Thursday, October 08, 2026
Ontario Expanding Access to Dementia Care in Long-Term Care Homes
Ontario investing nearly $13 million to bring innovative dementia supports to 1,300 more residents and add up to 153 specialized care beds
The Ontario government is investing nearly $13 million to expand the Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP), bringing the program to 13 additional long-term homes and increasing access to behavioural specialized units (BSUs) at five long-term care homes. The expansion is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s long-term care system by ensuring residents receive the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.
“Our government is investing in innovative programs to support long-term care residents living with dementia,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Through emotion-based models of care, we can improve the quality of life for those residents, their caregivers and families, while creating a better work experience for staff.”
An investment of $3 million will bring the IDCP to 13 more long-term care homes, connecting up to 1,300 additional residents living with dementia to innovative, specialized supports. The IDCP helps homes implement emotion-based models of care, which improve residents’ well-being by prioritizing their needs and fostering close relationships between staff, residents and families. Building on the success of the pilot launched in September 2025, this expansion will bring the total number of participating homes to 30, with plans to expand to 50 homes by 2027-28.
Today’s announcement was made at Villa St. Gabriel Villa of Sudbury, which will receive $247,545 to support staff training, sensory-scape equipment and an implementation lead.
Ontario is also investing $9.82 million annually, in 2026-27, to fund up to 153 BSU beds in five long-term care homes across the province. BSUs provide person-centred care through specialized staff who tailor therapies to each resident’s physical, emotional and cultural needs. This allows residents to receive the care they need in the comfort of a long-term care home instead of in a hospital, which also helps ensure hospital beds are available for those who need them most.
Advancing dementia care is one more way the government is ensuring Ontarians get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve. The government’s plan to improve long-term care is built on four pillars: staffing and care; quality and enforcement; building modern, safe, and comfortable homes; and connecting seniors with faster, more convenient access to the services they need.
Quick Facts:
- Long-term care homes participating in year two of the program were drawn from the high volume of applications submitted in year one. Homes were assessed against criteria that included demonstrated need, implementation readiness and capacity to operate the program.
- More than 60% of residents in Ontario’s long-term care homes have a dementia diagnosis.
- As part of its plan to fix long-term care and address waitlists, the government is building 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province.
- Ontario is offering incentives to eligible PSWs to launch careers in long-term care homes and in the home and community care sector.
Quotes:
"Thanks to this investment from the Ministry of Long-Term Care, we will build on Villa St. Gabriel Villa’s commitment to person-centred care through the Improving Dementia Care Program. Our emotion-based model will strengthen how we recognize and respond to residents’ feelings with compassion as the compass for care. This funding will ensure we continue to live our mission through care that responds to the needs of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit."
- Kari Gervais, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Centre, which operates Villa St. Gabriel Villa
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Mark Hensen
Minister’s Office
Mark.Hensen@ontario.ca
Ministry of Long-Term Care Media Line
Communications Branch
mltc.media@ontario.ca
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