Health, care, and aging at home

7.1 Care settings and stress testing

GIS involuntary-separation election. When spouses or common-law partners must live apart for reasons beyond their control — most commonly when one enters a long-term-care home or hospital — the couple can ask Service Canada to be treated as two single individuals for GIS and Allowance purposes. Because the single-rate maximums and income tests are more generous than the couple rates, this election often increases combined benefits by thousands of dollars per year, precisely when care costs rise. Ontario GAINS follows the federal determination. This is not automatic: notify Service Canada of the separation and ask about the involuntary-separation provision. Also coordinate with the LTC rate reduction application for the basic room (§13.2.12), which is based on income. Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/old-age-security/guaranteed-income-supplement.html

7.2 Choosing a retirement home

Ontario retirement homes are private-pay rental housing with optional care services. They differ from long-term-care homes, where admission is coordinated through Ontario Health atHome and government funding covers nursing and personal care.

Before signing:

• Confirm the home is licensed and review its RHRA inspection record.
• Obtain the written agreement showing rent, meals, care charges, optional services, and increase rules.
• Ask about staffing, emergency response, medication support, and increasing care needs.
• Review termination, transfer, and discharge provisions.
• Confirm resident rights and the complaint process.
• Estimate the total cost if care needs increase, not only the introductory rent.

Official source: Government of Ontario - Find a retirement home

7.3 Aging-at-home tax credits and Ontario supports

Program Planning use

Federal non-refundable credit for qualifying Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) renovations that improve access or reduce risk for an eligible person.

Federal refundable credit for qualifying creation of a self-contained secondary unit Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax for an eligible senior or adult eligible for the Credit (MHRTC) disability tax credit. See §7.6 — creating a secondary unit can affect the Principal Residence Exemption.

Federal non-refundable credit for eligible support of a spouse, partner, or dependant Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC) with an impairment; amounts and eligibility depend on relationship, income, and circumstances.

Helps pay for eligible devices such as Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) mobility, hearing, respiratory, visual, and other equipment; coverage and client share vary by device and program rules.

7.4 Travel and out-of-country medical insurance

Travel policies can be invalidated by changes in symptoms, tests, treatment, or medication during the policy's stability period. Read the policy definition of stable, disclose accurately, retain medical records, understand exclusions, and call the insurer before travelling after any health change.

7.5 Insurance decisions in retirement

Insurance should solve a defined risk. Compare the cost of premiums with the financial harm if the event occurs, the availability of public coverage, and the household's ability to self-insure. Reassess life, health/dental, travel, critical-illness, and long-term-care coverage after retirement, mortgage payoff, widowhood, and major asset changes.

7.6 Principal Residence Exemption and change-in-use

• CRA may treat you as having a deemed disposition of the affected portion at fair market value, potentially crystallizing a capital gain, and
• the income-producing portion may no longer qualify for the PRE going forward, so a partial capital gain can arise on the eventual sale of the home.

• A change in use may be avoided where the income use is ancillary/secondary to the main residential use, the home is not structurally altered for the income use, and no capital cost allowance (depreciation) is claimed — but these conditions are specific and fact-dependent.
• In some cases a subsection 45(2)/45(3) election can defer the deemed disposition; eligibility and timing rules apply.
• Keep records of the home's value before and after the renovation and of the area/percentage used for income.
• Coordinate any secondary-suite plan (for a caregiver, adult child, or rental) with a tax professional before starting, so the household weighs the MHRTC benefit against a possible future PRE loss.

7.7 Navigating the Ontario health and home-care system

Knowing which door to knock on matters as much as knowing a program exists. These access points apply province-wide, though local service capacity and wait times vary by region.

7.8 Staying healthy and independent

A retirement plan should make room for the things you want to keep doing: preparing meals, getting around, enjoying hobbies, and spending time with others. Healthspan means the years lived in good health. Treat these everyday goals as part of your retirement plan, alongside income and future care needs.

• Move in ways that suit you. Canada's physical activity guidance for adults aged 65 and older recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity each week, with muscle- and bone-strengthening activities at least twice a week. Start slowly and build up. Ask a health professional about suitable activities if you have a medical condition or are unsure what is appropriate for you.
• Make healthy eating practical. Canada's Food Guide recommends vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and protein foods, with water as the drink of choice. Plan food shopping and meals around your budget, preferences, and any individual dietary needs.
• Make room for connection and learning. Look for activities you enjoy, such as a book club, art class, group walk, or community program. Ontario's active-living resources include options in person, online, and by telephone.

Find activities near you

Ontario's Seniors Active Living Centre programs offer social, cultural, learning, and recreational activities. Depending on the centre, options may include fitness classes, arts, book clubs, and health and wellness programs.

Find activities near you — Ontario's Seniors Active Living Centre locator

Contact the program before attending. Ask about eligibility, schedules, membership or activity fees, accessibility, transportation, and whether online or telephone participation is available. Programs and costs vary by location.

Include participation in your retirement budget

• Choose one activity you would like to try and check its total cost, including transportation and any equipment.
• Ask about free activities, reduced fees, or a trial visit before committing to a membership.
• Allow for food, hobbies, and social activities in your monthly spending plan. Review the allowance when your interests, mobility, or transport options change.
• Keep a separate allowance for possible future care costs; healthy habits do not remove the need to plan for care.

General health education only. Choose activities and food that fit your circumstances, with professional guidance where needed.

Sources checked October 15, 2026:

• Public Health Agency of Canada — Physical activity tips for older adults
• Health Canada — Healthy eating recommendations
• Ontario — Active living
• Ontario — Seniors' centres, including fees and participation