Kingston

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A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Kingston

Kingston is located on the east end of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, midway between Toronto and Montreal. Its central location gives residents access to major Canadian cities, as well as the U.S border into New York state, allowing you to experience the best of Canada and the states. This historic city is nicknamed the "Limestone City" for the many heritage buildings constructed using local limestone, is also the hometown of Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. Macdonald, and was Canada’s capital for three short years from 1841-1844. No matter what you hope to explore, let <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> help you find a community in Kingston that suits your retirement needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For seniors looking to keep active, Kingston has many hiking trails to catch a breath of fresh air and get to know the local flora and fauna; Rideau Trail Association, Lemoine Point Conservation Area, and Trailhead of K&amp;P Rail Trail Connector are among the most popular. Cyclists rejoice! Kingston has been voted one of the most bike-friendly cities in Ontario, with sprawling city streets, wide pavements and plenty of bike lanes to make the city a breeze to explore by bike.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aligned with the active nature of the city, Kingston is also a hub for everything sports. The city is famous for many of their teams and players in hockey, rugby, golf, and curling, and have had many locals become Canadian and American football stars or play for internationally renowned soccer teams. With free public sporting events peppered throughout the year, dusting off your team spirit is a great opportunity to make new friends, no matter your age.&nbsp;

Kingston has a moderate humid continental climate, with cooler summers and colder winters than other parts of Southern Ontario. Summers in the city are temperate, and the winters are cold, snowy, and very windy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -11°C (12.2°F) to 25°C (77°F) and is rarely below -22°C (-7.6°F) or above 28°C (82.4°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;

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;&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;

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 

getting-started

Stellarton

Thunder Bay

Trochu

Brooks

Port Moody

Baie du Febvre

Saint-André-D'Argenteuil

New Glasgow

Saint-Charles-Borromee

Bowsman

Oxford

St John

Cloverdale

Thompson

Lac Mégantic

Port Burwell

Coronation

Saint Malo

Hafford

Maryhill

West Vancouver

Ailsa Craig

Clarence Creek

Saint-Nazaire

Athabasca

Bella Coola

St. Walburg

Fruitvale

Cranbrook

Shipton

Grimshaw

Wainwright

High Level

Picture Butte

Kensington

Calgary

Mattawa

Gimli

Cupar

St. John's

Elkhorn

Huberdeau

Nakusp

Moncton

Melville

Ottawa [Greely]

Creek

King City

Prévost

Sainte-H?l?ne-de-Kamouraska

Biggar

Eganville

Embree

Lisle-Verte

Meadow Lake

Sylvan Lake

St. Catharines

Madoc

Beaconsfield

Boiestown

Saint-Denis-de-Brompton

Collingwood

Limoges

Grande-Vallée

Bradford

Camrose

Dunville

Hudson Bay

Fleurimont

Nelson House

Cap-Pele

New Richmond

North York

Evansburg

Powell River

Westview

Woodslee

Reston

Manitouwadge

Waterdown

Ajax

Bengough

Sexsmith

Hope

Wakaw

Clinton

Minto

Chateau-Richer

Redwater

St. Brieux

Bridgetown

St. George

Streetsville

Lewisporte

Manitou

Carnduff

Shemogue

Toronto

St. John

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<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 

Prince Albert

Trout Creek

Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon

Woodmans Point

Beam

Saint-Rémi

Repetigny

Aylmer

Crysler

Morin-Heights

Arnprior

Saint-Cyprien

Unity

Bridgewater

Bath

Wawa

Forestburg

Glenwood

Saint-Bernard

St-Nazare-Du-Lac-St-Je

Virden

Esquimalt

Peace Villa

Oliver

Kelowna

Saanich

Val-d'Or

Pointe-Du-Lac

Saint-Laurent

Springdale

Cassilis

Caplan

Pakenham

Raymond

Hillsborough

Tillsonburg

Barnwell

Dease Lake

Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Richmond

Cochrane

Yorkton

Beauhamois

Lynn Lake

Campbell River

Port Saunders

Estevan

Carvel

Boissevain

Kelligrews

Nawigewauk

Middle Lake

Fort Chipewyan

Belleisle Creek

Foam Lake

Tremblay

Deseronto

Bloomfield

Ayers Cliff

Gravenhurst

Armagh

Three Brooks

Castor

Saint-Timothee

Sullivan

St-Genevieve-De-Batisc

Caraquet

Cabri

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. 

Find Retirement Homes, Long-Term Care & Senior Health Services in Kingston

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Kingston

Find The Support You Need With a Senior Living Advisor

What are the Care Options Available for Me?