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Ontario retirement guide

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Ontario 

As Canada’s most populated province, part of what makes Ontario so great is that it’s filled with cultural diversity, art, wilderness, and iconic landmarks. Many seniors look to Ontario when it comes to retirement as the surrounding cities not only offer them exceptional healthcare and quality of life, but also an endless amount of entertainment and activities. From visiting Niagara Falls to spending the weekend at a lakeside resort, you’ll find yourself immersed in the seasonal activities Ontario has to offer. If you’re thinking about retirement in Ontario, <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> is here to help you find your perfect retirement community in the province. &nbsp;

From senior active living centres to outdoor activities, you’ll find a more diverse set of leisurely activities to do in this large province. Retirees who enjoy being out in nature may find themselves spending the day either fishing or relaxing at one of the many lakeside/cottage resorts in Ontario (such as the Thousand Islands), as seniors 65 and up do not require a fishing licence to do so. For older adults into the cultural arts scene, you’ll find a range of different cultural exhibitions to visit, as the province is filled with some of the best museums in all of Canada. Regardless of how you like to spend your days, you’ll find that the amount of senior active living centres and provincial senior event days (such as the <a href="https://osga55plus.ca/">Ontario senior games</a>) make it easy to connect with and make friends with other older adults living in the surrounding areas. &nbsp;

Ontario’s weather and climate depend on which city you settle down in, as the Northern parts are known to be colder than the Southern parts of the province. You can expect varying climates around Ontario; however, all parts of the province see all four seasons. With Toronto having a continental climate you can expect colder, harsh winters and warmer summers. However, while average temperatures in the region for winter can range anywhere from 4°C to -30°C (39–22°F), summer temperatures are more humid and warmer, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F).&nbsp;

You may find that as you age, your home care and retirement needs will change. From assisted living to adult lifestyle communities, Ontario offers seniors a range of housing options to fit their lifestyle and health needs. Although the location of your retirement community in Ontario will directly affect the cost, you can typically expect the cost of assisted living to start at $2000-$3000 per month.&nbsp;Although a large portion of retirement housing is privately owned and paid for, the government allows you to claim the costs of nursing homes or long-term care facilities through the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). Depending on the type of care you require and the facility you choose to call home, you can choose to claim for the costs which will be determined by your personal income. To learn more about the Medical Expense Tax Credit, visit the <a href="https://www.ggfl.ca/medical-expense-tax-credit-nursing-homes-vs-retirement-homes/">GGFL website</a>.&nbsp;

In terms of retirement budgeting, you’ll find that the cost of retiring in Ontario will vary depending on the city you choose to settle down in. For example, as Toronto is one of the most vibrant and liveable cities in all of Canada, you may find that the cost of living is higher than the national average. However, seniors living on a low to moderately low income wishing to retire in Ontario may be eligible for various income support programs. &nbsp;Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a program that provides eligible seniors with payment from a combination of the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit.&nbsp;Government Funding&nbsp;Seniors residing in Ontario may also access several federally provided financial resources to help them prepare and pay for their retirement. If eligible, you may access funding through federal programs such as the Canadian Pension Plan Retirement Pension (CPP), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Old Age Security Pension (OAS). For more information on Government contributions and your eligibility, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/paying-for-care/paying-for-care-in-canada-%7C-government-contributions">care blog</a>.&nbsp;

For seniors not eligible or looking for government funding, there are several different ways they can look to fund their retirement. &nbsp;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) you may save up for your post-retirement income, which will be dependent on the amount put into these accounts when you first began saving and the interest you received.&nbsp;Investment accounts: Taxable investment accounts, such as stocks and bonds, is a more common form of saving up for a post-retirement income source. &nbsp;Employer-sponsored pension plans: You may be eligible for an employer-sponsored pension plan through your employer. This plan involves your and your employer contributing money towards your retirement over the course of your employment.&nbsp;To learn more about your post-retirement income source options, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/paying-for-care/paying-for-care-in-canada-%7C-stretching-your-dollars">resource centre</a>.&nbsp;

