Find Toronto retirement communities
Among its sprawling landscape of skyscrapers, urban areas, parks, suburbs, gardens and beaches, Toronto has an assortment of inviting, culturally rich spaces for seniors to enjoy their retirement. Within these areas are an array of quality retirement communities.
This is your guide to Toronto's senior communities, which covers downtown, East York/York City, Etobicoke, North York, and Scarborough.
FEATURED
Greenview Seniors Residence - Metta Lifestyles
880 Lawrence Ave E, North York,
Ontario, M3C1P6
At Greenview Residence, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Retirement Suites By The Lake
2121 Kingston Road, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1N 1T5
Part of Scarborough history - located in the Bluffs/Beaches neighbourhood, where the White Castle Inn used to stand. Respite recovery, trial stays and winter retreats are available. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
FEATURED
One Kenton Place
1 Kenton Drive, North York,
Ontario, M2R 2H6
We offer individualized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s & dementia, by identifying their social, emotional, physical, intellectual & spiritual needs, and are committed to treating residents with dignity & respect. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care |
FEATURED
The Dunfield Retirement Residence
77 Dunfield Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2H3
The Dunfield Retirement Residence has established a new standard in senior retirement living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with 177 spacious apartments. Where people come to LIVE! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Queens Estate Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
265 Queens Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6L 3C6
At Queens Estate, we offer a complete range of care services in a welcoming environment. Whether it's our compassionate staff, fresh homemade meals, or exciting and engaging activities, you will truly feel at home. Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Belmont House
55 Belmont Street, Toronto,
Ontario, M5R 1R1
A superb retirement home nestled in Toronto proper, featuring a variety of apartments and suites, along with a fitness room for active seniors, an on-site convenience store and more. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living |
FEATURED
Sagecare 147 Elder Street
147 Elder Street, North York,
Ontario, M3H5G9
Enlightened dementia care touches more than memory. 147 Elder St. is a place that provides opportunities for the joy and meaning still ahead when wellbeing can no longer be realized at home. Lifestyle Options: Memory Care |
FEATURED
Aspira Kensington Place Retirement Living
866 Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M3H 2T5
A resort-like retirement residence in Toronto featuring a fitness centre, beauty salon and a variety of other luxuries, including a private dining room and more. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
The Briton House
720 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M4S 2N7
Family-owned and operated, the Briton House is dedicated to the highest standards of service. Offering a full continuum of care, a variety of amenities and suites, home-cooked meals, and a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor garden. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Forestview Retirement Residence
537 Finch Avenue West, North York,
Ontario, M2R 0A8
Forestview Retirement Residence is North York's newest seniors' residence. We offer Independent Lifestyle and Full Service Assisted Living Accommodations and Services, plus Short Term and Respite Stays. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
FEATURED
McCowan Retirement Residence - Metta Lifestyles
2881 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1J 0A2
McCowan Retirement Residence is a vibrant and family oriented retirement home located in Scarborough. With team members who have been here since we opened in 2004, you can expect a warm welcome and a feeling of home. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
The Sumach by Chartwell
146 Sumach Street, Toronto,
Ontario, M5A 0P7
The Sumach by Chartwell is a beautiful 12-storey retirement residence featuring spacious seniors’ apartments with flexible, à la carte services and casual amenities in the heart of Downtown East. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living |
FEATURED
Baycrest Terraces
55 Ameer Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario, M6A 2Z1
We are Toronto's Finest Kosher Retirement Residence located on the Baycrest campus. We offer Independent & Assisted Living and Memory Care. Baycrest Terraces, "Where Life Thrives". Call us today for more information. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
FEATURED
Saints Peter and Paul Retirement Residence
221 Milner Avenue, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1S 4P4
Saints Peter and Paul Retirement Residence offers a modern, efficient, and self-sustaining seniors community operated by a professional and compassionate staff, that offers semi independent and assisted living services. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Delmanor West Village
15 Summerland Terrace, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0B5
Delmanor West Village is an active aging community that offers residents unlimited opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and improve their physical, mental and social well-being Lifestyle Options: Independent Living |
The Village of Humber Heights
2245 Lawrence Avenue West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9P 3W3
The Village of Humber Heights is a retirement community that offers various lifestyle options and levels of services ranging from independent living with meals, to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care |
Shepherd Terrace
3758 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1T 3K9
Shepherd Terrace offers a variety of independent and assisted living suites within the renowned Shepherd Village. With its long history of providing caring service you’ll love the amenities and the excellent services. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Canterbury Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
