Senior and Older Adult Resources
Consult our evidence-based Blog Posts, Web Resource Ratings and Evidence Summaries for trustworthy information about health and social aspects of aging.
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Community Resources in Hamilton for Older Adults
The Red Book is a comprehensive directory of all community and government services available in Hamilton.
COVID-19 Testing information
Unsure if you should be tested? Take the Ministry of Health’s self-assessment or call the Ministry COVID-19 Testing and Isolation Line 1-888-777-0730
COVID-19 Test and Testing Locations
What you need to know before, during and after a clinical assessment or test.
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility & Booking
Fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are available for those age 60 and older.
Protect Yourself and Others
If you feel sick, it’s important that you stay home and talk with a primary care provider or doctor if necessary.
Find out how to stay healthy, where to get help and how to make informed decisions about your health. Hamilton Public Health is you link to Hamilton's health and support services.
www.needadoc.ca
Looking for medical care in the Hamilton area? There are many different healthcare services available in our community where a doctor is on staff to help you.
Hospitals and Healthcare providers
Hamilton is fortunate to have many great health care services and facilities.
Seniors Care Program
Hamilton Health Sciences’ Seniors Care program offers a variety of clinics and services to support older adults with complex healthcare needs, or those aging independently in the community.
Dental & Denture Services
Mandatory and discretionary dental services are available to those receiving Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, low income and their families.
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Ontario Senior Dental Care program provides free dental care for eligible seniors.
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Dental Health Bus provide free emergency dental services such as x-rays, dental fillings, extractions or removal of teeth, and antibiotics for dental infections.
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Public Health Downtown Dental Health Clinic provides free dental services such as dental exams, x-rays, fillings, extractions or removal of teeth, and cleanings.
Special Supports Program
Provides a wide range of health related benefits to City residents living independently in the community to improve their quality of life, health, wellness, safety and self-sufficiency.
Ontario Assistive Devices Program
How you can get help paying for equipment and supplies through the Assistive Devices Program
Ontario Drug Benefit
Get help paying for prescription drugs when you qualify through the Trillium Drug Program (TDP) or Seniors Co-Payment Program (SCP).
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
If you’re between 65 and 70 years old, you can get vaccinated against shingles free of charge in Ontario.
Flu Vaccine
If you're 65 and older, there are three different flu shots available.
Food Access Guide – Eating Well in the City of Hamilton
Source: City of Hamilton, Hamilton Public Library
Healthy eating on a budget
Speak to a Registered Dietitian by calling Telehealth Ontario Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000 Toll-free TTY: 1-866-797-0007
Seniors Nutrition
Healthy eating as you get older. Access to articles, videos, menu planning resources.
Snow Angels Program
A volunteer-driven snow removal service for low-income seniors and/or people with disabilities who live in the City of Hamilton to ensure the safety of the residents and their caregivers.
Home Library Service
Providing a wide range of library materials to Hamilton residents unable to get to a Library or make use of HPL’s services on their own.
Special Considerations for Waste Collection limits
Submit a special consideration application to increase the bag/container limit for residents with medical circumstances demonstrating a need for additional waste containers.
Volunteer Fire Inspection Program for Homeowners
Homeowners can request the Hamilton Fire Department to attend their home to conduct a free inspection for potential fire hazards.
Free Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Testing
Did you know? If you own your home and are a senior, have a physical disability or are running your household on a low income, firefighters will come to your home and either replace your batteries or fully install the correct number of smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms for your home, free of charge.
Community Resources for Seniors - Curated by Hamilton Police Service
For non-emergencies call 905-546-4925
Seniors Safety
Senior citizens are often the targets of crime due to their vulnerabilities. It is important to learn how to protect yourself or a loved one from harm.
CRA Scams and Fraud
There are a variety of scams and frauds happening in Canada - with new ones invented daily. Learn how you can protect yourself from scammers and be scam smart.
Volunteer Fire Inspection Program for Homeowners
Homeowners can request the Hamilton Fire Department to attend their home to conduct a free inspection for potential fire hazards.
Free Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Testing
Did you know? If you own your home and are a senior, have a physical disability or are running your household on a low income, firefighters will come to your home and either replace your batteries or fully install the correct number of smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms for your home, free of charge.
Emergency Preparedness
Learn how to prepare for an emergency. Be ready for anything. Know the risks, make a plan, get an emergency kit.
Seniors' Centre Without Walls
Free recreation programs from the comfort of your home. Join us over the phone for free fitness classes, art programs, brain games, and special guest workshops!
Social Participation Resource Guide(PDF, 11.58 MB)
Provides older adults (55+) information on how to access various programs and services within the City of Hamilton.
Drop-In Programs
A fun and positive way to practice new skills, get your daily physical activity and spend time with family and friends.
Registered Programs
Older Adult programs provide an opportunity to explore new interests in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Seniors Centres and Clubs
Quality programming and social opportunities with a wide variety of fitness, recreational and cultural options for older adults.
Fitness at the Park
Free fitness programs are offered throughout the summer at City of Hamilton parks. Programs are led by Recreation fitness staff and are open to all abilities and ages.