All residents of Ontario must sign up with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to receive free health care and health services. As health care is publicly funded, under OHIP residents are entitled to coverage on health services such as visits to your doctor, hospital stays, medical surgeries, dental surgeries, ambulance services, eligible optometry services, and even travel for health-related services. While these are the standard services covered under OHIP, seniors 65 and up receive extended coverage on optometry services and prescription medication. You can find information on extended prescription medication coverage through the Ontario Drug Benefit program (ODB) on the <a href="https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/opdp_eo/notices/fq_exec_office_20210511.pdf">Ontario Ministry of Health website</a>. &nbsp;

For further information, you can visit and/or contact these sources:&nbsp;<a href="https://files.ontario.ca/seniors-guide-english-web-2.pdf">Ontario Senior Living Guide</a>: A comprehensive guide to all things senior living and program-related in Ontario.&nbsp;Telehealth Ontario: Call 1-866-797-0000 Toll-free to get access to a confidential health information line.&nbsp;

Lifestyle and Activities 

Weather and Climate 

Housing Options in Ontario: Finding the Right Fit for You 

Cost of Retiring in Ontario: Budgeting and Financing 

Post-Retirement Income Sources 

Access to Healthcare 

Additional Resources 

Cared Upon 9

I need support arranging care for myself or a loved one. Where do I start? 

Getting Started with Retirement Care

Arranging care for yourself or a loved one can seem complicated. &nbsp;To get started, there are four steps when arranging senior care services.&nbsp;

Arranging care for yourself or a loved one can seem complicated.To get started, there are four steps when arranging care services.&nbsp;1) Request for an assessment for services from a local home or community care office&nbsp;2) Prepare for your assessment or services&nbsp;3) Develop your unique care plan&nbsp;4) Begin your care services

When you or someone you know needs care, you can contact your local home or community care office to request an assessment for services. If you’re already working with a health care professional, including a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or social worker, they can make a referral for you.

Once your local home and community care office receives a request for assessment, either from yourself or a health care professional, you will be contacted. The health care professional from the local home or community care office will work with you to determine your eligibility for services and/or arrange for an assessment if it is necessary.  
If for any reason you or your loved one is not eligible for home and community care services or you do not require an assessment for services, you will receive a referral to other resources. 


An assessment for services with a health care professional is a meeting to talk about your current living situation and assess your unique health care needs.&nbsp;To prepare for your meeting, you will need to have:&nbsp;• Your health care card• Your family doctor and the best number to reach them at&nbsp;• A close relative or friend that the care services office can contact&nbsp;• Information about any prescription medications you are taking&nbsp;• Your pension cheque stubs&nbsp;• Your income tax return or notice of assessment&nbsp;The health care professional will also work with you to answer the following questions:&nbsp;• Am I eligible for care?&nbsp;• What services are needed to meet my unique health care needs and situation?&nbsp;• How long will I need care services for?&nbsp;• Will the services cost me anything? If so, how much will that be?&nbsp;It is important to remember that you and your loved one have the right to consent to care by your health authority. Make sure your questions are answered and explained so you have an understanding of the next steps ahead.&nbsp;To prepare further for your meeting, Cared Upon recommends you have:&nbsp;• A list of questions you have about home and community care services&nbsp;• Documents or any information that could be helpful to further assess your unique health care needs&nbsp;• A family member, close relative or friend to attend the meeting with you. It can be helpful to have an extra pair of ears to provide support or ask any questions you might miss.

Once it is determined that you are eligible for services, a health care professional will work with you to co-create a care plan that meet your unique health care needs. 
This plan will serve as a guide for everyone on your caregiving team. As your care situation evolves and changes, your care plan will be updated by the health care professional. 


The time it takes to begin your care services will depend on the urgency for the need of the particular care service. This will be determined by the health care professional during your assessment for services meeting. Many health care professionals use an “urgency criteria” to prioritize access to care services. The urgency criteria will vary depending on where you are located and whether you are accessing home or community care.&nbsp;Generally, this is based on:&nbsp;• Is there an urgency to access health care needs right now?&nbsp;• What is the current availability for home and community caregivers and support?&nbsp;• Is there a potential risk from abuse, neglect, or self-neglect that requires assistance in managing your day-to-day needs?

