Ontario Long-Term Care Homes: How to Confirm Quality of Care

Placing a parent or partner in a long‑term care (LTC) home is never Plan A. It is what families do when medical needs outpace what love alone can handle. Understanding Ontario’s rules and resources can turn a difficult decision into a safer, more dignified life for your loved one.

1. Know the Governing Law

The Fixing Long‑Term Care Act, 2021, replaced the former Long‑Term Care Homes Act, 2007, when it came into force on April 11, 2022. Ontario’s Fixing Long‑Term Care Act, 2021, strengthened enforcement powers, introduced monetary penalties, and committed the province to an average of four hours of direct nursing and personal‑support care per resident per day.

2. Staffing Levels Matter—Ask for Numbers

There are 615 licensed LTC homes in Ontario with roughly 76,000 beds.

• PSW and nurse hours on nights and weekends

• Use of agency staff versus permanent employees (consistent faces reduce resident anxiety and medication errors).

3. Resident Bill of Rights—Read It Together

Every LTC home must post the Resident Bill of Rights in plain view. Ask staff to walk you through how they protect these rights in daily routines—from privacy during bathing to choices at mealtimes.

4. Quality Indicators Tell the Story

Homes track falls, pressure ulcers, and antipsychotic use and report them to Health Quality Ontario. High numbers are red flags; steady improvement shows a learning culture.

5. Infection Prevention: Beyond Hand Sanitizer

Ontario regulations require a designated Infection Prevention and Control Lead in every home. Ask about vaccination rates, air‑handling systems, and how quickly lab results come back during an outbreak. 

6. Food and Mealtime Dignity

Under O. Reg 246/22, menus must rotate every three or four weeks and be signed off by a dietitian. Sit in on a meal: residents should be served promptly, with adaptive utensils if needed, and staff should never rush feeding.

7. Family and Resident Councils—Your Built‑In Allies

Ontario law guarantees the right to form councils. Join immediately; councils have the power to review policies and meet with management monthly.

8. Complaint Pathways

• Speak with the nurse in charge.

• Escalate to the Director of Care.

• Call the Ministry’s Family Support and Action Line: 1‑866‑434‑0144 if needed.
  These steps trigger inspections and corrective orders when necessary.

Long‑term care is not about surrender, it is about safety, skilled nursing, and reclaiming moments of joy. By staying informed, showing up, and building respectful relationships with staff, families help transform a care facility into a home.