What is supportive housing for seniors in Ottawa?

Supportive housing in Ottawa provides affordable, rent-geared-to-income apartments with access to personal care services like housekeeping, meals, and medication reminders. It is ideal for seniors who can live independently but need some help with daily living tasks.

How do I apply for supportive housing in Ottawa?

You can apply through Ontario Health atHome or through local municipal programs in Ottawa. A care coordinator will assess your eligibility. Referrals can be made by family, physicians, or by the individual directly.

Is there a cost for supportive housing services in Ottawa?

Support services coordinated by Ontario Health atHome are publicly funded and provided at no cost. Rent is typically geared to income, and residents may pay for additional personal expenses depending on the program.

Ottawa Supportive Housing

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Overview

Supportive housing in Ottawa offers a stable, affordable option for older adults and individuals with disabilities who want to live independently with some assistance. These programs combine rent-geared-to-income housing with access to personal support services like help with bathing, housekeeping, meals, and medication reminders.

Supportive housing is publicly funded and designed for those who do not need 24-hour nursing or medical care but benefit from routine support. It differs from retirement homes, which may provide similar services but are privately funded. Many supportive housing programs in Ottawa operate in collaboration with Ontario Health atHome, the City of Ottawa, and non-profit community agencies.

To better understand all your housing options, visit our Senior Housing Options page.

Who Is Supportive Housing For?

Supportive housing is intended for individuals who can live independently with some scheduled support. It's a good fit for older adults managing mobility issues, chronic illness, or mild cognitive concerns who don’t require full-time care or medical supervision.

Supportive housing is not meant for emergency or transitional needs. Most programs have long waitlists and fixed eligibility criteria. Residents typically live in self-contained apartments with personal care provided on a scheduled basis. Emergency services are accessed through 911 and nearby hospitals.

How to Apply for Supportive Housing in Ottawa

Ontario Health atHome coordinates several supportive housing programs in Ottawa through its Integrated Assisted Living Program or similar. This initiative connects eligible individuals with scheduled personal care, housekeeping support, and access to staff for both daily and urgent needs—delivered in designated housing buildings.

A care coordinator will help assess your needs, develop a support plan, and arrange for services. These supports are funded by the province and are offered at no cost to eligible residents. Anyone can make a referral—whether it's yourself, a family member, a doctor, or a friend. To start, contact Ontario Health atHome or call 310-2222 (no area code required).

Each program may have its own intake process and eligibility rules. If you're not sure where to begin, our consulting services can help guide you through the options and next steps.

Related Housing Options in Ottawa

Ottawa Supportive Housing

What does supportive housing cost in Ottawa?

Supportive housing is generally designed to be affordable, especially for older adults on fixed incomes. Costs vary widely depending on the provider and the type of building, but many programs offer rent that is geared to income (RGI). Some units operate under the Residential Tenancies Act and may follow rent control guidelines, while others receive government funding to subsidize monthly charges. In most cases, residents pay rent plus a modest fee for support services like meals or housekeeping.

Why is there no standard pricing for supportive housing?

Supportive housing can be operated by non-profits, community organizations, or private landlords partnered with government programs. Because of this, pricing isn’t standardized across the province or even within a city. Factors like funding sources, level of support provided, and building ownership all impact what a resident may pay. It's best to speak directly with the provider to understand eligibility, waitlists, and what’s included in the cost.

Can I use the calculator to compare supportive housing with other options?

If you know the approximate rent and service charges in a supportive housing building, you can use our Senior Housing Cost Calculator to compare costs with living in your current home or moving to a retirement residence. Keep in mind that supportive housing costs are often lower, but waitlists may be long and availability limited.