Getting Started

1.  Request an assessment for services from a local home or community care office 

2.  Prepare for your assessment of services 

3.  Develop your unique care plan

4.  Begin your care services

Cared Upon 21

What are the Care Options Available for Me? 

There are a number of care options available for seniors. &nbsp;Read on to learn what they are and find out which one may be right for you

There is a spectrum of care options available depending on your unique health care needs. These include:&nbsp;

Active Adult Living are often gated or planned communities, that are built to provide you with the utmost flexibility. You may choose this living option if you are comfortable with living on your own. These communities allow you to choose to live with people around the same age and those who have the same interests as you. When you choose active adult living, you choose a community with on-site services and amenities such as 24-hour security, golf courses, art classes, recreation centres, gyms and fitness classes, spas, lawn bowling, and tennis courts. When you live in active adult living communities, you also don’t have to worry about maintaining you living space such as mowing your lawn or clearing your driveway.  

Independent Living allows you to live with people around the same age and interests in a care-free and stress-free community. This option is for you if you are comfortable with living on your own, have good physical health, and have good cognitive health, but would like extra assistance with tasks around your living space such as with cooking, laundry and in-home maintenance. Often, independent living communities offer recreational programs similar to active adult living communities as well.  

Home Care allows you to stay in the comfort of your own home and get the day-to-day assistance you may need. This is ideal if you have some physical or cognitive health limitations. The type of assistance will depend on your needs including medication assistance, transportation, and cooking. Other services could include respite care and palliative care. Sometimes, these services are eligible through your home or community care providers. 

Assisted Living homes are sometimes referred to as personal care homes or assisted care communities. This option is ideal if you are still able to live independently but have some physical or cognitive health limitations. In assisted living communities, you have on-site daily support including personal care, mobility and transportation, cooking, and medication assistance. Care in these facilities are tailored to meet your unique needs. Often, assisted living communities will also offer social, cultural, recreational and educational activities. 

Long-Term Care allows you to have all-inclusive 24-hour assistance including personal care, hygiene, mobilit, and transportation, and medication assistance. This is an option if you have physical or cognitive health limitations such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Often, you will be assessed by a social service agency for long-term care services. Depending on where you live, long-term care is usually covered by the Ministry of Health.  

Respite Care offers you short-term care that can range from 24-hours to 90 days, depending on your unique health needs and living situation. These services are offered in-home or at retirement homes. This is for you if you have any physical or cognitive health limitations. The respite care services offered include personal care, hygiene, mobility and transportation, and medication assistance. Often, it is recommended by your home or community care office. 

Convalescent Care allows you to be cared for after surgery such as knee or hip surgery. This is a short-term care service similar to respite care that is offered in retirement homes. Convalescent care offers 24-hour care in cases of emergencies and routine doctor check-ups. Sometimes, retirement homes offering convalescent care have amenities and services to help with your recovery including pools, spas, gyms, and physiotherapy. 

Palliative Care allows you to have the right care if you are experiencing a terminal, serious illness. It is also referred to as comfort care, end-of-life care or hospice care. This can be offered in retirement homes or in-home. If you choose palliative care in retirement homes, there may be other services available such as spas and physiotherapy. 

Care Options

Adult Active Living

Independent Living

Home Care

Assisted Living

Long Term Care

Respite Care

Palliative Care 

SizeCorrected_Blog Cover Visuals (1)

<a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/care-advisor/apply">Click here to match with a Cared Upon Senior Living Advisor today.</a>

Find The Support You Need With a Senior Living Advisor 

You or your loved ones have come to an important conclusion–it’s time to seek additional living support. Independent research is a critical first step in this process, but you’ve realized just how much information is out there. Navigating the digital maze of elder care providers’ websites, blogs, and independent resources can often lead to more questions than answers. Senior Living Advisors are here to help guide you all the way through the process, from initial research to moving day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Living Advisors (SLAs), sometimes referred to as Senior Living Consultants, Senior Living Care Professionals, or Elder Care Advisors, are not affiliated with specific care facilities, working independently to ensure that you find the perfect residence. Each Senior Living Advisor is equipped with a wealth of experience in the senior care industry, and has access to information sometimes unavailable to families. Their goal isn’t to rush you through this already stressful process– they’re here to empower your decision making with the support and resources you need.&nbsp;

