Ontario Expands Access to Culturally Appropriate Long-Term Care Across the Province

Ontario culturally appropriate long-term care expansion extends tailored services to 59 homes provincewide.

TORONTO — Ontario is expanding a placement model that aligns long-term care services with residents’ cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic needs, extending access to 30 additional long-term care homes across the province. The move brings the total number of homes recognized for serving specific cultural or linguistic communities to 59, ensuring that more seniors can receive care that reflects their identity while maintaining priority access for applicants with the greatest needs.

Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta said the expanded approach strengthens quality of life and care outcomes for seniors. In the official release, she noted that culturally aligned care “enhances quality of life and patient outcomes,” emphasizing that the updated placement model will allow more Ontarians to receive care tailored to their values, traditions and linguistic preferences.

I was honoured to have Minister @BramptonGraham and colleagues join me as I announced our government’s expansion of access to culturally appropriate care.

Held at @CopernicusLodge, this news is a testament to Ontario’s efforts to build a long-term care system that respects… pic.twitter.com/zzKOJqj7Y8

— Natalia Kusendova-Bashta (@NatKusendova) December 10, 2025

More Personalized Care for Seniors in Crisis

The model, introduced earlier in 2025, was tested at 29 long-term care homes serving specific cultural, religious or linguistic communities. According to the ministry, results show improved resident experience and better alignment with individual needs—without negatively affecting placements for other crisis applicants.

Under this model, a resident may be matched with a home offering culturally familiar activities, faith-based programming, dietary accommodations, or staff and volunteers who speak their language. The expansion aims to help seniors maintain their traditions and sense of belonging while receiving the care they require.

Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor said the model reflects the province’s commitment to culturally responsive care, highlighting its role in helping residents feel “truly at home.”

Reunification Beds Also Increasing

Alongside the cultural placement expansion, Ontario is increasing the number of Reunification Priority Access Beds (RPABs)—designated spaces that allow seniors in crisis to reunite with a spouse or partner already living in a long-term care home. Homes may designate up to four RPABs when the new placements take effect.

The ministry says the move supports resident well-being by helping families stay together during major life transitions.

Sector Leaders Welcome the Expansion

Organizations representing cultural and multilingual long-term care providers voiced strong support for the government’s move. Leaders from Copernicus Lodge, AdvantAge Ontario, the Ontario Long Term Care Association, and Ivan Franko Homes said the expanded model will help seniors find homes where they feel understood and supported, while preserving the principles of equitable access and prioritized placement for those in crisis.

Part of Ontario’s Long-Term Care Modernization Plan

The initiative aligns with Ontario’s broader plan to improve long-term care through four pillars:

• Staffing and care

• Quality and enforcement

• Modern, safe, comfortable homes

• Better access to connected services

The province continues to work toward building 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds, alongside record annual staffing investments of $1.92 billion.

Long-term care applicants continue to work with Ontario Health atHome placement coordinators to manage admissions and evaluate eligibility.

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