Adult Day Programs in Mississauga

Caring for someone living at home? Adult Day Programs offer meaningful activity for your care recipient—and crucial respite for caregivers. Whether in-person or virtual, an adult day program helps maintain wellness, social connection and independence, while giving you a scheduled break.

Featured Programs

Central Registry Adult Day Programs

Through Central Registry you can access a network of adult day programs that promote wellness and dignity in a safe social setting—helping the person you care for while you take scheduled relief.

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In-Person

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Virtual

Virtual Rec Connect (by Seniors Life Enhancement Centres)

For those unable to attend in-person or waiting for a space, Virtual Rec Connect offers online group and one-to-one programming focused on cognitive, physical, emotional and social engagement. No fee; join from home.

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Need help finding the right program or service?

The Seniors Navigation Portal team is here to help connect you to the right day program. If your address is outside of the service area, please use the search on this page.

Why Day Programs Matter

In Ontario, community‐based services like adult day programs are explicitly identified as vital supports to help people stay at home and relieve caregiver burden. 

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Health Quality Ontario

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Peel Region

25%+

Virtual adult day services are proving effective. Data from the Peel Region showed a 25% increase in positive mood among participants after participation in virtual adult day programs.

5.1 hours

The demands of caregiving are substantial: a Canadian study found caregivers provide an average of 5.1 hours of care per day—roughly a full-time job—and many report mental health or burnout concerns. 

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canadiancaregiving.org

How Adult Day Programs Work

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  • Social, recreational and wellness activities (e.g., music, movement, games, conversation) tailored to physical, cognitive or emotional needs.
  • Supervised staff, safe space (for in-person programs) or structured sessions (for virtual).
  • Scheduled drop-in or full-day attendance—giving caregivers predictable time for errands, rest or other commitments.
  • Virtual options allow participation from home, which can reduce transportation/lift challenges and extend access.

What you’ll find in a day program:

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  • For in-person programs via Central Registry: Typically for adults living in community settings (not long-term care), those with physical or cognitive challenges, and residing in the Mississauga/Halton region. 
  • For virtual programs via Virtual Rec Connect: Designed for individuals on waitlists for in-person programs or those who cannot attend in-person; uses Zoom and mail-out activity kits. 
  • In both cases you’ll complete an intake/referral, confirm eligibility (OHIP, location, level of need), and may join a wait-list if spaces are full. 

Eligibility & how to register:

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  • Scheduled time away from the caregiving role—supporting your own health, routine and well-being.
  • Peace of mind: your care-recipient is engaged, supervised and enjoying meaningful activity.
  • For virtual options: less travel, more flexibility, and the ability to participate alongside or independently.

Benefits for You (the Caregiver)

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This type of service is well suited if the person you’re caring for:

  • Lives at home (or in community housing) and is not in a full-time long-term care facility.
  • Has physical, memory or health-related challenges but is stable enough to engage in structured activities.
  • Could benefit from socializing, supervision and mental/physical engagement during daytime hours.
  • Could be waiting for a program space—or would prefer a virtual option for convenience or safety.

Who It’s For

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  • Check whether your preferred program has a wait-list; early referral often helps.
  • Confirm whether transportation is included or whether you must arrange drop-off/pick-up.
  • Review any eligibility criteria related to mobility, behaviours, or supervision needs. Some programs may not support one-to-one supervision or high-acuity needs. (York Region)
  • For virtual programs: ensure internet access, appropriate device, and some initial orientation may be required.

What to Consider Before Applying

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Looking for lighter social support?

Explore friendly visiting, group dining, and virtual social programs designed to reduce loneliness and build connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can someone join a virtual adult day program and later attend in-person?

    Yes. Virtual Rec Connect allows participants to stay engaged even if they transition to in-person programming.

  • What if the person I care for is waiting for an opening in an adult day program?

    You can be placed on a wait-list—and in the meantime many programs (including virtual options) help engage the person so they’re not waiting without support.

  • Is there a cost for adult day programs?

    Many in-person programs are publicly funded, but you will want to check with the specific provider of the service. Virtual programs like Virtual Rec Connect often indicate “no fee” for participation.