You’ve likely already noticed that the existing senior care landscape is not exactly conducive to independent research– care homes’ guides, blogs, and resources sometimes host competing information, or are colored by their intention to attract new residents. Senior Living Advisors have guided families through this process before, allowing them to provide you with specific, relevant information. Since Senior Living Advisors are not affiliated with a particular facility, you can trust them to be honest and objective. Not only will they be able to discuss the levels of available care, vacancies in your area, and how to pay for it, they’ll also have a qualitative sense of each community.

Senior Living Advisors work for you– not for care providers. Before your SLA begins the discussion about available facilities, they spend time getting to know you. All of their recommendations are based on you or your loved one’s personal wants, needs, required care, budget, and personality. Armed with a thorough understanding of your needs, they’re able to advocate on your behalf and deliver a rich, personalized experience. What’s more, your advisor’s job doesn’t stop once you’ve received a handful of recommendations; your Senior Living Advisor stays involved in your provider search until well after you’ve settled in.&nbsp;

Choosing a residence is one of the most important moves of your or loved ones’ life. With so many key factors to consider, this process takes time. Senior Living Advisors are happy to move as quickly or as slowly as you need them to. If you’re looking for a residence right away, their connections with care providers can expedite your move-in day, but if you’re just starting your journey– they’re happy to use those same relationships to book as many tours as you need. Your comfort and confidence is the foundation of a successful placement.

<a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/care-advisor/apply">Click here to match with a Cared Upon Senior Living Advisor today.&nbsp;</a> You'll be expertly matched with an advisor from our team with more than 35 years of senior care placement experience.

Each advisor will take the time to:&nbsp;<ol><li>Generate and understanding of your or your loved one's care needs</li><li>Explore a diverse array of options in your area and budget</li><li>Research and interview facilities nearby facilities on your behalf</li><li>Arrange in-person residence tours to experience their facilities and services</li><li>Work together to determine the perfect fit</li></ol>

Choosing a Retirement Residence with Confidence

Senior Living Advisors Have Been Here Before

Relationships First, Placements Second

No Rush 

Connect with a Senior Care Advisor on CaredUpon.ca

What You Can Expect From Cared Upon's Senior Living Advisors 

Ailsa Craig

Ajax

Akwesasne

Alexandria

Alfred

Alliston

Almonte

Amherstburg

Amherstview

Arnprior

Arthur

Athens

Atikokan

Aurora

Bancroft

Cared Upon Website Blog Photos (2)

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Barrie

Known as the “Gateway to Cottage Country”, Barrie is one of Ontario’s beloved cities as it makes for not only a great Canadian getaway spot but also an attractive retirement destination. In addition to its diverse water bodies and beaches, the city has a historic downtown city centre filled with restaurants and theatres, as well as several festivals, all of which attract tourists year-round. The city is also in close proximity to Toronto, making it ideal for seniors wishing to get away from the busy city but still live near enough to enjoy an occasional visit down. Seniors retiring in Barrie have numerous opportunities to stay active and engaged in the city, whether it be outdoors or indoors. If you are thinking about retiring in Barrie, <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> can assist you in finding the perfect retirement community made for you in the city.&nbsp;

Older adults retiring in Barrie will find that the city has a wide variety of outdoor spaces including parks, lakes, ski resorts, beaches, and trails to explore and enjoy an active lifestyle. The city is also widely known for having one of the largest selections of cottage country areas to choose from, as you can often find yourself spending the weekend on getaway trips on the lakeside. Popular lakes where locals enjoy activities such as swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing include Centennial Pak, Johnson’s Beach, and Minet’s Point. For seniors that enjoy visiting festivals and mingling with other older adults, Barrie is known for its annual festivals such as Kempenfest, the Waterfront Festival, Winterfest, Celebrate Barrie, and much more. The MacLaren Art Centre is also a noteable gallery in the downtown city centre worth visiting, filled with over 27,000 art pieces in its collection.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barrie is known to have long, comfortable summers with freezing, windy, and snowy winters. Partly overcast weather is known to prevail throughout the year. You can expect average temperatures during the winter to range anywhere from -4°C to -2°C (24.8°F-28.4°F).&nbsp; During the summertime, average temperatures can range anywhere from 23-26°C (73.4-78.8°F).&nbsp;&nbsp;

