Minister replies to my question of Aug 24 about the alarming cost increases in long-term care and retirement home care:
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Thank you for your email of August 24, 2025 and follow-up email of August 28, 2025 regarding retirement home fees and supports for seniors in Ontario. As a senior myself, I understand the difficulties many seniors are experiencing during these challenging economic times, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.
Our government is committed to supporting the delivery of programs and services that positively impact the daily lives of Ontario’s seniors and promote improved health and well-being. We are constantly working to ensure that systems and supports are in place to improve the lives of older adults.
In Ontario, retirement homes are private businesses that set their own fee structures and how they charge for the services they provide, subject to rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). Under the RTA, the government sets the annual amount that the rent portion can be increased. The rent increase guideline for 2025 is 2.5%.
The rent increase guideline only applies to the rent portion charged by the home and does not apply to the costs of additional services like food or housekeeping. There is no limit on the amount which can be charged for care services or meals, or the amount of any increase in these charges. More information about tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities is available from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Ontario retirement homes are also subject to the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 (RHA), which regulates the provision of care and services. The RHA is administered on the government’s behalf by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA).
The RHA establishes and reinforces residents’ rights with respect to fees under the RTA, including the right to:
- know the true cost of care and accommodation
- be informed in advance of increased charges for care services
Retirement home residents can also access care outside the retirement home from an external care provider. This would include publicly funded home care services provided through Ontario Health atHome.
I would like to ensure that you are aware of several provincial programs and tax credits that help seniors to stay safe and healthy, active and engaged. These include:
- The Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) provides a monthly, non-taxable payment to eligible seniors with low income. As of July 2025, the maximum benefit increased to $90 per month for eligible single seniors and to $180 per month for senior couples. Going forward, the benefit will be adjusted to inflation annually.
- The Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit is a refundable personal income tax credit to help low- to moderate-income seniors 70 years of age or older, or who have a spouse or common-law partner who turned 70 years of age or older, with eligible medical expenses, including expenses that support aging at home. The credit provides up to 25% of claimable medical expenses up to $6,000 for a maximum credit of $1,500.
- The Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant helps low- to moderate-income seniors 64 years of age or older who own their own home with the cost of their property taxes. It provides up to $500 each year depending on adjusted family net income.
- The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) provides low to moderate-income seniors with one monthly payment of three refundable tax credits: the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit and Northern Ontario Energy Credit. Each year, seniors must apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit by filing their personal Income Tax and Benefit Return and completing and enclosing the ON-BEN Application Form included in tax return package.
- The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) lowers electricity bills for lower-income households. The OESP provides a monthly credit to eligible customers based on household income and household size. The OESP credits are applied directly to eligible customers’ bills.
- The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program provides coverage for people aged 65 years and older. Low-income seniors or a senior couple with income below certain thresholds may be eligible for the Seniors Co-Payment Program, which means they will not have to pay the annual deductible and it may mean a lower payment per prescription on drugs covered through the ODB program.
- The one-time $200 Ontario Taxpayer Rebate offers immediate relief for Ontario families in the face of high interest rates and the federal carbon tax.
In addition to the financial supports noted above, the following provincial programs also support seniors to remain healthy, active and engaged in their communities:
- The Home and Vehicle Modification Program provides funding to eligible individuals with mobility restrictions, including seniors, to make their home and/or vehicle more accessible, so they can live safely, avoid job loss and participate in their community. The program is administered by March of Dimes Canada.
- The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides free, routine dental services for eligible low-income seniors in Ontario who are 65 years of age or older, have no other form of dental benefits (apart from the Canadian Dental Care Plan) and meet income requirements.
- The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps people with long-term physical disabilities pay for customized equipment, including mobility aids. The ADP covers 75 percent of the cost for equipment and supplies. To learn more, please contact Ontario’s Ministry of Health.
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA) also provides funding for several different programs that help seniors stay socially and physically active, prevent social isolation and reduce ageism:
- Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) programs are community-based initiatives that keep seniors fit, active, healthy and socially connected by providing a community hub for older adults. Due to the overwhelming success of SALC programming our government announced an investment of approximately $17 million over three years, beginning in 2024-25, to expand the number of SALC programs. In 2025-26, MSAA is providing more than $22.7 million to 413 SALC programs across the province.
- The Seniors Community Grant Program funds local non-profit organizations and Indigenous groups to provide educational and social opportunities for older adults to safely engage with their communities. In 2025-26 our government is investing almost $7 million by providing grants of up to $25,000 to over 300 organizations across Ontario to deliver programs to older adults.
- The Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant is a new $2.25 million program that focuses on small capital projects to help advance accessibility and enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and older adults.
For additional information about all of the resources available to support seniors across the province, including housing options, tax credits, health, caregiving, transportation and staying safe, please view or download the Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors or visit our seniors portal at: ontario.ca/seniors.
As long-term care falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Long-Term Care, I am also sharing your comments with my Cabinet colleague, the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, for her information and consideration.
I hope this information is helpful. Thank you again for writing and please accept my best wishes.
Sincerely,
Honourable Raymond Cho
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
c: The Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care
