Toronto Retirement Homes & Communities
Toronto offers more than 500 retirement home options in the downtown area, as well as senior housing options in the surrounding areas. As of 2011 Census, Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and is home to an estimated 706,660senior citizens (aged 65 and over), accounting for approximately 12.7% of the city’s total population of about 5,583,065.
The average monthly rent in Toronto for standard spaces is $3,782. You will see in the table below the average rent for different types of senior housing units per centre in Toronto, based on the 2015 Senior’s Housing Report of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):
| Average Rent of Standard Spaces by Unit Type in Toronto | |||||
| Centre | Average | Semi Private & Ward | Private / Studio | One Bedroom | Two Bedroom |
| Toronto | $3,782 | $1,747 | $2,974 | $4,538 | $6,365 |
| East York/York City | $2,958 | ** | $2,834 | $3,460 | ** |
| Etobicoke | $4,519 | ** | $3,457 | $4,739 | ** |
| North York | $3,999 | ** | $3,284 | $4,621 | $6,500 |
| Scarborough | $2,714 | ** | $2,523 | $3,352 | ** |
| Former City of Toronto | $4,178 | ** | $2,970 | $4,858 | $6,672 |
Ontario provides a tax credit for seniors who are renting their principal home. This tax credit will be based on the senior’s adjusted family net income and shall be reduced once their income exceeds certain amounts based on their individual family situation. Ontarians who are 65 years of age and older and are staying in public nursing homes or are on a reserve may also claim their tax credit up to a maximum of $216. Learn more about Ontario Tax Credits and Benefits.
With such a large senior population, Toronto offers a wealth of retirement housing options. Choosing the right Toronto retirement home to suit you or your loved one can be an overwhelming decision. We invite you to use our comprehensive senior housing guide to help you navigate the search and discover your ideal retirement residence.
Senior Living in Toronto
As the population continues to age and the needs of Toronto’s growing elderly population continue to increase, senior housing options available to retired citizens become more available. City planners spearheaded the effort in 2012 by creating the Toronto Senior Care Strategy, aimed at providing senior citizens with the health care and services they need, whether they choose to live at home or receive long-term care within a senior housing facility.
Given Toronto’s growing senior population and their increasingly complex care needs, senior care providers, nursing home attendees, and healthcare professionals are constantly in high demand. In fact, the local government vowed to fund an additional 3 million personal support worker hours from 2012-2015. To peruse job openings in the senior care sector, visit our senior jobs guide to Toronto for more information.
Independent Living Communities in Toronto
Independent living retirement communities are the perfect senior housing option for aged individuals who are active, self-sufficient, and autonomous, as this type of senior housing facility allows its residents to look after most of their own needs and wants. There are several different types of independent living homes, the common ones include condos, suites, and apartments in towers. Other independent living residences are in the form of subdivision complexes, senior apartments in a single building, townhouses, bungalow-style single residences, and cluster housing.
Independent living facilities in Toronto offer seniors with a care-free and stress-free lifestyle. This place is ideal for those who want to live in a senior community whose residents are the same age and with similar interests as theirs. This type of senior community offers recreational programs and provides services that make life for seniors more convenient, such as meals, mail service, personal laundry, and scheduled transportation.
Most independent living senior homes are rental units, but there are those which may be purchased. The costs of living in independent living communities varies depending on a number of factors, such as the types of amenities and services availed and the location of the senior facility.
Assisted Living Facilities in Toronto
Assisted living facilities cater to seniors, as well as younger individuals, who have certain limitations in terms of physical or cognitive health. This type of retirement community provides on-site assistance including personal care, mobility, support, and medication management to residents who have problems with memory, incontinence, or mobility. Services in assisted living retirement communities include meal preparation, eating, grooming and other personal hygiene, bathing and dressing, toileting/diapering, housekeeping, getting around the facility, going around town.
Unit styles of assisted living homes are available in private studio, one or two bedroom apartments, or small homes with kitchenettes equipped with a small refrigerator and microwave oven. Bathrooms and kitchens are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. There is a central dining area that allows for visiting and socializing with other residents. Amenities such as three meals a day, access to fitness services, beauty salon, post office, and transportation are usually provided. The staff organizes events, activities, and trips for the residents.
The costs of assisted living vary, and they also depend on the level of care that is required on a monthly basis. Costs are higher for residents who have greater needs which require a higher level of care as part of their stay in the assisted living facility.
Long Term Care in Toronto
Long term care facilities are intended for seniors who require access to 24-hour care and daily support services for their specific physical and/or cognitive conditions. There is a wide range of care and services provided in this type of senior community, including specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Long term care homes offer nursing, care, and services for the elderly who are no longer capable of looking after their personal needs by themselves. This type of retirement community provides 24-hour nursing care and supervision within a secure setting to those with prolonged physical or chronic illness, disability, or cognitive impairment.
A government benefit called "Exceptional Circumstances" can be availed by couples who have lower incomes or those who are living separately. You are encouraged to contact your local Community Care Access Center to get more information regarding this government benefit. Permanent residents in basic accommodations who would like to apply for a further rate reduction can complete a rate reduction application. This is available from the Home Administrator, for consideration.
Toronto Recreational Activities
Though many senior citizens move into assisted living communities as a result of limited mobility, many active seniors still take advantage of the city’s abundant attractions and recreational activities. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to numerous senior centers, and hosts a variety of services and events geared towards the retirees and elderly citizens. These centers include Baycrest, Elder Connections, and the Second Mile Club of Toronto, among others. Senior programs range from arts and crafts, educational lectures, and recreational outings available throughout the city.
Toronto Medical Facilities
In addition to meeting its citizens’ recreational needs, Toronto is also home to some of the country’s finest medical facilities. Elderly Community Health Services at St. Joseph’s Health Center as well as the Seniors’ Health Center at North York Hospital are two of Toronto’s premier medical centers, both of which provide a variety of geriatric services.
Toronto Retirement Residences
Most retirees prefer choosing retirement homes that are located close to loved ones and family. Toronto offers independent living centers located in nearly every downtown and suburban area, including Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Thornhill and beyond. From city living to tranquil neighborhoods, senior housing in Toronto spans the gamut.
Find Senior Homes in Toronto, Ontario
Whether you are currently a Toronto resident, or looking to move to the Greater Toronto Area, you are sure to find that the city has a wealth of options available to seniors. It’s best to clarify the necessary level of care, specific amenities, ideal budget, then begin searching according to geographic regions. Assisted living costs vary according to type of senior living residence, and will also depend on the level of care required by each resident. With this comprehensive guide, your ideal Toronto senior housing option is only a click away.