Community & Caregiver Supports

The Manitoba government supports organizations like seniors centres throughout the province. These centres help connect seniors with essential services and resources in their community. In addition to assisting seniors, the government also provides benefits for caregivers and families.

Learn more:

Age Friendly Manitoba

Manitoba has a growing number of seniors. And the government has an age-friendly initiative to meet the needs of seniors.

The idea of being age-friendly comes from the World Health Organization. The aim is to encourage communities to consider seniors' needs. This includes healthy living, ways to be part of the community and ways to be safe. All of this improves the quality of life for people as they age.

Manitoba facts* -- did you know?

  • 16 per cent were 65 years and older
  • people 65 and over will increase by 31 per cent between 2018 and 2028
  • people 65 and over mostly live in the community -- which comes with opportunity and challenge

*as of 2019

What is an Age-Friendly Community?

Age-friendly communities design with seniors in mind:

  • policies
  • programs
  • services

Communities make it easier for older adults to stay active and healthy. This makes it easier for them to give back to society.

The Manitoba Age-Friendly Initiative provides information to help communities. Review this guide: Age Friendly Rural Remote Communities: A Guide. Connect with seniors in your community and identify barriers and concerns.

Consider these areas and services as part of an age-friendly community:

  • outdoor space and buildings
  • transportation
  • housing
  • respect and social inclusion
  • social participation
  • communication and information
  • civic participation and employment
  • community support and health services

For more information:

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Senior Centres

Senior centres are places where older people can meet and access programs and services. Senior Centres offer activities that help older people be more independent. They also encourage seniors to be more involved in their community.

To locate a senior centre near you visit: Manitoba Association of Senior Communities

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Support Services to Seniors

Support Services to Seniors provides community-based services and programs that promote health and well-being and help older adults live independently.

Examples of programs include:

  • meal programs
  • transportation programs
  • information and referrals
  • health and wellness programs
  • home maintenance programs
  • emergency response information kits

If you live in Winnipeg, Senior Resource Finders can help you find more information about the resources and services in your community. Contact a Senior Resource Finder near you to learn more.

Community Resource Councils are non-profit community organizations located across Manitoba. They can help refer you to resources in your community. For more information about Community Resource Councils near you, call 211 or visit your Regional Health Authority's webpage.

Learn more about Adult Day Programs

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Caregiver and Family Supports

A caregiver is someone who...

  • provides personal care, support, or help
  • to another person who has an age-related illness, disability, or challenge
  • and is not paid for providing this care

Resources and Information:

  • Primary Caregiver Tax Credit offers financial support for those who are eligible primary caregivers for more than 90 days
  • Employment Insurance Caregiving Benefits & Leave provides financial support for caregivers that support:
    • an injured person
    • a critically ill person
    • someone needing end of life care
  • Visit the Federal government Resources for Seniors:
    • Explore the benefits finder to find programs and tax credits for which you may be eligible
    • Find a toolkit for reducing social isolation
    • Find more information on caregiving
    • For aging in place information
    • Discover age-friendly workplace information
    • And much more
  • The Caregiver Recognition Act - list of supports and services for caregivers
    • The first Tuesday in April is "Caregiver Recognition Day" in Manitoba
  • Manitoba Resident's Portal: simply click on the second drop down box and select "I am a caregiver" and click "Go." You'll find a list of:
    • Credits and rebates
    • Family supports for those with disabilities
    • Health care information
    • Law, justice, and citizen rights information
  • 211 Manitoba: for questions on government, health, and social services
  • Manitoba government inquiries:
    • Call: 204-945-3744
    • Toll free: 1-866-MANITOBA (1-866-626-4862)
    • E-mail: mgi@gov.mb.ca
  • Resources on caregiving from the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum
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Technology & Assistive Devices

Learning about computers, programs and smartphone applications can help you increase your confidence. You can learn more about internet use, what to look for in identifying junk emails. You can learn to share photos, find fun new games, and maybe even find a creative outlet (writing, photo editing and more).

Find more information:

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Grants for Community

Check back at this page for updates on grants available to the community.

Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program

The Manitoba government sponsors the Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program (MDTP). The program helps communities provide transportation services for mobility disadvantaged persons.

  • Funds will only be granted to a municipal government which agrees to sponsor a service.
  • The program will help pay for the cost of getting and using special transportation equipment.
  • The grant is designed to help those who are unable to use the usual forms of transportation.
  • To qualify, the sponsoring community must show a commitment to keep the service in operation.
  • The transportation aid must meet minimum standards for service and safety.
  • The service must be available to all mobility disadvantaged individuals in the community.
  • The sponsoring community will be required to cover any deficit after receipt of grants, donations and/or user fee.

Forms of grants include: (conditions apply, see application form for details)

  • Start-up grant -- up to $6,000
  • Capital grant -- 50% of cost or maximum of $10,000
  • Operating grant -- maximum of $20,000 per year

For more information and to apply visit: Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program

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