1 Canterbury Place, North York,
Ontario, M2N 0G7
Canterbury Place offers a variety of suites styles in an elegant condo-like building for active adults & those needing assistance. We offer a unique healthcare program for our residents including palliative care. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Hazelton Place Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
111 Avenue Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M5R 3J8
Luxury and quality is in every corner of Hazelton from its lobby to its inviting Bistro & Bar. Offering amenities and services, Hazelton makes it easy for you to define and enjoy your lifestyle. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Delmanor Northtown
5351 Yonge Street, North York,
Ontario, M2N 7L5
Delmanor Northtown is a full-service boutique retirement residence located in the heart of North York, catering to active and independent seniors. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living |
Scarborough Retirement Residence
148 Markham Road, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1M 2Z8
A family owned and managed residence that offers seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence. Enjoy healthy Chef-prepared meals, daily life enrichment programs. We also offer short-term trial or respite stays. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living |
New Horizons Tower
1140 Bloor Street West, Toronto,
Ontario, M6H 4E6
A well-established not-for-profit, NHT is committed to enriching the lives of seniors. Gracious dining & café, a terrace garden, daily fitness, a vibrant Concert Series - there is plenty for residents to enjoy at NHT! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Don Mills Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
2 Green Belt Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 1L8
A luxury senior living community in the heart of North York. Be inspired by beautifully appointed amenities in our state-of-the-art building offering exceptional care, intelligent technology & exciting life enrichment. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Delmanor Prince Edward
4180 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke,
Ontario, M8X 1X8
Situated in a treed ravine setting overlooking the Humber River, Delmanor Prince Edward provides vistas that vary from the serenity of the adjacent valley to the resplendence of the Toronto downtown skyline! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Parkland on Eglinton West
4650 Eglinton Ave. W., Etobicoke,
Ontario, M9A 0E3
Parkland on Eglinton West offers Lifestyle Apartments, All-Inclusive Lifestyle and Supportive Lifestyle options for seniors. Parkland makes it easy for you to do more of what you love! Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Delmanor Wynford
187 Wynford Drive, North York,
Ontario, M3C 0C7
A full service 5-star retirement community centrally located in Toronto - features extensive common areas, a rooftop putting green and a variety of other amenities catering to today's active seniors. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living |
Retirement communities outside Toronto |
FEATURED
Chartwell Oakville Retirement Residence
180 Oak Park Boulevard, Oakville,
Ontario, L6H 0A6
Enjoy a social lifestyle and personalized support for your best retirement years yet. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living |
FEATURED
Aspira Bolton Mills Retirement Living
100 Morra Avenue, Bolton,
Ontario, L7E4K5
A short drive from the Nashville Conservation Reserve and surrounded by golf courses, Aspira Bolton Mills is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living |
Amica City Centre
380 Princess Royal Drive, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5B 4M9
A luxurious retirement community in the heart of Mississauga, Ontario, featuring elegant interiors, a swimming pool and a vibrant social life for active seniors. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Four Elms Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
1500 Steeles Avenue West, Thornhill,
Ontario, L4J 4H6
Four Elms is an elegant Retirement Residence offering the finest in Senior Living. Choose a suite style that is perfect for you and enjoy an active lifestyle, fine dining and the company of good friends. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Port Credit Residences - Verve Senior Living
33 Hurontario Street, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5G 3G8
Port Credit Residence situated in the Mississauga area offers seniors a luxurious resort-inspired lifestyle. Enjoy an oversized pool, wellness centre, onsite physiotherapy, a movie theatre, library, spa/salon and more! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
VIVA Thornhill Woods
9700 Bathurst Street, Vaughan,
Ontario, L6A 4V2
Vaughan's premier all-inclusive rental retirement community! Enjoy bright, spacious suites, modern amenities, delicious dining, and a Team devoted to Making Today Great! for you and your family! Book your tour today! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
The Shores of Port Credit - Verve Senior Living
280 Lakeshore Rd. W., Mississauga,
Ontario, L5H 0A5
The Shores is designed for vibrant living with the highest quality of personal care. Amenities include pool, fitness & exercise club, restaurant, bistro & cafe, a golf simulator lounge & wine cellar. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Amica Pickering
1450 Pickering Parkway, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 0G2
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Delmanor Elgin Mills
80 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0L3
Award Winning Delmanor Elgin Mills, has proudly served the Richmond Hill community since 2002, offering Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care options, you can choose from a variety of well-appointed sized suites. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care |
Evergreen Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
820 Scollard Court, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5V 0A1
Stylish Mississauga retirement home offering independent, full-service and assisted living lifestyles, featuring a hair salon, onsite bistro and much more. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
