By myFM News/107.7 WOW FM News StaffOct 2, 2026 | 2:04 PM

(County of Renfrew photo)

Ontario’s population is aging at a rapid rate, leaving retirement homes relying on funding to stay open and deliver care to keep up with demand on the healthcare system. 

Carefor operates services to help seniors age in their homes, and according to director of communications, marketing and fundraising Trevor Eggleton they’re already seeing an increase in need, but a vast amount just can’t afford care.  

“One third of the people who come to are from across the region and can’t afford the lowest cost of care,” he says. 

Eggleton says support for facilities like Carefor is so important to help seniors age at home with the services they need. 

“We believe in helping people age at home – which is where they want to be – and it’s the most affordable,” he says. “Having someone continue to age at home doesn’t cost the system generally as much as having someone spend three months at a hospital.” 

Carefor already operates a vast number of programs to help seniors age at home such as transportation to medical appointments, and friendly visitors’ programs. 

But Eggleton says while they have built excellent programs, Carefor still relies heavily on volunteers and funding to keep them viable through various campaigns.  

“March with Melaine is a campaign that is doing is specific to our retirement homes and to help mitigate costs, so we don’t pass it on to our clients,” he says. “People can donate to our transportation program and others at Carefor.” 

Carefor is a not-for-profit charity operating in the Ottawa Valley offering a wide array of services for seniors. 

According to the Government of Ontario, the number of seniors – aged 65 and over – increased by 18.9 per cent last year (2025) and with a sharp rise to 22.7 per cent by 2051.  

(Justin Baumgardner)