Assisting Seniors to Live Independent and Healthy Lives
Dixon Hall’s Seniors department offers a wide range of programs and services to ensure seniors and adults living with a disability or illness can continue to live at home and engage in the community for as long as possible.
Through our caring and dedicated staff and volunteers, we provide cost-effective, essential support services to over 2,100 clients and their families from a diversity of backgrounds a year.
Community Support Programs
Meals on Wheels provides a variety of nutritious food options that are delivered to an individual’s home by friendly, caring volunteers. Many special diets can be accommodated.
Program HoursTo safeguard the health and well-being of our clients, volunteers, and staff, several changes have been made to Meals on Wheels operations. Meals are delivered 7 days per week. Hot Meals on:
Meal Options
Program Fees (Effective July 1st, 2023)
Eligibility
VolunteerWe’re always looking for volunteers to help with our Meals on Wheels program. To apply, click here. |
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One-to-one support and in-home assistance is provided with:
Hours7 days a week from 8:30 am to 6:00 pmFees$8 an hour for a minimum of 2 hours per visit.Eligibility
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Friendly volunteers make regularly scheduled calls to clients who are isolated and at-risk. Conversations can include a friendly visit over the phone, a check-in to ensure everything is alright and important reminders. HoursCalls are made 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and can vary depending on volunteer availability. FeesThere is no fee for this service. Eligibility
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Community Transportation provides safe, reliable rides to medical, rehabilitation & therapy appointments, shopping, social outings, and community programs for those who have difficulty accessing public transportation. Our trained and experienced drivers assist clients in and out of the vehicle, as well as load walkers, assistive devices, and other items into the trunk. Program HoursMonday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Booking a RideRide requests must be made with at least 48 hours’ advance notice. When booking a ride, clients must provide the date, time, and length of the appointment, as well as the contact information of the doctor or location of the appointment. Program Fees
A monthly invoice is issued to clients or their caregivers. Drivers should not be paid directly. Financial subsidies are available based on a financial assessment. Eligibility
Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services is a member of Toronto Ride. Launched in 1998, Toronto Ride is a collaborative partnership of 14 not-for-profit, community support service agencies that provide door-to-door, assisted transportation to seniors 55+ and adults with disabilities who are not eligible for Wheel-Trans. Its transportation services help clients live independently by offering equitable access to health care, Adult Day Programs and appointments, and activities in the Toronto area. |  |
MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre
The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) aims to optimize the longevity of Canada’s aging population through research, education, and collaboration. Interdisciplinary teams work alongside older adults and key stakeholders to find ways that will help Canadians spend more years living well.
The MIRA | Dixon Hall Centre is a unique partnership between the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) and Dixon Hall, a multi-service agency focused on addressing poverty, social injustices and isolation across the lifespan, in Toronto’s downtown East. Created in April 2021, this collaboration brings together Dixon Hall’s expertise in providing comprehensive community-based client care and MIRA’s excellence in creating innovative research programs centred around aging and older adults.
For more information on MIRA | DH projects contact Nadia Jamil, Research and Community Lead; Tel: (647) 250-2272 | Email: Nadia.Jamil@dixonhall.org
Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) Programs
The Adult Enrichment & Wellness program offers wonderful opportunities for active seniors to connect with each other and make new friends. Seniors who attend the program have the unique chance to be part of our Members Council where they can contribute to program ideas and voice their concerns. Program activities include jewelry making, stain glass creation, mosaic art, calligraphy, arts & crafts, fitness, pot luck luncheons, bingo & other games, and special outings such as theatre, dinners, museums and out of town day trips. Program HoursMonday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Program FeesA yearly membership of $20 includes access to all of our SALC programs. Special outings and lunches are extra, and participants are responsible for their own supplies when taking part in specific activities. Program Location188 Carlton St. Members must be able to get to and from the Centre on their own. Satellite locations: 55 Bleecker St. EligibilitySeniors 55+ |  |
Mandarin Outreach reaches out to and addresses the ongoing needs of Mandarin speaking newcomers and immigrants, particularly seniors. Due to cultural, social and language barriers, many of our clients feel isolated, marginalized and challenged in their ability to access programs and services, and adjust to life in Canada. Program activities includeRecreation & Wellness Programs: fitness, dancing and music for women and seniors, arts & crafts for children, nutrition and health. Family activities, outings and cultural events are also organized. Skills & Literacy: teaches new skills and language, including an English conversation circle, a Cantonese learning class, computer classes for seniors and workshops on employment. Program HoursMonday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Program FeesA yearly membership of $20 includes access to all of Mandarin Outreach programs. Special outings and lunches are extra and participants are responsible for their own supplies when taking part in specific activities. Program Location192 Carlton Street Members must be able to get to and from the Centre on their own. Satellite locations: 310 Dundas St. East and 330 Gerrard St. East EligibilityMandarin-speaking newcomers |  |
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The Seniors Health & Wellness program provides opportunities for social interaction and support, promotes wellness among seniors, encourages members to develop leadership and creative skills, offers opportunities for continued learning, provides activities for general enjoyment, and facilitates cultural integration.
