1.  What do I look for when choosing a Long-Term Care Facility?

Residents

• Do residents look happy and well cared for?
• Is the facility able to meet your religious, cultural and language needs?
• What are the rules regarding vacation and leaves?
• If a resident does not speak English, are there staff/volunteers who are assist with communications?

Staff

• Are the staff friendly?
• Is there a tone of dignity and respect for the residents?
• Is there an RN on every shift?
• Do staff have formal training?

Facility

• Is the facility convenient for family and friends to visit?
• Are the rooms welcoming?
• What are the policies around smoking, non-smoking and alcoholic beverages?
• Is the facility accredited?

Services

• Are there activities/events to keep residents busy? Are they encouraged to participate?
• Are there choices at meal times?
• Are there areas in the facility where you can visit privately?
• Is there flexibility around visiting hours?

2.  I am having difficulty coping with my everyday needs.  What services are available in the community that will make it possible for me to remain in my home? 

There are various services in the community such as:

• Meals on Wheels
• Transportation services
• Light housekeeping
• Telephone Reassurance
• Friendly Visiting
• Assistance with bathing and grooming
• Resource counseling
• Adult Day Programs
• Case management

3.  I am an elderly senior being unfairly treated by family.  Who can I talk to?

You can contact one of our counselors by calling 416-532-4828 and asking for the Intake worker.  We will provide assistance or refer to the appropriate service.

4.  What documentation do I need to apply for the Old Age Security Pension?

The documents you need to provide are:

• Birth or Baptismal certificate
• Proof of Canadian citizenship or legal resident status if you were not born in Canada
• Indicate your Social Insurance Number
• If married; a Marriage certificate

5.  How do I qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement?

The Guaranteed Income Supplement is an additional monthly benefit for Old Age Security Pensioners with limited or no income.  The GIS is based on marital status and your total income.  If you are single, your income is used to determine the amount you should receive.  If you are married or living common-law, the combined income of the recipient and his or her partner is used.  An initial application must be completed to receive this benefit.  The GIS is renewed annually and the Income Security office will request your annual income information from Revenue Canada.  It is important that your tax return be sent in as early as possible so that this benefit is not delayed.

6.  How do I apply for geared-to-income housing in Toronto?

Any person who is a legal resident of Canada and 16 years of age or older may apply for geared-to-income housing.  This includes Canadian citizens, landed immigrants and refugee claimants.

Application forms are available from community agencies, housing help centers and Housing Connections offices (416-981-6111).  With this application, you can apply to live in one or more subsidized housing locations in Toronto.  Your name will go on a waiting list for all the locations you have selected.  Time on the waiting list varies from a few months to years depending on where you want to live and type of accommodation chosen.