for older adults with lower incomes. |
Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) If you have no one in your life to name as your Power of Attorney, Ontario has a government office that can step in as a last resort to manage your finances or make personal care decisions on your behalf if you ever lose capacity. The OPGT does not take over anyone's life. It only becomes involved in specific circumstances, and only if no other option is available. Phone: 1-800-891-0504. It is always better to have a named person if at all possible, but knowing the OPGT exists is reassuring for people who feel they have no one to ask. |
For Financial Planning
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) A CFP can help you understand your income, model care costs, structure your RRIF withdrawals, and identify tax credits you may be missing. Look for a planner who charges a fee for their advice (rather than earning commissions on products) and who has experience working with retirees. FP Canada (fpcanada.ca) maintains a directory of certified planners across Canada. |
For Care Coordination
Ontario Health atHome Ontario Health atHome coordinates publicly funded home care across the province. Their care coordinators can assess your needs, arrange publicly funded services, and help you understand your options, including whether applying for long-term care might make sense for your situation. You do not need a doctor's referral. Call 310-2222 (no area code needed) or visit ontariohealthathome.ca. |
Your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner Your doctor is a central figure in care planning. They can assess your current health, discuss your future care preferences, refer you to appropriate services, and help you complete an Advance Care Plan. If you do not currently have a family doctor, visit ontario.ca/page/find-family-doctor-or-nurse-practitioner to find one accepting patients in your area. |
Geriatric Care Managers A geriatric care manager, sometimes called an aging life care professional, is a private specialist (often a registered nurse or social worker) who can help you navigate the care system, assess your needs, coordinate services on your behalf, and act as an informed advocate. This is a particularly useful resource for people who are managing care planning on their own. Your doctor or Ontario Health atHome can help you find one in your area. |
For Community Connection and Wellbeing
Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs) Ontario funds more than 400 Seniors Active Living Centres across the province. These are community hubs offering fitness classes, social programs, educational workshops, day trips, and more, all designed for older adults. They are an excellent way to stay active, meet people, and build a local support network. To find one near you, visit ontario.ca/page/find-seniors-active-living-centre or call 2-1-1. |
Ontario Caregiver Organization Even if you are planning your own care independently, this organisation offers helpful information, resources, and a support line for anyone navigating aging and care in Ontario. Phone: 1-833-416-2273 or visit ontariocaregiver.ca. Their helpline is available seven days a week. |
Seniors Safety Line A 24-hour, confidential crisis and support line for older adults in Ontario who are experiencing or worried about abuse or neglect, whether from a family member, caregiver, or anyone else. Counsellors also provide safety planning and can point you toward local support. Phone: 1-866-299-1011, or visit seniorssafetyline.ca. Available in over 200 languages. |
211 Ontario Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca to find social services, community programs, transportation, and supports available in your specific community. This is a free, province-wide service, available 24 hours a day. |
Alzheimer Society of Ontario Whether or not you have a dementia diagnosis, the Alzheimer Society offers resources on brain health, memory concerns, and planning for cognitive change as you age. Visit alzheimer.ca/en or contact your local chapter for information, workshops, and support groups. |
Section 6: A Few More Things Worth Knowing
Your Emergency Information Document
One of the most practical things you can do today is prepare a single-page emergency information document and keep it somewhere accessible: on your fridge or in your wallet. Include the following:
· Your full name and date of birth
· Your Ontario Health Card number
· Your current address
· All medications you take and their dosages
· Any allergies or medical conditions
· Your family doctor's name and phone number
· The name and contact number of your Power of Attorney (or your emergency contact)
· Where your important documents are kept (will, Powers of Attorney, insurance policies)
If emergency services are ever called to your home, this document ensures that anyone helping you has the information they need.
Personal Emergency Response Systems
A personal emergency response system (PERS) is a wearable device, usually a button or pendant worn around the wrist or neck, that connects you to a monitoring centre when pressed, and can dispatch help if you fall or feel unwell at home. Several Canadian companies offer monitored PERS devices, often with optional automatic fall detection; it is worth comparing a few before choosing one. Separately, MedicAlert Foundation Canada (medicalert.ca, 1-800-668-1507) offers a well-regarded medical ID service: a bracelet or pendant linked to your health record, so that any first responder who is called to help you can quickly see your conditions, medications, and allergies. The two services are complementary: a PERS calls for help, while a MedicAlert ID informs whoever arrives.