Program activities include sewing class, weekly choir practice, crochet drop-in, Majong, fitness, art classes and cooking demonstrations on healthy eating.
Program HoursMonday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pmProgram FeesA yearly membership of $20 includes access to all of our SALC programs. Special outings and lunches are extra, and participants are responsible for their own supplies when taking part in specific activities.Program Location192 Carlton Street Members must be able to get to and from the Centre on their own.EligibilitySeniors 55+ |
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Adult Day Programs
Adult Day programs offer opportunities for seniors and adults with disabilities to connect, make new friends and take part in fun, interesting and therapeutic activities. Programming caters to individuals of varying capabilities including those who are frail, dealing with cognitive impairment, physical disabilities and illness. Program activities are geared toward participants’ interests, likes and abilities, such as expressive art therapy, music, pet therapy, arts & crafts, exercises, floor & table games and special outings. A hot noon-time meal and snacks are provided daily. We are able to accommodate special diets. The Adult Day Program is for frail seniors and adults living with a physical disability and/or illness. The Alzheimer Day Program caters to older adults and/or seniors who have a cognitive impairment. Program HoursMonday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Members can choose to attend up to five days a week provided there is availability. Program Fees$22.00 day includes two-way transportation, a noon-time meal, and a snack. Day Centre Location188 Carlton Street Wheelchair accessible transportation is available to and from the Centre for those residing in our catchment area. Program staff accompany clients on all rides to ensure safety. |  |
Case Management Programs
The Client Intervention & Assistance program provides practical and emotional help with navigating the health care system, accessing programs & services, supportive counselling and crisis management. Staff work to establish trusting, positive relationships with clients, providing them with support that enables them to live healthy, dignified and independent lives. Services are also offered for:
Program HoursChinese CIA: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm FeesThere is no fee for this service. LocationsChinese CIA: 192 Carlton Street Eligibility
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Home Support Programs
Home-makers/ Personal Support Workers help seniors remain independent in their own homes by providing valuable homemaking services such as laundry, vacuuming, and light meal preparation. HoursA minimum of two hours per visit is required. Fees$10 per hour Eligibility
To learn more about Homemaking and referrals, contact: Tracy James, Intake Coordinator at intake@dixonhall.org or 416-863-0499 x 3222 |  |
Supportive Housing provides an alternative to long-term care facilities for the elderly, allowing seniors to maintain dignity and respect as they ‘age in place.’ 15 full and part-time staff work around the clock to keep more than 90 clients living independently in their homes by providing personal care, essential housekeeping, care coordination, and emergency response. Services include personal care assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, skincare, mouth care, hair care, safety checks, transfers, turning/positioning, and medication reminders; and essential homemaking assistance with light housekeeping, laundry, and grocery shopping.
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week Emergency response: staff are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached through a cell phone. However, there are no doctors/nurses on site, so in a life-threatening emergency, residents must call 9-1-1 first and then notify staff. Staff will provide practical assistance/support until the ambulance arrives. FeesThere is no fee for this service if deemed eligible. LocationsServices are available in the following buildings: Old York Tower: 85 The Esplanade Older Women’s Network (OWN) Co-op: 115 The Esplanade Performance Arts Lodge (PAL) of Canada: 110 The Esplanade EligibilityAll senior residents living at Old York Tower, PAL Place and OWN Co-op are eligible for assessment. Those who have demonstrated a need for services and who meet the eligibility criteria will receive services if capacity allows. Application ProcedureEligible residents can contact the Supportive Housing Program directly or instruct someone to do so on their behalf. A Care Coordinator will make an appointment to visit the resident in his/her apartment to assess and discuss the person’s individual needs. To learn more about our Supportive Housing Program, contact:
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HIV/AIDS Programs
A hot, nutritious lunch program is provided to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, most specifically those with HIV/AIDS also facing additional health challenges.
This program is offered in partnership with the AIDS Committee of Toronto.
Hours
Every Thursday from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
Fees
There is no fee for this program.
Location
188 Carlton St.
Eligibility
Individuals living with HIV/AIDS also have specific health challenges.
Michael Stoyles, Women’s Support Coordinator & Community Programming Coordinator
e. mstoyles@actoronto.ca
t. 416.340.8484 x 269
A hot, nutritious meal is provided to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, most specifically those who are able to get to the program on their own and do not require additional assistance while attending.
This program is provided in partnership with the AIDS Committee of Toronto.
Hours
Every Friday from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
Fees
There is no fee for this program
Location
188 Carlton St.
Eligibility
Individuals living with HIV/AIDS who do not have additional health challenges.
To learn more about Meet & Eat Lunch, contact the Program Coordinator during regular business hours:
Michael Stoyles, Women’s Support Coordinator & Community Programming Coordinator
e. mstoyles@actoronto.ca
t. 416.340.8484 x 269
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Main Office
188 & 192 Carlton
Toronto, ON M5A 2K8
Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Sindi Yoo
Intake Coordinator
e. intake@dixonhall.org
t. 416.863.0499 x3222