Crisis resources
A curated list of Ontario crisis and support lines for families of older adults. Verified phone numbers, organized by what just happened.
If you're not sure which to call
911 for immediate danger or medical emergency. 811 for a nurse on the phone when it isn't 911. 988 for a suicide or mental-health crisis. Everything else below is for specific follow-up situations.
If you're in immediate danger
Stroke symptoms, chest pain, can't breathe, fell and can't get up, suicidal thoughts, or any situation that genuinely cannot wait.
911 — Immediate medical emergency or danger
When to use: Stroke, chest pain, severe injury, can't breathe, unsafe situation that can't wait for anyone else.
811 — Health Connect Ontario (Telehealth)
When to use: Not 911, but you need a registered nurse on the phone now. Free, 24/7.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
When to use: Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or supporting someone in crisis. Calls or texts, 24/7, bilingual.
If something just went wrong with care
Where to file a complaint when an LTC home, retirement home, hospital, or home-care agency has done something seriously wrong and the provider hasn't resolved it.
Patient Ombudsman of Ontario
When to use: A hospital, LTC home, or home-care agency mishandled something serious and complaints to the provider have not worked.
Independent of the provider. Free.
Long-Term Care Family Support and Action Line
When to use: Concerns about care quality, safety, or staff conduct in a licensed LTC home.
Run by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, 7 days a week.
Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA)
When to use: Safety or care concerns at a licensed retirement home.
Retirement homes are regulated separately from LTC.
Health Connect Ontario — Mental-health and addiction crisis
When to use: Mental-health or addiction crisis. Connects to the right local crisis line.
If you're the caregiver and you're struggling
You count too. These lines exist specifically because the family caregiver is the part of the system most likely to break first.
Ontario Caregiver Helpline
When to use: You're the family caregiver and you're not OK — overwhelmed, exhausted, isolated, or just need someone to talk through options with.
24/7. Free. Confidential.
Distress and Crisis Ontario (DCO)
When to use: General distress, anxiety, grief, or you need to talk. Links to your local distress centre.
Alzheimer Society of Ontario — Dementia Helpline
When to use: New diagnosis, behavioural changes, or you need help understanding what you're seeing.
Also ask about the First Link family support program.
Find local help
Information lines that don't solve the problem themselves but point you to the right local service.
211 — Community and social services info line
When to use: Looking for community services, meal programs, transportation, financial supports, or anything you don't know who to call about.
Free, multilingual, 24/7.
Health Connect Ontario — General health info
When to use: General questions about health services, programs, and where to go for non-urgent care.
Clear Cut Meridian is not a crisis service
We verify credentials. These other lines actually help in the moment. If you want to understand exactly what we do and don't check, read our methodology and limitations.
We periodically re-verify these numbers against the official sources. Numbers can change; if one fails, please let us know.