Golf Hamilton
The City of Hamilton’s two golf courses, Chedoke and King’s Forest, offer affordable membership rates for golfers of all ages.
City of Hamilton ParkFinder
Interactive map allows you to search for parks by location, or filter parks by a particular amenity. This information is up-to-date and allows residents to find parks with amenities that are important to them.
Volunteer for the City of Hamilton
Positions available at Macassa Lodge, contribute to your community by sharing your time and expertise with the Recreation Division, become a Community Food Advisor and share information on healthy eating, food preparation and food safety.
Volunteering with Animal Services
Learn more about opportunities to help with the enrichment of animals in our shelter.
Trillium Awards Judges
Love to garden and want to contribute to the community? Become a Trillium Awards Judge.
Other community volunteer opportunities
Connect with organizations in the community that are looking for volunteers for a variety skill and staff levels.
Events for Older Adults at HPL
Programs for seniors (ages 55+) that promote lifelong learning, diversity and inclusion, personal expression, and community through the creative arts including painting, sketching, journaling and floral arranging.
Educational Workshops
Offered by Hamilton Council on Again (HCOA), educational workshops to support positive aging and well-being.
Home & Community Care Support Services - Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant
We deliver local health care services such as home and community care, access to community services and long-term care home placement.
Applying for Long Term Care
The City of Hamilton owns and operates two long-term care homes: Macassa Lodge and Wentworth Lodge
Social Housing
Access to Housing helps with the application process and maintains the central waiting list for subsidized housing for social housing providers in Hamilton.
Publications
Housing Options Guide for Older Adults in Hamilton(PDF, 4.39 MB)
Important information about housing for seniors in Hamilton, Ontario. It is meant to help with the decision making process. Prepared by the City of Hamilton's Seniors Advisory Committee.
Guide to Finding Housing in Hamilton for People with Disabilities(PDF, 576.65 KB)
Finding housing can be difficult for people with disabilities. This guide includes resources, information and tools which will make it easier for you. Prepared by the City of Hamilton’s Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
Accessible Transportation Services (ATS)
Available to people with physical or functional limitations or health conditions that are unable to use the regular HSR bus.
DARTS Transit
A shared-ride service that provides door-to-door transportation between accessible building entrances.
HSR schedules, routes & maps
HSR offers a suite of products that provide real-time, 24.7 access to service information.
HSR Senior & Golden Age fares
Everything you need to know about cash fares, using PRESTO and photo ID required to use public transit.
Hamilton GO Transit
GO Transit is a network of train and bus lines that keep people moving around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Pedestrian crossovers in Hamilton
A new way for pedestrians to easily and safely cross the road and how they differ from traditional crosswalks.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Learn about crossing the intersection using the audible tones, frequently asked questions and how to request an installation.
Hamilton Architecture Crawl
Treat yourself to a self-guided walking tour of these iconic Hamilton landmarks.
Hamilton Cemetery Tours
Each tour has a specific focus. Robin McKee shares stories from his vast knowledge of the Hamilton Cemetery and the people who are buried there.
Self-Guided Walking Maps:
Explore Hamilton's trails
There are many wonderful trails in the City of Hamilton for both the serious hiker as well as for those who wish to enjoy a leisurely afternoon outside.
Cycling Routes & Maps
Discover great cycling routes in Hamilton.
Hamilton Bike Share
Grab a bike from one of the 120 hubs located throughout Hamilton. It's worry-free, convenient, & easy to use.
Cycling Event Calendar
Upcoming cycling events and meetings in Hamilton.
Recreation Assistance Program
The Recreation Assistance Program provides City of Hamilton residents living with a low income the opportunity to participate in organized sports and recreation programs.
Property Tax Assistance Programs
There are various tax assistance programs available for residential taxpayers based on age or income.
OntarioElectricitySupport.ca
The OESP reduces the cost of your household electricity by applying a monthly credit directly to your bill.
Ontario Renovates Program for Homeowners
Offers financial assistance to low-income households who own and occupy substandard housing to enable them to repair their dwellings to a minimum level of health and safety.
Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security Program
Information on the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security pension and related benefits, the Canadian retirement income calculator and retirement planning.
Caregiving Benefits and Leave
Employment Insurance (EI) caregiving benefits provide financial assistance while you’re away from work to care for or support a critically ill or injured person or someone needing end-of-life care.
CRA Free Income Tax Clinics
Do you need help with your tax return? If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, volunteers at a free tax clinic may be able to complete your tax return for you.
Video: It's Important to do your Taxes
Listen to what a senior citizen in Hamilton discovered when filing his taxes. Don’t miss out and take advantage of the benefits you may receive!
Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum
An intergovernmental body established to share information, discuss new and emerging issues related to seniors, and work collaboratively on key projects.
Canada Seniors Programs & Services
There are a variety of programs and services through the federal government to help you ensure your later years are safe and secure.
Information for Seniors in Ontario
Learn about the wide range of programs and services supporting seniors, including how to stay safe, healthy and active.
Ontario Ministry for Seniors & Accessibility
Helping seniors and people with disabilities stay independent, active, and socially connected.