Care and support - Housing options - Supportive housing

Supportive housing is intended for people who want to live independently and only need minimal to moderate support (e.g., homemaking or personal care and support). Accommodations usually consist of rental units within an apartment building. Accommodations can also be in a small group residence.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if supportive housing is right for me? Click for answer

Supportive housing is a good option if you are looking for:

  • Your own apartment near other people who have similar lifestyles and/or social interests
  • Rental housing with possible government rent-geared-to-income subsidy
  • Government-funded personal care services
  • 24-hour availability of personal care and support
  • Other optional services (e.g. meals or social activities)

Source: the information above comes from Queen's Printer for Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2011). Seniors' care: Residences offering care. 

What accommodations are available in supportive housing? Click for answer

Singles or couples can live in fully equipped bachelor, or one or two bedroom apartments. In some buildings all of the residents are receiving care, whereas in others, only a small number of residents receive care.

Most supportive housing offers amenities such as meeting rooms, lounges and stores. This housing is sometimes located on the grounds of a long-term care home, allowing tenants to take advantage of some of the programs offered by that home.

Source: the information above comes from Queen's Printer for Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2011). Seniors' care: Supportive housing.

What services are available in supportive housing? Click for answer

Services typically include on-site personal care and support such as routine hygiene, dressing and washing, daily visits or phone check-ins and can include services like shopping, meals, and transportation.

Residents can also apply for visiting health professional services through the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) if required.

Source: the information above comes from Queen's Printer for Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2011). Seniors' care: Supportive housing.

What is the cost of supportive housing? Click for answer

Accommodation costs are based on market rent for similar apartments. They can range from $600 to $1200 per month. If you are eligible, the government may subsidize your rent so that you only pay up to 30% of your household's monthly income. To be eligible for a rent subsidy, you must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant or refugee claimant. If you own your own home and apply for a rent subsidy, you are obliged to sell it within six months of moving into supportive housing. Local governments may set additional eligibility requirements for rent subsidies. There is usually a waiting list for subsidized units.

Personal care and support costs are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. You may have to pay an additional fee for optional services such as transportation, recreational outings or hairdressing.

Source: the information above comes from Queen's Printer for Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2011). Seniors' care: Supportive housing.

How is supportive housing regulated? Click for answer

The housing portion of supportive housing is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. If you move into supportive housing, the provider becomes your landlord. In some cases, the service portion is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and is covered by the Home Care and Community Services Act, 1994. In such cases, quality is monitored by the MOHLTC.

Source: the information above comes from Queen's Printer for Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2011). Seniors' care: Supportive housing.

How do I apply for supportive housing? Click for answer

You can apply directly to the supportive housing provider (e.g. municipal housing authority or individual landlord) that you have chosen. Your local Local Health Integration Network can get you started by providing you with a list of supportive housing providers in your area, information about the eligibility criteria and, if applicable, the waiting times.

Source: the information above comes from Queen's Printer for Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2011). Seniors' care: Supportive housing.

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