Ottawa Group Homes

Group homes for seniors in Ottawa provide a smaller, more personal alternative to retirement residences or long-term care homes. Usually located in converted private houses, they typically accommodate 3 to 10 residents. This model creates a family-style atmosphere where seniors live together while receiving support with daily needs.

Most group homes provide help with everyday routines such as meals, bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. Depending on the operator, some may also support residents with memory challenges, mobility issues, or chronic conditions. Care may be offered directly by the home’s staff, or in some cases, through services arranged by Ontario Health atHome.

• Prefer a quieter, smaller setting instead of a large community.
• Need daily support but not the higher level of care offered in long-term care.
• Value strong social connections and close interaction with caregivers.
• May benefit from a more affordable option compared to retirement residences.

You can view available group homes in Ottawa by scrolling down this page to see current listings. Because group homes are independently run and often small, availability may be limited.

It’s important to understand how group homes differ from other options:

• Supportive Housing may be subsidized and connected to community programs.
• Retirement homes are larger, offer more amenities, and generally cost more.
• Home sharing involves renting or sharing space with another adult, usually without formal care included.
• Long-term care homes are government-funded and regulated under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, designed for people who need 24/7 medical and nursing care.
• Group homes are privately operated by individuals and provide a simpler, family-style setting with lower overhead costs.

Oversight is an important factor when considering a group home. At best, families should choose a home that has some form of regulation or complaint process in place.

• Homes offering at least two care services with six or more unrelated senior residents are required to be licensed under the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA).
• You can check the RHRA’s list of licensed homes.
• If a home is not listed, families can contact the RHRA directly to confirm why it is not licensed.
• If the RHRA’s explanation is satisfactory, families may then contact the municipality to determine whether the home has local approval or licensing to operate in the area.

Because group homes are usually less expensive than retirement residences, they can be a more affordable choice. However, families should balance cost with safety, oversight, and available supports.

• Ontario Health atHome
• 211 Ontario (Community Programs & Services)
• Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA)

How is a group home different from a retirement home?
Group homes are smaller and usually converted private houses with limited residents. Retirement homes are larger, licensed facilities with more programs, amenities, and typically higher costs.

Are group homes licensed in Ontario?
Homes offering at least two care services with six or more unrelated senior residents (age 65 or older) are required to be licensed by the RHRA. If a home is not on the RHRA registry, families should first contact the RHRA to confirm why. If that explanation is satisfactory, the next step is to contact the local municipality to see if the home is licensed or approved to operate in the area.

Who provides care in a group home?
Care may be provided by the operator, hired caregivers, or arranged through Ontario Health atHome, depending on the resident’s needs.

How many people usually live in a group home for seniors?
Most homes house between 3 and 10 residents. This small scale allows for more personalized care and a family-like environment.

Is care in a group home covered by OHIP or government funding?
Generally, the accommodation costs are private-pay. However, some personal support services may be arranged through Ontario Health atHome at no direct cost to the resident.

What questions should families ask before choosing a group home?
Families should ask about licensing status, staffing, care services provided, meal arrangements, emergency procedures, and how complaints are handled. Visiting the home in person is always recommended.

Is a group home a good option if my parent needs daily support?
Yes, group homes can be a good option for seniors needing daily assistance in a smaller, more affordable environment. However, oversight and regulation vary, so families should ask important questions before choosing.