70 Bernard Avenue, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 0W7
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence offers full service including meals, housekeeping, active adult, independent and assisted living. Our focus is on maintaining good health, great food, new friends & lots of laughter! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
VIVA Pickering
1880 Glengrove Road, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 0C6
V!VA Pickering is Durham's premier all-inclusive rental retirement community! Enjoy large suites, great amenities, delicious dining, and a Team devoted to Making Today Great for you and your family! Book your tour today! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Parkland on the Glen
1665 The Collegeway, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5L 0A9
Parkland is located at Mississauga and The Collegeway next to the Glenerin Inn. We are surrounded by beautiful green space. For the past 6 years we've been awarded one of the top 3 Retirement Communities in Mississauga. Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Livita Parkway Retirement Residence
1645 Pickering Parkway, Pickering,
Ontario, L1V 7E9
Our boutique-style residence is designed for people who want to maintain an active independent lifestyle, thrive, participate & enjoy access to our in–house supportive programs, local shopping & community services Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Sifton - Erinview
2630 Fifth Line west, Mississauga,
Ontario, L5K 0A8
Located in the heart of Mississauga, Erinview offers an atmosphere of worry-free, comfortable living with personalized support in the presence of good friends. Lifestyle Options: Independent Living |
Southbrook Retirement Residence
400 Ray Lawson Blvd., Brampton,
Ontario, L6Y 4G4
Southbrook is all about choices - We celebrate independence in senior living but, are always here to provide assistance when you need it. Southbrook - come be a part of our community, our family and meet new friends! Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living |
Home care companies in Toronto |
In-Home Assisted Living Inc.
2 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto,
Ontario, M4V 3A1
In-Home Assisted Living offers caregivers and nurses to help seniors and people with medical challenges to remain living in their own home with safety and comfort. Also ask about our hospital bedside support. Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care |
Cedar Home Health Care
1 Concord Gate, Suite 702, North York,
Ontario, M3C 3N6
Lifestyle Options: Home Care |
Nurse For Care
2390 Eglinton Avene East, Suite #224, Toronto,
Ontario, M1K 2P5
We offer Caregiver, PSW & RPN services in a Customized, Affordable way to all ages & needs in GTA, Hamilton, Durham, Sudbury or anywhere in Ontario at Home, Hospital, Rehab, Retirement home, & Long-term care facilities. Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care |
Richmond Heights Health Clinic and Home Care
10520 Yonge Street, Unit 4, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, L4C 3C7
Richmond Heights Health Clinic & Home Care, provides compassionate 24 hour personalized senior care services with bonded, registered & licensed Nurses / RPN's, in your home, hospital, rehab, LTC & retirement communities. Lifestyle Options: Respite care, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care, Home Care |
Retirement communities in Toronto fall into different categories -- each category occupying a different niche in the senior spectrum of care, (see image below).
Toronto is particularly rich in independent living, assisted living, and Alzheimer’s & dementia care (as well as long-term care) communities.
Many Toronto communities also allow for a "continuum" of care. This means healthy residents can live in an independent living suite at the residence for many years, and as their health demands increase they move to an assisted living suite within the same community. (Assisted living offers a greater level of medical care and staff time for health and other personal needs). This means residents can remain within the community of their friends and peers, where they are familiar, while still ensuring their changing health needs are met.
For seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease there are a few residences in Toronto offering 24-hour care in a secured community. These retirement homes specialize in this, ensuring that residents are provided a comfortable, familiar, home-like environment that meets their unique and challenging needs. Care for dementias other than Alzheimer's may differ slightly as our understanding increases; learn more about care for other dementia types.
Many retirement homes listed on ComfortLife have excelled at keeping residents safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re patently designed and built to do just that, of course, but not enough people understand how strict the protection of seniors in retirement homes is. Residents in those places duly praise these communities for keeping them safer than they would be on their own. As one Toronto senior has put it, “It’s good for all of us to be here. We have a tendency to be careless at times if you are all alone. But here, the regular demonstrations help us be safe. There is freedom in the restrictions.”
Here’s a look at increased safety measures taken by retirement homes in Toronto, as of September 2020.
Communities on Comfort Life tell what life is like under quarantine, in a transparent effort to not only assure family members and others, but as a matter of course. Visit community pages linked to above, and see how many of them report this under a heading special to their Comfort Life profile, called "what life looks like now."
Care throughout the GTA
Tools to help you choose
Seniors can rent, own, or life-lease suites and entire homes, (see our comparison piece here). The most common financing option is renting, however, and that's what we'll address.
In 2020, the average rent in Ontario grew by 2.8% to $3,865 a month. The vacancy rate for standard spaces increased to 11.0% across all seniors’ housing unit types.
