Toronto Long-Term Care

Click for Toronto Long-Term Care Listings Below

Overview

Long-term care homes in Toronto, also known as nursing homes or 24-hour care residences, provide high-level medical and personal support for individuals who can no longer live safely at home or in a retirement residence. These government-licensed facilities are designed for seniors with complex needs — such as advanced illness, disability, or dementia — and offer around-the-clock care in a secure and supportive setting.

In Ontario, admission to long-term care is coordinated through Ontario Health atHome. You cannot apply directly to a home. Instead, you'll work with a Care Coordinator who will assess your needs and guide you through the application process.

What to Expect from Long-Term Care Homes in Toronto

24/7 Nursing and Medical Support: Continuous care by nurses, PSWs, and medical staff including medication management and chronic condition monitoring.
Individualized Care Plans: Tailored to each resident and updated as care needs evolve, including palliative care.
Help with Daily Activities: Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
Therapeutic and Recreational Programs: Activities like physiotherapy, music therapy, and social engagement.
Secure and Accessible Living Spaces: Homes include safety and dementia-friendly design features.

Benefits of Choosing Long-Term Care in Toronto

Comprehensive health monitoring and skilled care teams.
Government-regulated under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021.
Social connection and emotional support through structured programs.
Ability to remain in the same residence even as care needs increase.

How to Apply for Long-Term Care in Toronto

Applications are managed by your local Ontario Health atHome office. You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Ontario Health Card, and undergo an assessment. Learn more at: Find Your Local Office.

Costs and Financial Assistance

The government covers medical and personal care. Residents pay only for accommodation (room and board), with fees set by the province. Financial assistance may be available. Visit: Paying for Long-Term Care.

Licensing, Reports, and Inspections

All long-term care homes are inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care. Reports are publicly available at: LTC Home Public Reporting.

Tips for Choosing a Long-Term Care Home

How is long-term care different from retirement living?

While both support older adults, retirement homes and long-term care homes differ in regulation, funding, care level, and admission process. Here's a comparison:

Feature	Retirement Home (RH)	Long-Term Care Home (LTC)
Care Level	Light to heavy (varies by home)	High/complex care needs
Admission Requirements	No assessment; apply directly	Assessment via Ontario Health atHome
Funding Model	Private pay	Government-funded care; pay for accommodation only
Licensing Body	Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA)	Ministry of Long-Term Care
Legislation	Retirement Homes Act	Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021
Monthly Cost	$3,500–$10,000+	From ~$2,000/month
Wait Times	Varies by home	Waitlisted via Ontario Health atHome
Regulation & Inspections	Inspected by RHRA every 3 years or more often if needed	Inspected by Ministry; reports are public

Some retirement homes can provide care similar to long-term care, but costs are often much higher and access is more flexible. Long-term care offers subsidized, high-level support for those who qualify through assessment.

Cost of Long-Term Care in Toronto

How much does long-term care cost in Toronto?

Long-term care homes in Toronto follow government-set monthly rates that cover accommodation, meals, and personal care. Pricing depends on room type — basic, semi-private, or private — and typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per month. These rates are reviewed annually by the Ontario Ministry of Health. For the most up-to-date fees, visit the Ontario long-term care cost page.

Are financial subsidies available for long-term care?

Yes. Ontario offers income-based subsidies to help lower the cost of basic accommodations in long-term care homes. If a resident’s income is below a certain threshold, they may qualify for a reduced monthly rate. Additional assistance may also be available to couples. For example, if one spouse enters care and the other remains at home, the partner at home may be eligible for programs like the Allowance benefit, available to those aged 60–64 whose spouse receives the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Residents approved for a subsidy also keep a monthly comfort allowance, currently around $150, to help cover personal needs such as toiletries, clothing, or phone bills.

Can I use the cost calculator to estimate and compare?

Yes. If you know the estimated cost of a long-term care home and want to compare it to your current living expenses at home, try our Senior Housing Cost Calculator. It’s especially helpful when evaluating whether long-term care might be financially feasible in your situation, even before applying for subsidy assistance.