A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Newfoundland

With endless mountains and one of the most colourful waterfronts in the world, Newfoundland and Labrador is considered a dreamland for every day outdoors lovers. It often appeals to retirees for its unique culture, laid-back lifestyle, and reputation for having some of the friendliest and most hospitable communities. The province also offers its citizens a comprehensive health care system and affordable housing while still holding the charm of a European village, combining some of the best qualities of a big city within a smaller community. If retirement in Newfoundland and Labrador sounds like the right fit for you, Cared Upon is here to help connect you with the perfect retirement community that fits your care needs. 

Whether you're a hiker, fisher, or golfer, you will find that the province offers older adults a wealth of seasonal activities to indulge in. If you are an active senior who enjoys spending time outdoors, you can find yourself spending your days fishing, hiking, walking a trail, camping, or even on a boat tour whale watching. Newfoundland and Labrador also has a vibrant theatre and festival scene for those looking for a community show, music festival, or even a food festival to check out.  

Newfoundland and Labrador has a maritime climate, meaning that summers are colder and shorter with less extreme temperatures. You can expect the average summer temperature to sit at around 16°C (61°F), while the average winter temperature sits at around 0°C (32°F). 

Seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador can choose from several different senior homes, whether it may be a long-term care home or a personal care home. Retirees are entitled to care and support through either publicly subsidized care or private pay providers. To search for a care service provider in Newfoundland and Labrador, you can visit our search portal on caredupon.ca.  

Older adults that are eligible for publicly subsidized home services can access these services through the Department of Health and Community Service. Subsidies are offered to seniors residing in long-term care facilities, personal care homes, and protective community residences. Eligibility is based on a financial assessment used to decide the amount of subsidy that may be offered to each individual senior. For more information on care home subsidies, visit the Newfoundland and Labrador government website.  

Depending on the care you require and your personal lifestyle, the cost of retiring in Newfoundland and Labrador may vary. However, Newfoundland and Labrador is often noted for having a lower cost of living compared to the national average for Canadian cities - including lower costs for housing.  

 In terms of care homes, the maximum cost of publicly operated long-term care facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador will cost you no more than $2990 per month. However, the price of privately owned care homes will differ depending on the facility you choose. You may also find subsidized options to fit your budget. To find out more about paying for care in Newfoundland, visit the official Newfoundland and Labrador website.  

 For seniors wishing to age in place, the Newfoundland and Labrador government helps with monthly expenses for those needing added help. Through the Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP), seniors living on a low to moderate income are offered financial aid by covering the cost of home renovations that help promote their independence through accessibility changes.  

 Seniors living in the province also have access to the Newfoundland and Labrador seniors’ benefit, which is a program designed to supply a tax-free annual benefit of $1,313. This program is offered to eligible seniors who are aged 65 and single, or to married senior couples making $29,402 or less. For senior families with a joint income between $29,402-$40,663, they are eligible to receive part of this benefit.  

In the case that you do not meet the eligibility criteria for receiving Government funding, you have several options for post-retirement income sources.  

Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs): Using a Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) or a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSAs), your post-retirement income is dependent on the amount you put into these accounts when you first began saving and the interest you received.  

Investment accounts: More commonly, some may look to taxable investment accounts as a post-retirement income source. These can include investments from accounts such as stocks and bonds.  

Employer-sponsored pension plans: Under an employer-sponsored pension plan, you and your employer can contribute money over the course of your employment. When you decide to retire, you can access the income directly saved from the plan. 

To learn more about your options for post-retirement income sources, visit our resource centre. 

Health insurance is covered by The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP) and administered through the Department of Health and Community Services, where residents can receive coverage on all medically necessary services provided by a doctor.  

Newfoundland and Labrador also offer eligible seniors added health coverage on prescription drugs and medical supplies through government-funded healthcare programs: 

The Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP): If you are below a certain income threshold or if you require prescription medication that costs you anywhere from 5-10% of your annual income, you are eligible for the provincial Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP) that helps cover the cost of these drugs.  

The 65 Plus Plan: The 65 Plus Plan supplies prescription drug coverage to seniors aged 65 and up who are receiving the Old Age Security Benefits (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement.  

Adult Dental Program: Through this program, seniors living in the province can receive basic dental services including x-ray services, routine fillings, extractions, as well as denture coverage.  

Medical Care Plan (MCP): You can find a detailed list of physician services covered for residents.  

Non-emergency Health Helpline: Call the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Line for non-emergency-related health inquiries at 811 or 1-888-709-2929 (TTY: 1-888-709-3555).