Ontario is taking a meaningful step toward more inclusive long-term care by expanding access to culturally appropriate placements across the province. The Government of Ontario announced it will implement a placement model that considers residents’ religious, ethnic and linguistic needs in 30 additional long-term care homes—part of a broader effort to improve quality of life and ensure care reflects the diversity of communities across Ontario.
This initiative builds on a successful pilot started earlier in the year and will now extend the model to more homes that serve specific cultural communities, helping residents maintain their customs, traditions, language, food preferences and faith practices. Under this approach, homes may offer tailored activities, culturally relevant meals, and staff or volunteers who speak residents’ languages.
In addition to expanding culturally responsive access, the government is increasing Reunification Priority Access Beds, helping seniors stay close to their loved ones when in crisis. The move supports Ontario’s broader strategy to enhance long-term care through better staffing, improved quality and enforcement, and faster access to services.
Read the full announcement: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006843/ontario-expanding-access-to-culturally-appropriate-long-term-care