Written By Alan Good
The term, “aging in place” is consistent across Ontario. Most of us want to remain at home, but is it feasible? And at what cost?
It is estimated by several sources that 90% to 95% of seniors in the province prefer to live at home or in their own apartments for as long as possible. The same stats are true nationally.
For those more capable, structural challenges may exist so home adaptations such as grab bars are used by 25% of those aged 65–79 and over 50% of those aged 80+. For others, lack of finances means changing addresses. Costs for utilities, taxes and in-home care make if more feasible to live in a condo or apartment.
Around 440,000 seniors in Ontario receive care in their homes annually, according to 2020 data, demonstrating a strong Desire to Avoid Institutions. On the other side, in 2025 it is said some 50,000 people in Ontario were waiting for long-term care.
With such a large majority indicating they would prefer to stay in their homes even if they need care rather than move into a long-term care institution, what exists for them if they require support services to do so. Family may not be readily available because of their life responsibilities and balancing child and parental care becomes problematic.
According to a 2023 survey, about 28% of people 65 and older live alone. My father-in-law was one such person who had people enter his home in the morning and late afternoon to assure he was clean, had taken his meds and for meal prep. But as he complained often, it wasn’t cheap!
Hiring services like Home Instead may be one answer to help seniors exist at home while providing relief to their caretakers. These offer anything from bathing, cleaning, meal prep and medication reminders, to trained Alzheimer’s and dementia staff who provide a structured environment and help those with cognitive impairments.
Some services also can ensure comfort and pain management 24 hours, as well as emotional support, for the patient and their family during the end-of-life stage. Besides enhanced safety and comfort, these services provide greater independence, while also offering companionship and social engagement.
Seniors in Ontario can receive support to live at home independently through Ontario Health atHome, which provides assessments for, and access to, community services. If you’re an OHIP-insured Ontario resident with health needs that can be managed at home, you may fit the bill. For more information and to get started, visit ontariohealthathome.ca/getting-started/.
A heart-to-heart talk, where all parties listen, between aging parents and their family, may produce the answer to living well and living at home.
