“I love Engagement Day! I love that we bring in MPs and MPPs to see what we’re doing. We do want to work with them and we need them to support us to make this place better and better and better.” – Cate Freeze, Humber Meadows Family Council President
The Ontario Long Term Care Association proudly launched its first LTC Community Engagement Day last year to highlight the importance of community, connection and care. The response was inspiring. Dozens of homes embraced the opportunity to come together to promote the essential role of long-term care homes in our communities.
This year, we watched that small deliberate effort gains serious momentum.
For the second annual LTC Community Engagement Day, the number of homes that welcomed guests, leaders and neighbours into their spaces more than doubled!
#LTCEngage2025 saw nearly 200 homes open their doors to share stories and spotlight the essential role of long-term care homes in our communities!
Some homes used the event to celebrate decades of service within their community while others paired the event with their annual Walk to Wellness. Countless more made the day stand out for residents and their supporters by bringing in live music, a petting zoo and even creating opportunities for guests to prepare a meal together.
These activities were not only thoughtful and engaging opportunities for people to come together to learn about and support long-term care; they also reflect how essential it is to treat long-term care homes as vital parts of our communities – vibrant hubs of dignity, connection, and innovation.
“Community Engagement Day shows what happens when we open our doors and our hearts; we build connections that last. Each year, the momentum grows, and together with families, residents, and leaders at every level, we’re shaping a future where long-term care is not only supported, but celebrated as a vital part of every community in Ontario.” – Donna Duncan, CEO of the Ontario Long Term Care Association
This year, we were happy to introduce Certificates of Achievement for Engagement Day. These small tokens of appreciation were handed out to residents, family members and leaders for their meaningful contributions to their home. Over 540 Engagement Day certificates were presented across 81 homes!
Whether through storytelling, shared meals, or a simple handshake with a local leader, LTC Community Engagement Day is helping to build stronger community ties, greater awareness and a louder, unified voice for long-term care in Ontario. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!
Host an event and celebrate your community.
