Aging Health & Community Support Links
A curated list of trusted Canadian resources to help you navigate aging, care, health, and planning with confidence.
General Aging Resources
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Aging in Canada – Canadian Resources for Older Adults
Government information on financial programs, healthy aging, and community living for seniors.
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Local initiatives to promote age-friendly communities and support aging-in-place in Hamilton.
Health Services for Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant
Regional health services including home care, senior supports, and caregiver help.
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Dementia and Cognitive Health
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Support for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, including free or low-cost in-home respite, education programs, and navigation assistance (services vary by region).
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iGeriCare | Free Lessons on Dementia
Interactive, evidence-based dementia education created by McMaster University.
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DementiAbility – Dementia Care Tools and Training
Practical strategies and resources to enhance quality of life for individuals with dementia.
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Nutrition and Wellness
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Canada’s Food Guide – Healthy Eating for Seniors
Offers age-specific nutrition advice, emphasizing a balanced intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein foods.
Unlock Food – Seniors Nutrition
Provides articles, videos, and interactive tools on meal planning, managing chronic conditions, and grocery shopping tips for older adults.
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Care Services and Support
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Free or low-cost support services, in-home respite, and caregiver resources are often available through local branches.
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Connects seniors with home care, nursing, and rehabilitation services across Ontario.
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Planning and Legal Support
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Advance Care Planning Guide (PDF) – College of Family Physicians of Canada
A comprehensive guide to help seniors and families make informed decisions about future health care.
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The Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE)
Provides legal advice and representation for low-income seniors in Ontario.
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Offers a free 30 minute consultation and helps connect you with a qualified lawyer or paralegal based on your legal needs.
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Long-Term and Retirement Housing
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Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA)
Represents long-term care providers and offers information on care homes in Ontario.
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Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA)
Regulates retirement homes in Ontario to ensure safety and quality standards.
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Exercise and Wellness Programs
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Exercise and Falls Prevention Programs – Ontario
Free community-based classes for Ontarians aged 65+, focusing on balance, strength, and mobility.
Fully funded group exercise classes available in-person and via Zoom, designed to improve strength, balance, and heart health.
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Minds in Motion – Alzheimer Society of Ontario
A program offering gentle exercise and brain-stimulating activities for people with early to mid-stage
dementia and their care partners. Available in-person and online.
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GERAS DANCE Program – GERAS Centre for Aging Research
A fun, music-based exercise program designed to improve balance, strength, and mobility in older adults, helping reduce the risk of falls.
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Lifemark Seniors Wellness – Free Exercise & Falls Prevention Classes
Offers free 12-week programs, both in-person and virtual, focusing on fall prevention and osteoporosis management.
City of Hamilton – Older Adult 55+ Programs
Offers virtual programs and phone-based activities for residents aged 55+, including exercise classes and
social programs.
YMCA at Home – On Demand Fitness
Free at-home exercise videos suitable for all fitness levels, including cardio, strength, yoga, and gentle
fit classes.
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March of Dimes Canada – Online Exercise Programs
Inclusive online exercise programs designed for people of varying abilities, focusing on physical well-being and mobility.
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Transportation and Mobility Support
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DARTS – Hamilton Specialized Transit
Accessible door-to-door transit for seniors and people with disabilities in Hamilton.
Transit service for Oakville residents who cannot use regular buses due to physical or cognitive limitations.
Specialized transportation for eligible Burlington residents with mobility challenges.
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Door-to-door transit for Toronto residents with disabilities who can't use regular TTC services. ​
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Cancer Support Services
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Cancer Assistance Program (CAP)
A community-based, not-for-profit organization offering free services to individuals and families
affected by cancer in the greater Hamilton area. Services include transportation to medical appointments, home health equipment loans, personal care items (such as wigs and mastectomy bras), and parking
assistance for cancer-related appointments.
Provides free supportive care programs for individuals living with cancer, their families, and caregivers.
Services include individual counseling, support groups, wellness programs, and grief support.
Community Cancer Services – Hamilton Health Sciences
A centralized resource connecting individuals with cancer to supportive programs and services in the
Hamilton area, including physical, emotional, and practical care.​
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An online tool to help individuals living with cancer find services and programs such as support groups,
wigs, prostheses, and more in their community.
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