How Canada's Age Well at Home Initiative Can Help You Stay in Your Own Home

Last Updated: February 2025

Picture this: You've spent decades building a life in your home and community. Your garden blooms with memories, your neighbors have become family, and every corner holds a story. The thought of leaving it all behind for institutional care feels overwhelming-and thankfully, it may not be necessary.

The Government of Canada created the Age Well at Home Initiative to help more seniors do this. This program supports community organizations to pilot new approaches, scale up effective, existing ones, and mobilize volunteers to help seniors age at home.

If you're wondering whether you qualify for support, what services are available, or how to access them, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this life-changing program.

What Exactly Is the Age Well at Home Initiative?

Budget 2021 announced $90 million ($76.5 million in grants and contributions) over three years for the Age Well at Home initiative. The initiative has been extended and will run until 2025–26.

This isn't just another government program-it's a recognition that over three-quarters (78 per cent) of Canadians want to age in their current homes – but just 26 per cent predict they'll be able to do so. The initiative bridges this gap by funding community organizations to provide practical, volunteer-based support services directly to seniors in their homes.

The Two Main Streams

The Age Well at Home initiative operates through two distinct streams:

1. In-Home Support Pilot Projects

‍This stream focuses on mobilizing volunteers to provide practical daily support to low-income and vulnerable seniors. Over $40 million in funding is provided through these projects to help organizations mobilize volunteers to support seniors in their homes.

2. Scaling Up for Seniors

‍This stream expands services that have already proven successful in helping seniors age at home. The initiative's Scaling Up for Seniors stream is also providing over $24 million in funding to help 24 national organizations expand services that are already demonstrating results for more seniors in more parts of the country.

What Services Can You Access?

The range of support available through the Age Well at Home initiative is designed to address the practical challenges that can make independent living difficult. Here's what's available:

Core Services Available

Eligible services: light housekeeping (such as laundry, cleaning); meal delivery and/or preparation; home maintenance (such as repairs, yard work, lawn mowing); transportation (such as to appointments, errands); snow removal; volunteer drop-offs (such as groceries, medication, pet supplies); and friendly visiting in the home.

Let's break down what each service means for your daily life:

Light Housekeeping

• Laundry assistance
• Regular cleaning support
• Organization help
• Basic home maintenance

Meal Support

• Meal preparation in your home
• Grocery delivery
• Special dietary needs accommodation
• Nutrition guidance

Transportation Services

• Rides to medical appointments
• Assistance with errands
• Shopping trips
• Social visits

Home Maintenance

• Minor repairs
• Yard work and lawn care
• Snow removal
• Seasonal maintenance

Social Connection

• Friendly visiting programs
• Wellness checks
• Companionship
• Community connection support

Navigation ServicesOne of the most valuable aspects of the program is help navigating other available services. Provide a service that helps low-income and otherwise vulnerable seniors navigate and gain access to eligible services provided by other organizations active in the local area.

Who Qualifies for Support?

The program prioritizes support for specific groups of seniors who face the greatest challenges in aging at home:

Primary Eligibility Focus

• Low-income seniors who struggle to afford private care services
• Vulnerable seniors including those who are isolated or have limited family support
• Seniors from diverse communities including Indigenous seniors, racialized seniors, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors
• Rural and remote seniors who have limited access to services
• Seniors in official language minority communities

Geographic Coverage

These projects are among over 80 projects across Canada receiving funding under the Age Well at Home initiative's In-Home Support Pilot Project stream. The program operates nationwide, with local organizations in communities across all provinces and territories.

How to Find Services in Your Community

Since the Age Well at Home initiative works through local community organizations, finding the right support in your area requires knowing where to look.

Step 1: Contact Your Local Senior Services

Start by reaching out to:

• Municipal senior services departments
• Community health centers
• Local senior centers
• Non-profit organizations serving seniors

Step 2: Use Government Resources

• Visit Canada.ca Programs and Services for Seniors for comprehensive information
• Contact Employment and Social Development Canada at 819-994-5559 for program information
• Check with your provincial government's senior services department

Step 3: Leverage Community Networks

• Ask at your local library-librarians often maintain lists of community resources
• Contact your place of worship or community center
• Speak with your family doctor or healthcare provider
• Connect with neighbors who may have used similar services

Real Impact: How the Program Is Changing Lives

The Age Well at Home initiative isn't just theory-it's making a real difference in communities across Canada. Here are some examples of how the program is working:

Success Stories from Across Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador: Connections for Seniors will use this funding to expand the availability of its practical in-home support services to up to 2,000 older adults in the St. John's area.

Manitoba: The North Point Douglas Seniors Association in Winnipeg is receiving up to $470,417 for their Seniors Life Quality Project. The project allows inner city seniors living independently to improve their quality of life through friendly visits, light housekeeping and home maintenance.

