News that matters to Canadian families.
Every Monday morning we publish a short briefing on the senior-care news from the week — what happened, why it matters, what to do next.
Progress on National Dental Care and Safeguarding Senior Security
Recent data reveals 88% of patients are satisfied with the Canadian Dental Care Plan, though barriers like out-of-pocket costs remain. Meanwhile, senior advocates are meeting on Parliament Hill to push back against suggested cuts to Old Age Security and promote technological innovation in care.
Canada’s National Dental Plan: Progress Reported and Ongoing Challenges for Seniors
The Canadian Dental Association has released a report showing that while the new national dental plan is significantly reducing costs for seniors, barriers like workforce shortages and coverage confusion remain. Meanwhile, senior advocates are in Ottawa to defend Old Age Security from proposed cuts, ensuring financial stability for aging at home.
Protecting OAS and Advancing Tech: This Week’s Aging Well Briefing
This week, CARP took to Parliament Hill to defend Old Age Security (OAS) from potential benefit cuts and household income testing. Meanwhile, new collaborations in the tech sector and reflections on National Seniors Day highlight the ongoing efforts to improve quality of life for aging Canadians.
Advocacy Groups Call for Stronger CPP Survivor Benefits to Support Widowed Seniors
The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) and the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) have released a joint policy paper calling for a stronger CPP survivor benefit. They argue the current system leaves surviving spouses—particularly women—financially vulnerable after the death of a partner.
Advocates Call for CPP Reform to Protect Surviving Spouses
The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) and the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) are urging the federal government to modernize CPP survivor benefits. They argue that the current system disproportionately affects women and fails to account for household expenses that remain high after a spouse's death.
National Seniors Day 2026: Exploring AgeTech Innovations Across Canada
To mark National Seniors Day on October 1, AGE-WELL is hosting AgeTech Discovery Day events in nine cities to showcase innovations like smart home systems and wearable health tech. These free sessions allow families to meet researchers and explore tools designed to support aging in place.
CARP Reschedules Annual General Meeting and Reminds Families to Vote
This week, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) announced a rescheduled virtual Annual General Meeting for October 15, 2026, while mourning the loss of long-time advocate Bill VanGorder. The organization is also urging the federal government to ensure seniors are not forgotten in upcoming budget decisions.
Remembering Advocacy Leader Bill VanGorder and This Week's Senior News
This week, the Canadian senior care community mourns the passing of Bill VanGorder, a long-time advocate and former Chief Policy Officer for CARP. Our briefing also covers CARP’s latest federal budget recommendations and leadership changes at the AGE-WELL technology network.
Bridging the Gap Between Aging Research and Real-World Solutions
This week, we explore how new AI research is being translated into real-world tools for seniors, alongside important updates on fire safety and RSV prevention for older adults. These developments highlight the ongoing work to keep Canadian seniors safe, healthy, and independent.
CARP Urges Canada's Premiers to Prioritize the Ongoing Healthcare Crisis
As Canada's Premiers prepare to meet in Charlottetown, CARP is advocating for healthcare to be the primary focus rather than a secondary concern. This briefing covers national advocacy efforts, local municipal leadership, and the latest in mobility research for older adults.
Toronto's Mayoral Race and the Future of Mobility for Seniors
This week, we explore how Toronto’s mayoral race is centering around its aging population, alongside updates on innovative mobility solutions for older adults and a tribute to a pioneer in healthy aging.
Toronto's Mayoral Race Puts Seniors’ Issues in the Spotlight
The upcoming Toronto mayoral election is highlighting key issues for seniors, including public safety, affordability, and mobility. As the city’s population of older adults continues to grow, candidates like Brad Bradford are prioritizing how the city can better support aging with dignity.
Protecting Seniors on Social Media and New Resources for Aging at Home
This week, CARP is urging Meta to better protect older Canadians from digital scams, while AGE-WELL highlights innovations in medication management and loneliness prevention. We provide steps for families to secure their parents' online accounts and discover new supportive technologies.
Ontario expands at-home care funding — what families should ask now
Ontario Health atHome expanded eligibility for publicly funded personal-support hours. Families already on service can request a reassessment; new applicants should call their regional intake line and ask specifically about the updated criteria.
CRA clarifies what counts for the Home Accessibility Tax Credit in 2026
The CRA's updated HATC guidance confirms grab bars, walk-in showers, and stairlifts qualify, clarifies that smart-home voice assistants do not, and broadens eligible widening-of-doorway work. Keep itemized invoices that separate labour from materials.
BC rolls out free fall-prevention clinics — how to get a referral
BC's health authorities launched no-cost in-home fall-risk assessments for adults 70+. Referrals come from a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or self-referral via 8-1-1. Wait times are currently 2–3 weeks.
Alberta posted 2026 continuing-care accommodation rates — the gap to watch
Alberta's 2026 continuing-care accommodation rates rose roughly 3% across standard, semi-private, and private rooms. The number that matters most is the gap between the rate and the resident's monthly income — that's the figure that determines whether you'll need to top up.
Québec's caregiver tax credit just got simpler — and bigger
Revenu Québec simplified the Tax Credit for Caregivers (crédit d'impôt pour personne aidante). The cohabitation requirement was dropped for the stream covering caregivers of adults 18+ with severe impairment, and the maximum credit rose modestly. File or amend your return to claim it.