Your Living Situation
It is worth thinking realistically about whether your current home will continue to suit your needs over time. Things to consider include: Are there stairs that might become difficult? Is the bathroom safe and accessible? Is your home well-located for transportation and services? Would modifications make it more practical?
An occupational therapist, available through Ontario Health atHome, can assess your home and recommend modifications that would help you live more safely and independently. This is a free service if arranged through publicly funded care.
Staying Connected
Social connection is one of the strongest predictors of health and wellbeing in older age. If you live alone, it is worth being intentional about staying connected, whether through regular commitments with friends or community groups, involvement in a faith community, participation in a local Seniors Active Living Centre, or scheduled calls with people who matter to you.
Building and maintaining these connections before you need them, rather than after, tends to make a meaningful difference to how well life goes as you age.
Reviewing Your Plan Over Time
Care planning is not a one-time event. Your circumstances, your health, and the options available to you will change over time. Reviewing your plan every one to two years, or after any significant health event or life change, is a reasonable practice. Some people find it helpful to schedule an annual planning check-in with their financial planner, doctor, and lawyer, all in the same season each year.
How Livia Care Can Support You Livia Care is a Toronto-based home care agency built on relationships, not rosters. We are a small, hands-on team, and our founder is personally involved in understanding each client's needs, so you are never just a file number. When you work with us, we take the time to learn your routines, your preferences, and what matters to you, and we match you with a caregiver accordingly, not simply whoever happens to be available that week. Once we find the right fit, we work to keep that same caregiver with you over time, because we believe familiarity and trust are what make care feel like real support rather than a service. We can provide regular companionship visits, help with daily tasks, accompaniment to appointments, support after a health event, and the kind of consistent, caring presence that makes a real difference to daily life. If you are thinking about what support might look like for you, now or in the future, we are happy to have a no-obligation conversation. There is no commitment involved in getting in touch.
Visit liviacare.ca or call 647-693-1504 to learn more.
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Your Personal Care Planning Checklist
Use this checklist as a starting point. You do not need to complete everything at once. Work through it at your own pace.
Legal Documents ☐ Power of Attorney for Personal Care signed and stored safely ☐ Continuing Power of Attorney for Property signed and stored safely ☐ Will prepared and up to date ☐ Someone trustworthy knows where your documents are kept ☐ Your care preferences written down (even informally) |
Financial and Benefits ☐ Monthly income from all sources calculated ☐ GIS and GAINS eligibility reviewed with financial planner or Service Canada ☐ Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit discussed with accountant ☐ Care costs modelled for 3 to 5 years with a Certified Financial Planner ☐ Long-term care insurance explored (if still eligible) |
Care and Health ☐ Family doctor or nurse practitioner identified and up to date with your health ☐ Advance Care Plan discussed with your doctor ☐ Ontario Health atHome assessment requested or considered ☐ LTC application timing discussed with doctor or care coordinator ☐ Home safety reviewed (lighting, bathroom, stairs, fall hazards) ☐ Personal emergency response system (PERS) considered ☐ Emergency information document prepared and accessible |
Community and Support ☐ At least one person outside my household knows my emergency contact details ☐ Local Seniors Active Living Centre located ☐ 211 Ontario saved for finding local services (dial 2-1-1) ☐ Ontario Caregiver Organization helpline saved (1-833-416-2273) ☐ Seniors Safety Line saved (1-866-299-1011) ☐ Regular social commitments in place or planned |
Key Resources at a Glance
Organisation | What They Do | Contact |
Publicly funded home care, care assessments, and LTC applications | 310-2222 (no area code)ontariohealthathome.ca | |
Free directory of social services and community programs near you | Dial 2-1-1211ontario.ca | |
Information, resources, and peer support for those navigating care | ||
24/7 crisis support for seniors experiencing abuse or neglect | ||
Government office that can act as POA or SDM for those with no one to name | 1-800-891-0504 | |
Community programs for active and social living across Ontario | ||
Directory of Certified Financial Planners across Canada | ||
Lawyer referral service for estate planning and elder law | ||
Licences and inspects retirement homes; public registry searchable online | ||
Personal emergency response systems and medical ID | ||
Resources on dementia, brain health, and planning for cognitive change | ||
Co-payment rates, Rate Reduction Program, and LTC application process | ||
Federal pension and income supplement programs for seniors |
This guide is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Costs, rates, and program details are based on publicly available information as of August 2026 and are subject to change. Please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your personal circumstances.
Published by Livia Care | Toronto, Ontario | August 2026 | liviacare.ca
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