As seen for many years, Etobicoke had the highest average monthly rent in Ontario, at $5,559.
To come up with the funds to pay retirement home rent, most seniors use a combination of their pensions, RRSPs, CPP and other income. Many seniors use the profits from the sale of their home and even help from family members to cover their costs.
Use a retirement calculator, like this one, for help understanding and managing the costs associated with retirement home living.
For seniors who need financial assistance, it’s good to know that some retirement homes work with the City of Toronto to provide subsidized help for seniors, however due to high demand it is difficult to receive this subsidized care. Contact the City of Toronto for further details.
The Trillium Drug Program (TDP) is another option for seniors looking for financial help. The TDP helps people with high prescription drug costs relative to their household income. It covers a number of approved drugs and almost anyone who has an Ontario health card, lives in Ontario and is a senior over the age of 65 years of age is eligible to apply.
Many Toronto seniors are accustomed to living in their traditional family home — or perhaps a condo or other arrangement. In some cases, though, this gradually blinds them to the fact that living alone is no longer part of an ideal lifestyle. Neighbours around them get younger. Keeping ahead of home maintenance becomes progressively more difficult. Friends move or pass away (a sad fact of life.) On their own, people end up making simpler meals and eating less, reducing social outings, and decreasing physical activity. When you move into a senior living community, though, new opportunities abound. People discover how easy it is to make and maintain new friendships. When you pass on mundane daily activities to other people, you discover or rekindle passions left dormant while you were raising kids, paying the bills and maintaining the house.
Janet is one example. “When I moved into [a retirement home],” she says, “I decided to join the art class. I had not done much painting before.” Her art has now found other homes, too. It’s even been featured in publications from the community in which she lives, a Tapestry home. You can read more stories about Janet and others at Tapestry’s blog.
When you’re cooking for one or two, you may have a tendency to stick to sandwiches or soup. But in the best Toronto retirement homes, dining is an experience. Some feature chefs who “create meals as a celebration of good food … [they] provide a venue to come together as one of the measures of success.” It’s not just eating anymore, it’s eating very well, and in the same way, it’s not just “senior living,” it’s living very well. Read more about dining in Toronto communities that count themselves among the city's finest.
In a community of peers, it’s much easier to find a circle of friends who share interests. At one Toronto community there is a poetry circle that meets once per month. When the group gets together, it’s much more fun than serious or, as one group member says, “the interruptions are the main event.” Here, their time together goes too fast. Myrla says, “It’s a lovely hour. I wouldn’t miss it. The whole thing—the interaction with ideas and talking together.”
These stories are a small part of the overall collection of transformative experiences felt by seniors in Toronto retirement communities. We encourage you to read more testimonials at profiles of communities linked to above and also sampled in our Toronto retirement community reviews.
Well-run homes address the physical, emotional and social aspects of aging, and encourage seniors to socialize, explore their interests, and make the most of their retirement years.
Photo: Toronto offers retirement community residents a plethora of activities, but sometimes the most fun can be had from home.
Many Toronto retirement communities take advantage of the surrounding city for sources of stimulation. Residences organize bus trips within the GTA to shopping malls like Yorkdale, Square One and the Eaton Centre as well as other attractions like The Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the Toronto Art Gallery, while others offer bus trips outside of Toronto to areas like Niagara Falls and Stratford for events such as the Stratford Festival.
Toronto offers a variety of amenities and activities including the theatre, waterfront and distillery districts, cycling and walking trails, parks, museums and art galleries, as well as year round festivals and events. Examples of popular events are the Canadian Stage Company’s outdoor Shakespeare production “Dream in High Park” each summer in Toronto’s High Park, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the Caribbean Carnival (also called Caribana) in July/August, and Pride Week annually near the end of June.
Those interested in sports can enjoy any of Toronto’s seven major league sports with access to popular sports venues such as the Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, BMO Field and Ricoh Coliseum. The ACC and Rogers Centre in particular provide a variety of tradeshows, conventions and concerts that may interest residents.
Photo: Residents often take classes -- either from within or outside the retirement community.
But retirement communities, of course, also provide their own daily activity plan and full recreation program, along with religious services for seniors of various faiths. Some examples of daily activities include bingo, cards, movies, musical concerts, entertainment which is brought into the residence, and celebrations of local festivals and holidays. Some communities also offer a games room, spa services, mini-golf/Wii, community gardens, party rooms and arts/crafts rooms for seniors to develop and share their interests with others.
A number of volunteers are also involved in retirement community life in Toronto. Primary, middle and high school students often visit residents, university students complete internships and there are a number of senior volunteers who come to spend time with seniors.