All residents of Ontario must sign up with the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to receive free health care and health services. As health care is publicly funded, under OHIP residents are entitled to coverage on health services such as visits to their doctor, hospital stays, medical surgeries, dental surgeries, ambulance services, eligible optometry services, and even travel for health-related services. While these are the standard services covered under OHIP, seniors 65 and up receive extended coverage on optometry services and prescription medication. You can find information on extended prescription medication coverage through the Ontario Drug Benefit program (ODB) on the <a href="https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/opdp_eo/notices/fq_exec_office_20210511.pdf">Ontario Ministry of Health website</a>. &nbsp;

Lifestyle & Activities 

Housing Options in Barrie: Finding the Right Fit for You

Cost of Retiring in Barrie: Budgeting and Financing

Post-Retirement Income Sources

Access to Healthcare

Additional Resources

Barrie

Barry'S Bay

Beachburg

Beamsville

Beaverton

Beeton

Belle River

Belleville

Blenheim

Blind River

Blondeau

Bloomfield

Bobcaygeon

Bolton

Bourget

Bowmanville

Bracebridge

Bradford

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Brampton

As Canada’s ninth-largest city, Brampton offers seniors a compelling retirement lifestyle as it is a city with quality healthcare and a dynamic, multicultural society. The city is widely known for its diversity when it comes to cuisine, as you can find an endless amount of hidden restaurants to explore the distinct cultural dishes their international chefs have to offer. In addition to this, seniors that retire in Brampton have many opportunities to stay active and engaged in the city, whether it be outdoors or indoors. If you are thinking about retiring in Brampton, <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> can assist you in finding a retirement home in the city.&nbsp;

Seniors retiring in Brampton will find that the city has a wide variety of outdoor spaces including parks, lakes, rivers, cycling paths, and trails to explore and enjoy an active lifestyle. Popular lakes where locals enjoy activities such as swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing include the Heart Lake &amp; Conservation Area and Professor’s Lake. For seniors that enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle, Garden Square in the city makes for a great spot for seniors to unwind and immerse themselves in their community. Local senior recreation centres also provide programs such as yoga, skating, dancing, painting, and a digital senior’s cafe for seniors wishing to stay active and meet other like-minded older adults in the area.&nbsp;

Brampton is known to have a cold and temperate climate, with warm summers and freezing, snowy winters. Partly overcast weather and rainfall are also known to prevail throughout the year. You can expect average temperatures during the winter to range anywhere from 1°C to -4°C (33.8°F-24.8°F). During the summertime, average temperatures range from 22-25°C (71.6-77°F).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Housing Options in Brampton: Finding the Right Fit for You

Cost of Retiring in Brampton: Budgeting and Financing

Brampton

Brantford

Brighton

Brockville

Brooklin

Brunner

Brussels

Cared Upon Website Blog Photos

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Burlington

Burlington is located just off Lake Ontario, an hour from both Toronto and Niagra Falls. The quaint waterfront city offers a high quality of life for its residents, along with a variety of recreational activities, shopping centers, annual festivals, and a growing economy. With more than 580 hectares of parkland surrounding the city, there are tons of opportunities for residents to enjoy the great outdoors. Burlington also holds the 2019 title for “Best Community in Canada” from Maclean’s Magazine. No matter what you have in mind for retirement, let <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> help you find a community in Burlington that suits your unique needs.&nbsp;

If you’re looking for a well-balanced retirement of urban fun and peaceful living, Burlington won’t disappoint. The city boasts a vibrant downtown full of restaurants, bars, and shops, while the serene residential communities are quiet and surrounded by nature. Since this city is located along Lake Ontario’s shore, you’ll get to enjoy swimming, boating, canoeing, surfing, or fishing when the weather allows it. If hiking is more your speed, you’ll have access to the famous Bruce Trail, and two UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserves; the Niagara Escarpment and the Waterfront Trail. Take in even more natural beauty with a trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens to see the world’s largest lilac collection. Each year, you can also look forward to kicking off summer with Burlington’s annual Sound of Music Festival, complete with food trucks, vendors, artists, and local businesses.&nbsp;

