Elder Care and Seniors Services in Canada: A Guide for Newcomers

Caring for aging family members is a deeply important responsibility for many newcomer families in Canada. Whether you have brought your elderly parents to Canada through family sponsorship, or you are an older newcomer yourself, understanding the elder care system in Canada is essential. The Canadian approach to senior care may be very different from what you are accustomed to in your home country, where extended family networks often provide most of the care. In Canada, there is a range of government-funded, subsidized, and private services designed to support seniors as they age.

This guide will walk you through the main types of elder care available in Canada, explain the financial supports that seniors can access, and connect you with resources to help you navigate the system. Whether you are planning ahead or dealing with an urgent care need, this information will help you make informed decisions for yourself or your loved ones.

Home Care Services in Canada

Home care is the most common and often the preferred form of elder care in Canada. Home care services allow seniors to receive medical treatment, personal care, and support services in the comfort of their own homes. This can delay or prevent the need for more intensive (and more expensive) care in assisted living or long-term care facilities. Each province and territory manages its own home care program, so the specific services available and the eligibility criteria vary across the country.

Types of Home Care Services

Home care services in Canada generally fall into several categories. Professional health services include nursing care (wound care, medication management, injections), physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social work services. Personal support services include help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility. Homemaking services include meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, and grocery shopping. Some provinces also offer home care services such as respite care (temporary relief for family caregivers), palliative care (end-of-life care at home), and specialized services for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

To access publicly funded home care, you typically need a referral from a doctor or hospital, or you can contact your provincial home care program directly. An assessment will be conducted to determine the level of care needed. Wait times for home care services vary by province and by the type of service needed. For information about healthcare services in your province, see our guide to healthcare for newcomers.

Assisted Living: Supportive Housing for Seniors

Assisted living is a type of housing designed for seniors who can live relatively independently but need some help with daily activities such as meals, housekeeping, medication management, or personal care. Assisted living facilities typically offer private or semi-private rooms or apartments, communal dining, social and recreational programs, and access to support staff. Unlike long-term care, assisted living residents do not require 24-hour nursing care.

Assisted living options in Canada include both publicly subsidized and privately operated facilities. The cost varies widely depending on the province, the level of care needed, and whether the facility is public or private. In many provinces, publicly subsidized assisted living is available for seniors who meet income and care-need criteria, with fees based on the senior's ability to pay.

How to Find and Apply for Assisted Living

Finding the right assisted living facility requires research and planning. Start by contacting your provincial health authority, which can provide a list of licensed facilities in your area and help you understand the application process. In most provinces, you will need a health assessment to determine your level of care needs. You can also visit facilities in person to compare the environment, services, staff, and costs before making a decision.

Wait times for publicly subsidized assisted living can be significant, especially in urban areas. If you are planning for an aging parent's care, it is wise to start the process early. Private assisted living facilities may have shorter wait times but come with higher costs, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 or more per month depending on the location and services included.

Long-Term Care Facilities

Long-term care (also called nursing homes or residential care) is designed for seniors who need 24-hour nursing and personal care that cannot be provided at home or in assisted living. Long-term care residents typically have complex medical needs, significant cognitive impairment (such as advanced dementia), or physical disabilities that require constant supervision and assistance.

Costs and Funding for Long-Term Care

Long-term care in Canada is partially funded by provincial governments, with residents paying a co-payment that is typically based on their income. The co-payment covers accommodation costs (room and meals) while the province covers the nursing and personal care costs. In Ontario, for example, basic accommodation in a long-term care home costs approximately $1,900 to $2,700 per month (as of 2025), with rate reductions available for low-income residents.

To apply for long-term care, you will need a health assessment and a referral from your provincial home care or health authority. Wait times for long-term care can be very long, sometimes months or even years, depending on the province and the type of accommodation requested. Planning ahead is essential.

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a monthly non-taxable payment provided by the Government of Canada to low-income seniors who receive Old Age Security (OAS). The GIS is particularly important for newcomer seniors, many of whom may have limited retirement income from Canadian sources. To qualify for GIS, you must be 65 or older, be a legal resident of Canada, receive OAS, and have an annual income below the maximum threshold (which is updated quarterly).

The amount of GIS you receive depends on your marital status and your income (or combined income with your spouse or common-law partner). As of 2025, the maximum monthly GIS payment for a single senior is approximately $1,065, though the exact amount varies. You can check current GIS rates and apply online through the Government of Canada GIS page.