I love living in the city and being able to just jump on the subway downtown to catch whatever's going on down there. This is where I want to be.
Montfort Hospital provides a wide range of programs available with a referral, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary health, diabetes, falls, rehabilitation, thrombosis, a sleep laboratory, and spiritual and religious services.
Most retirement homes in Toronto -- regardless of where they fall on the care spectrum -- have an on-site doctor, or a doctor who visits residents on a regular basis. On-site nursing staff are also available in most retirement homes, although their availability will range – some are available 24/7 while others are available for specific hours, depending on the type of retirement home and living package you choose.
A pharmacy on-site is less common, although it does exist in some retirement homes in Toronto. (Only 5% of senior homes in Ontario offer an on-site pharmacy, which is one of the lowest provincial averages in Canada).
Depending on the retirement community, a number of other medical programs may be available, ranging from simple exercise programs, to intensive physiotherapy, to recuperative programs, to programs for knee-replacements, to special dietary programs.
Photo: a good retirement community will include activities that keep residents healthy.
Residents who need medical care outside of the scope of what the retirement home can offer may hire one-on-one care; sometimes the LHIN will pick up the tab for this extra service.
Many communities have developed partnerships with nearby hospitals -- like Sunnybrook Hospital, for example, whcih runs transitional programs with local retirement homes.
The high concentration of world-class hospitals in Toronto also helps. Seniors deciding to stick around Toronto in one of its retirement homes can depend on one of the medical centres specializing in geriatric care.
Toronto also has a number of health-focused non-profit organizations to help raise awareness for and treat residents, such as the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, and the Canadian Cancer Society which all have offices in the downtown core. The ALS Society of Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation are other examples of organizations in the area that assist residents within the GTA.
With one of the lowest crime rates in Canada, Toronto is considered one of the safest major cities in North America. A quality retirement community will work hard to ensure its residents are safe inside and outside the residence. Toronto homes commonly have security monitoring, call bell systems, and emergency phone systems in place to safeguard their residents’ and help them feel confident as they explore their new community and surrounding area.
All retirement communities in Toronto are also provincially legislated to provide a safe environment for seniors, (see below for more info).
Most retirement homes ensure that a senior’s transportation needs are well cared for, either through bussing or a group of orgnized volunteers. For independent seniors who want to get around Toronto on their own, there are a number of options:
For seniors who are looking to get around Toronto’s suburbs these community services are available:
Demands for space have decreased slightly across Ontario for all unit types, except for ward/semi-private spaces. In 2021, there were 67,399 units available in Ontario for seniors, with demand highest for two bedroom suites. Toronto had 21,056 units total, with a vacancy rate of 20.7%.
When it comes to choosing a retirement home, there is a lot to consider. Some seniors are looking for homes near their family, while others want to explore the benefits of a more active lifestyle. The first step is to determine what you want, what you’re looking for, what you can afford and the location of your search (assuming you have a particular neighbourhood in mind).
If you’re not sure whether it’s time to consider retirement living, consider the following starter questions:
How to Choose a Retirement Community from Comfort Life on Vimeo.
For more points to consider and some common questions and concerns about retirement homes, please visit our page for seniors considering a retirement home.
It's also important to ensure your medical needs are met, the residence you choose is affordable now and in the future, and that the home can grow with your needs as your activity and medical levels change over time.
Keep in mind that if you are interested in a long-term care home in particular, it’s likely you will be put on a waitlist. Semi-private and private accommodations generally cost more but may have shorter wait times, and different factors may affect average wait times, such as the type of accommodation requested, if someone is in crisis, if there is an ethno-cultural preference, or if there are specific medical care needs. For more information on wait times, contact the designated associations mentioned below (under "Toronto retirement community regulations) or the retirement community of your choice directly.
If you’re not sure whether a retirement home is right for you, many homes will offer overnight stays to provide an opportunity for you or your loved ones to get the full experience of what the residence has to offer.
Get more information about choosing a retirement home, or contact the residences above to get started with your search.
Don’t forget to download the Ultimate Retirement Tour Checklist to take with you when you begin touring retirement communities on your shortlist.
Being with people our own age, with similar concerns, definitely makes a difference in your everyday living.
Retirement communities throughout Ontario, including Toronto, are subject to the Retirement Home Regulatory Authority (RHRA), which set a deadline of July 3, 2012 for existing residences to become licensed. Licensing requires retirement homes to receive approval and undergo ongoing inspections by the RHRA in order to operate.
Many retirement homes in Toronto are also members of provincial and national associations, including: