Ontario Expanding Adult Day and Respite Programs to Support Seniors and Caregivers in Durham
March 6, 2026
Community Care Durham receives increased funding to expand respite services
NEWS | March 6, 2026
DURHAM — The Ontario government is investing $40 million over three years to expand Adult Day Programs and Caregiver Respite Services across the province, helping seniors remain connected to their communities while providing vital relief to caregivers. This investment includes $20 million over three years to expand Adult Day Programs and $20 million over three years to expand access to Respite Programs.
Adult Day Programs offer seniors, including those living with dementia, social programming, peer engagement, and structured activities that reduce isolation and support overall well-being. Respite services provide individuals living with dementia access to recreational activities, adult day programs, or substitute living arrangements, giving caregivers the opportunity to take a much-needed break.
In Whitby and Durham Region, Community Care Durham has been approved for a total of $361,500 through the Respite Services Program, over fiscal years 2025-26, and 2026-27.
“Our government is continuing to take action to ensure that people living in the Region of Durham have access to the healthcare and services they need, at every stage of life,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security. “This investment will allow more local seniors and their loved ones to connect to the compassionate services and supports they need in their Durham communities.”
“Respite and day programs offered through Community Care Durham are an important community lifeline which help Durham families, volunteers, and caregivers,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “Our government is continuing to invest in these essential programs to support caregivers and help seniors enjoy the quality of life that they deserve.”
“Expanding respite and adult day programs strengthens the wellbeing of seniors while offering caregivers the essential support they deserve,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament, Pickering-Uxbridge. “Our government’s investment helps ensure more families can access compassionate, community-based care close to home.”
“Our government is supporting the vital role of caregivers and ensuring they have access to the supports they need,” said Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By investing in adult day programs and caregiver respite services, we are supporting the well-being of seniors and caregivers in Durham Region and across Ontario.”
An Expression of Interest (EOI) for Adult Day Programs and Caregiver Respite was issued in Fall 2025 to expand services across Ontario. This investment will increase the number of individuals served locally and strengthen access to community-based care.
The expansion of Adult Day and Respite Programs is part of Ontario’s ongoing commitment to strengthening home and community care services and improving quality of life for seniors and their families.
QUOTES
“Strong, community-based supports play an important role in helping seniors remain connected and supported close to home, while also providing much-needed relief for caregivers. This investment will strengthen services in Durham Region and support the work of organizations like Community Care Durham, who deliver day-to-day care that residents and families rely on.”
– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham
“Community Care Durham is grateful for this investment, which comes at a time when demand for Adult Day and Respite Programs has never been higher. These services give seniors meaningful connection, structure, and purpose, while providing caregivers with the peace of mind and rest they need. This funding strengthens one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to support people to remain healthy, independent, and living safely at home — and it reinforces CCD’s role as a sustainable, high-value partner in building a more integrated and resilient community health system.”
– Jim Cressos, Chief Executive Officer, Community Care Durham
Additional Resources
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MEDIA CONTACTS Eric Hutchins
Office Manager
Lorne Coe
MPP Whitby
Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
905-430-1141 |