OAS and GIS Eligibility for Newcomers

To receive a full OAS pension, you generally need to have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18. Newcomer seniors who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 may qualify for a partial OAS pension (and therefore partial GIS). Canada also has international social security agreements with many countries that can help you qualify for benefits based on your years of residence or contributions in both countries. Check the OAS eligibility page for details.

If you sponsored your parent or grandparent to come to Canada, be aware that the sponsorship undertaking typically requires you to provide financial support for a specific period (usually 20 years for parents and grandparents). During this period, your sponsored family member may not be eligible for certain social assistance programs, though they may still qualify for OAS and GIS once they meet the residency requirements. For more about financial planning, see our guide to Canadian banking for newcomers.

Senior Centres and Community Programs

Senior centres play a vital role in the health and well-being of older adults in Canada. These centres offer a wide range of programs and services, including social and recreational activities (exercise classes, art programs, games, outings), educational programs (computer classes, language learning, health workshops), meal programs (congregate dining and meals on wheels), information and referral services, transportation assistance, and volunteer opportunities.

For newcomer seniors, senior centres can be especially valuable as a way to combat social isolation, learn about Canadian culture, practice English or French, and connect with others from similar cultural backgrounds. Many urban senior centres offer multicultural programming and services in languages other than English and French.

Finding Senior Centres Near You

To find senior centres and community programs in your area, contact your municipal government, local community centre, or settlement agency. Many cities maintain online directories of senior services. In Ontario, the Ontario seniors services directory can help you locate programs. In British Columbia, the BC seniors page provides information about available supports.

Caregiver Support Programs

Many newcomer families take on the role of caring for aging parents or grandparents at home. While this can be deeply rewarding, caregiving is also physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. Canada offers several programs and resources to support family caregivers and help prevent caregiver burnout.

Respite Care

Respite care provides temporary relief for family caregivers by arranging for someone else to care for the senior for a short period. Respite care can be provided in the home (by a professional caregiver or volunteer), at an adult day program, or through a short stay in an assisted living or long-term care facility. Many provinces offer publicly funded respite care for eligible families, and some community organizations offer volunteer-based respite programs.

Financial Support for Caregivers

The Canada Revenue Agency offers the Canada Caregiver Credit, a non-refundable tax credit for individuals who support a dependent with a physical or mental impairment. Additionally, the Employment Insurance (EI) program provides compassionate care benefits for workers who need to take time off to care for a gravely ill family member, and family caregiver benefits for those caring for a critically ill or injured family member.

Some provinces also offer their own caregiver support programs, including direct financial assistance, training programs, support groups, and counselling services. Contact your provincial health authority or a local caregiver support organization for information about what is available in your area.

Navigating Elder Care as a Newcomer: Special Considerations

Newcomer families face unique challenges when it comes to elder care. Language barriers can make it difficult to communicate with healthcare providers and navigate the system. Cultural differences may affect expectations about care, family roles, and end-of-life decisions. Many newcomer seniors experience social isolation, especially if they do not speak English or French and have limited connections outside their family.

Settlement agencies can be an invaluable resource for newcomer families dealing with elder care. Many agencies offer case management, system navigation, and referrals to culturally appropriate services. Some agencies have specific programs for newcomer seniors, including social groups, language classes, and health promotion activities. Find settlement services near you through the IRCC newcomer services directory.

Advance Care Planning

Advance care planning is the process of thinking about and documenting your wishes for future healthcare in case you become unable to make decisions for yourself. This includes designating a substitute decision-maker (someone who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf) and creating an advance directive or living will that outlines your preferences for medical treatment. Advance care planning is important for all seniors, and having these conversations early can prevent stress and conflict later. You can learn more at the Advance Care Planning Canada website.

Getting Help: Resources for Newcomer Families

Caring for aging family members in a new country is challenging, but there are many resources available to help. Start by connecting with your provincial health authority for information about home care, assisted living, and long-term care. Contact your local settlement agency for culturally sensitive support and system navigation. Explore senior centres and community programs for social connections and activities. And do not forget to take care of yourself as a caregiver by accessing respite care and support services.

WelcomeAide is here to help newcomer families navigate every aspect of life in Canada, including elder care. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your questions about senior services, connect you with local resources, and provide support in your language. Explore our blog for more newcomer guides, learn about our mission, or see how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.