The city’s humid, continental climate means that you can expect the weather to be cool, but temperate. The summers are comfortable, and the winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with partial cloud-cover year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -8°C (17.6°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) and is rarely below -17°C (1.4°F) or above 30°C (86°F).&nbsp;

You may find that as you age, your home care and retirement needs will change. From assisted living to adult lifestyle communities, Ontario offers seniors a range of housing options to fit their lifestyle and health needs. Although the location of your retirement community in Ontario will directly affect the cost, you can typically expect the cost of assisted living to start at $2000-$3000 per month.&nbsp;&nbsp;Although a large portion of retirement housing is privately owned and paid for, the government allows you to claim the costs of nursing homes or long-term care facilities through the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). Depending on the type of care you require and the facility you choose to call home, you can choose to claim for the costs which will be determined by your personal income. To learn more about the Medical Expense Tax Credit, visit the <a href="https://www.ggfl.ca/medical-expense-tax-credit-nursing-homes-vs-retirement-homes/">GGFL website</a>.&nbsp;

In terms of retirement budgeting, you’ll find that the cost of retiring in Ontario will vary depending on the city you choose to settle down in. For example, as Toronto is one of the most vibrant and liveable cities in all of Canada, you may find that the cost of living is higher than the national average. However, seniors living on a low to moderately low income wishing to retire in Ontario may be eligible for various income support programs. &nbsp;&nbsp;Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a program that provides eligible seniors with payment from a combination of the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Government Funding&nbsp;&nbsp;Seniors residing in Ontario may also access several federally provided financial resources to help them prepare and pay for their retirement. If eligible, you may access funding through federal programs such as the Canadian Pension Plan Retirement Pension (CPP), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Old Age Security Pension (OAS). For more information on Government contributions and your eligibility, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/paying-for-care/paying-for-care-in-canada-%7C-government-contributions">care blog</a>.&nbsp;

For seniors not eligible or looking for government funding, there are several different ways they can look to fund their retirement. &nbsp;&nbsp;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) you may save up for your post-retirement income, which will be dependent on the amount put into these accounts when you first began saving and the interest you received.&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment accounts: Taxable investment accounts, such as stocks and bonds, is a more common form of saving up for a post-retirement income source. &nbsp;&nbsp;Employer-sponsored pension plans: You may be eligible for an employer-sponsored pension plan through your employer. This plan involves your and your employer contributing money towards your retirement over the course of your employment.&nbsp;&nbsp;To learn more about your post-retirement income source options, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/paying-for-care/paying-for-care-in-canada-%7C-stretching-your-dollars">resource centre</a>.&nbsp;

For further information, you can visit and/or contact these sources:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://files.ontario.ca/seniors-guide-english-web-2.pdf">Ontario Senior Living Guide</a>: A comprehensive guide to all things senior living and program-related in Ontario.&nbsp;&nbsp;Telehealth Ontario: Call 1-866-797-0000 Toll-free to get access to a confidential health information line.&nbsp;

Burlington

Caledon

Caledonia

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic city located at the confluence of the Grand and Speed rivers in Ontario. This unique city is an amalgamation of four smaller towns, Galt, Preston, Hespeler, and Blair. The relics of these early Canadian settlements can still be experienced today in Cambridge. Whether you’re in the market for a quiet place by the river, or a slice of Canadian history, let <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> help you find a community in Cambridge that suits your unique preferences.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This quaint city has more than 20 kilometers of woodland and riverside trails to explore, and opportunities to swim, canoe or icefish depending on the season. Cambridge is a great place for art lovers with three separate galleries: with two contemporary art galleries, Queens Square and Preston, and the Riverside Gallery that focuses on architecture and design. In the summer, residents can look forward to the Mill Race Festival and the Rock the Mill music festivals. Cambridge also hosts the Cambridge Highland Games in Churchill Park every July. The city is also home to the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, an annual dragon boat festival, and the Cambridge Fall Fare which has been held for over 100 years.&nbsp;

