February 24, 2026
Ontario is expanding dementia care at long-term care homes by announcing the first 17 homes participating in the new Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP), while also expanding the number of behavioural specialized units (BSUs).
In September 2025, the government announced an investment of $9 million over three years to launch the IDCP, to support people living with dementia. Funding will help homes offer emotion-based care, guided by individual interests and lived experiences, intended to foster close relationships between staff, residents, and families. The government has now selected 17 homes to participate in the program in 2025-26. Up to 45 more homes will be added over the course of the next two years.
Quick Facts
- More than 60% of residents in Ontario’s long-term care homes have a dementia diagnosis, and the number of Ontarians with dementia is expected to triple by 2050.
- Homes taking part in the first year of IDCP were assessed by Ontario Health against criteria that included demonstrated need, implementation readiness and capacity to operate the program.
- BSU funding comes from a three-year, $46-million commitment made in the 2024 Budget to add 210 BSU beds to the long-term care system. With these latest investments, the government will have surpassed that total, creating 218 beds.
- As part of its plan to fix long-term care and address waitlists, the government is building 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province.
- Ontario is offering incentives to PSW students and eligible PSWs to launch careers in long-term care homes and in the home and community care sector.