Alberta: The Drive Happiness project will expand volunteer-assisted transportation for seniors and increase access to in-home supports in urban and rural settings in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Ontario: The Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care will work with the support of communities, senior-serving organizations and other agencies to expand the delivery of their services in Ontario and into British Columbia.

Making the Most of Available Support

Once you've identified services in your area, here's how to maximize the benefits:

Prepare for Your Initial Contact

• List your specific needs: Are you struggling most with housekeeping, transportation, or social isolation?
• Be honest about your situation: Organizations need to understand your circumstances to provide appropriate support
• Ask about wait times: Some services may have waiting lists, so early contact is beneficial

Understand the Volunteer Model

Projects are expected to rely on volunteers to deliver services, unless there are exceptional circumstances that make it impossible to deliver a service without paid support. This means:

• Services are typically provided by trained community volunteers
• Scheduling may have some flexibility requirements
• Building relationships with volunteers can enhance your experience

Connect with Multiple Services

Many organizations provide navigation services to help you access additional support. Don't hesitate to ask about:

• Other community programs you might qualify for
• Government benefits you may not be aware of
• Healthcare services and supports
• Financial assistance programs

Beyond Age Well at Home: Additional Resources

While the Age Well at Home initiative provides crucial support, it's part of a broader network of services available to Canadian seniors:

Federal Programs

• Old Age Security (OAS): Monthly payment for seniors 65 and older
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Additional support for low-income OAS recipients
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Retirement benefits based on contributions
• Canadian Dental Care Plan: Dental coverage for eligible seniors

Provincial and Territorial Services

Each province and territory offers additional programs. For example, Ontario's Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors provides comprehensive local information.

Community Resources

• Local food banks and meal programs
• Senior centers offering social programs
• Transportation services
• Home modification assistance programs

Planning for Your Future at Home

The Age Well at Home initiative is designed to help you stay in your home longer, but planning ahead can make an even bigger difference.

Home Safety and Accessibility

Consider making modifications that will help you age safely:

• Install grab bars in bathrooms
• Improve lighting throughout your home
• Remove trip hazards like loose rugs
• Consider stair railings or ramps if needed

Building Your Support Network

• Stay connected with neighbors and friends
• Maintain relationships with family members
• Consider joining community groups or clubs
• Volunteer yourself-it builds connections and keeps you active

Financial Planning

• Understand all the government benefits you're entitled to
• Consider the costs of home modifications versus care facilities
• 2 in 3 adults (67%) agree with the statement, "Modifications to an existing home are more cost-effective than living in a retirement home or long-term care facility."

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Ready to explore what support might be available to you? Here's your action plan:

Immediate Steps (This Week)

1. Research local organizations: Use the contact methods outlined above to identify Age Well at Home-funded organizations in your area
2. Assess your needs: Make an honest list of tasks that are becoming challenging
3. Gather your information: Have your contact details, health card, and any relevant income information ready

Short-term Steps (This Month)

1. Make initial contact: Reach out to 2-3 organizations to learn about their services
2. Schedule assessments: Many organizations offer home visits to assess your needs
3. Apply for relevant government benefits: Ensure you're receiving all benefits you're entitled to

Long-term Planning (Next 3-6 Months)

1. Establish service relationships: Begin receiving services and build relationships with volunteers
2. Plan home modifications: Address safety and accessibility issues
3. Build your broader support network: Connect with additional community resources

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

Seniors are one of Canada's fastest-growing population groups. They will represent almost 25% of the population by 2057 and could reach close to 11 million people within 15 years.

The Age Well at Home initiative recognizes that aging in place isn't just a personal preference-it's often the healthiest, most dignified, and most cost-effective option for both individuals and the healthcare system.

Nearly 70% agree, "Aging-in-place gives a sense of dignity, which is unavailable to people who are in senior living facilities."

By taking advantage of this program and planning ahead, you're not just accessing services-you're taking control of your future and joining a movement that recognizes the value of keeping seniors connected to their communities.

Resources and Contact Information

Key Government Resources

• General Senior Information: Canada.ca/seniors
• Age Well at Home Information: Canada.ca Age Well at Home
• Employment and Social Development Canada: 819-994-5559

Emergency and Crisis Support

If you're in immediate need of support:

• Contact your local emergency services (911)
• Reach out to local crisis lines
• Contact your family doctor or local health authority

Stay Informed

• Sign up for the Minister for Seniors newsletter on Canada.ca
• Follow Employment and Social Development Canada for updates
• Connect with local senior organizations for community-specific information

Remember: You've contributed to your community for decades. Now it's time to let your community support you in living independently and with dignity in the home you love. The Age Well at Home initiative exists because every senior deserves the choice to age where they feel most comfortable-and with the right support, that choice can become your reality.