Ontario Increasing Access to Dementia Care in Long-Term Care Homes

February 25, 2026

Our government is delivering the quality of care and quality of life long-term care residents need and deserve.

We are protecting our long-term care residents by launching the new Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP) at 17 homes across the province and will expand that number to nearly 50 homes by 2027-29.

The IDCP supports staff training and new programs for residents and is expected to connect 1,800 residents in its first year to emotion-based models of care that improve the well-being of residents with dementia.                                                                                                                     

We are also investing $3.35 million in 2025-26 and $9.82 million annually from 2026-27 onwards to add 153 BSU beds in five long-term care homes across the province. BSUs provide person-centred care by specialized staff who tailor therapies to the individual, based on their physical, emotional, and cultural needs. 

This ensures residents can get the care they need in the comfort of a long-term care home instead of in a hospital.

Today’s announcement is one more way the government is ensuring Ontarians get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.