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.