Cambridge has a humid continental climate with moderately cold, snowy winters with an occasional freeze. In Cambridge, the summers are warm, and it is partly cloudy year-round. For gardeners, this climate is favorable for growing produce between mid-May and October, with five months free of frost. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -10°C (14°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) and is rarely below -19°C (-2.2°F) or above 31°C (87.8°F).&nbsp;

Cambridge

Campbellford

Cannifton

Cannington

Carleton Place

Carp

Casselman

Catharines

Chapleau

Chatsworth

Chelmsford

Cherry Valley

Chesley

Chesterville

Clarence Creek

Clarence-Rockland

Clinton

Cobden

Cobourg

Cochrane

Codrington

Coldwater

Collingwood

Copper Cliff

Corbeil

Cornwall

Corunna

Courtice

Courtland

Creemore

Crysler

Curran

Deep River

Delaware

Delhi

Deseronto

Dorchester

Dresden

Dryden

Dundas

Dunnville

Durham

Dutton

East Gwillimbury

East York

Eganville

Elgin

Elliot Lake

Elmira

Elmvale

Embrun

Englehart

Erie

Erin

Espanola

Essex

Exeter

Toronto

Toronto [North York]

Toronto [Etobicoke]

Toronto_blog_caredupon

A Guide to Retirement Care and Senior Living in Toronto

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers seniors a compelling retirement with a high-quality of life, quality healthcare, and an entertaining lifestyle. Its top artists, sports teams, parks and lakes, multiculturalism, and arts scene combined with over 8000 restaurants and bars have earned Toronto the title of the world's most liveable city. Many seniors are drawn to Toronto as it offers a unique set of opportunities for staying active and engaged after retirement. Whether you're looking for a retirement community in Toronto’s city centre or one in the suburbs, <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> is here to help you find one that's right for you.&nbsp;

There are a plethora of activities available in Toronto and the surrounding areas which appeal to seniors looking for a diverse retirement lifestyle. Seniors retiring in Toronto will find that the city has a wide variety of outdoor spaces including parks, lakes, rivers, cycling paths, and hiking trails to explore. While walking along Yonge street, which is among the longest streets in the world, you may also find yourself visiting Dundas square and shopping along the various stores to discover. Locals in the city also enjoy the proximity to Niagara falls, as older adults and families often head down for a staycation or a guided tour of the falls.&nbsp;&nbsp;For seniors that enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle, you may find that cafes or markets (such as the St. Lawrence Market) make for an ideal spot to wind down and get minimal walking in. Seniors looking to meet other like-minded older adults in the area can also find local senior recreation centres that offer programs such as yoga, skating, dancing, painting, and ceramic classes.&nbsp;

Toronto has a semi-continental climate with humid summers and harsh winters. The city sees a fair amount of sunshine near spring and summer, with winters that see a fair amount of snow and snowstorms. You can expect average temperatures during the winter to range anywhere from -7°C to 3.2°C (19.4°F-37.8°F), with occasional cold spells that can reach up to -20°C (-4°F). During the summertime, you’ll find smog to be more common, with average temperatures ranging from 17-25°C (62.6-77°F).&nbsp;&nbsp;

In terms of retirement budgeting, you’ll find that the cost of retiring in Ontario will vary depending on the city you choose to settle down in. For example, as Toronto is one of the most vibrant and livable cities in all of Canada, you may find that the cost of living is higher than the national average. However, seniors living on a low to moderately low income wishing to retire in Ontario may be eligible for various income support programs. &nbsp;Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB): The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a program that provides eligible seniors with payment from a combination of the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit.&nbsp;Government Funding&nbsp;Seniors residing in Ontario may also access several federally provided financial resources to help them prepare and pay for their retirement. If eligible, you may access funding through federal programs such as the Canadian Pension Plan Retirement Pension (CPP), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Old Age Security Pension (OAS). For more information on Government contributions and your eligibility, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/paying-for-care/paying-for-care-in-canada-%7C-government-contributions">care blog</a>.&nbsp;

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