Canada is entering a “grey wave” era, where the senior population is rapidly outpacing available housing. Retirement homes, assisted living units, and long-term care facilities are simply not being built quickly enough to meet demand. This shortage has created both challenges and opportunities—prompting innovation in life plan communities and new models of care.
But here’s the key takeaway: while large-scale housing projects are struggling to keep up, at-home care remains the most flexible and sustainable option for many older adults who want to age safely and comfortably.
The Growing Housing Shortage
According to recent reports, Canada could face a shortfall of hundreds of thousands of senior housing units by 2030. Construction rates for retirement and long-term care homes are far below what is needed to support the country’s aging population【Yahoo Finance report on seniors’ housing shortages](https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/canada-grey-wave-making-seniors-100026821.html).
This means that, in many provinces, waitlists for care homes continue to grow. Families often find themselves caught between limited availability, rising costs, and difficult choices about how and where loved ones should live.
New Models: Life Plan and Integrated Communities
While shortages are concerning, they have also sparked innovation in senior living. Developers and policymakers are exploring new housing concepts such as:
- Life Plan Communities (LPCs): Blending independent living, assisted living, and healthcare services within one campus. Seniors can transition seamlessly as their needs change.
- NORC Programs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities): Supporting seniors who already live in the same building or neighborhood by bringing services to them.
- Wellness-Focused Retirement Homes: Shifting focus beyond housing to include fitness, nutrition, social engagement, and lifelong learning【United Active Living – Future of Senior Living](https://www.unitedactiveliving.com/blog/what-senior-living-communities-will-look-like-in-2030).
These models highlight a trend: seniors want choice, independence, and holistic care, not just a place to live.
Why At-Home Care Is Still the Best Option
Even with new housing models, one reality remains: the vast majority of Canadian seniors want to age in place. At-home care provides:
- Comfort & familiarity – Staying in your own home means maintaining your routines, neighborhood, and independence.
- Flexible support – Services like personal support workers, nursing care, and companionship can be scaled up or down as needs change.
- Cost-effectiveness – For many families, paying for home care hours is more affordable than retirement community fees.
- Reduced wait times – Unlike care facilities, at-home support is available right away, without long waitlists.
As one Affinity Health client shared:
“Knowing my mom could stay in her own home with the right support gave us peace of mind. She has the freedom she loves, and we know she’s safe.”
At-home care not only eases pressure on the senior housing shortage, but also allows older adults to thrive in the place they feel most comfortable—home.
Moving Forward
Canada’s senior housing shortage is real, but so are the solutions. While life plan communities and new retirement models will play a role, home care will continue to be the most immediate, accessible, and personalized path forward.
If you or a loved one are exploring care options, start with Affinity Health’s Home Care Services to learn how at-home support can help you maintain independence and dignity.
Discover how Affinity Health can help you or your loved one age safely at home. Visit our Home Care page or Contact Us today for a personalized consultation.