As Ontario’s population ages, protecting the health, dignity, and rights of older adults, especially those living in long-term care and retirement homes, has become a matter of urgent public concern.
Many seniors live with complex conditions like dementia, rely heavily on caregivers, and require culturally sensitive, regulated support systems.
In May 2025, the Ontario government reintroduced the Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025, a legislative reform aimed at improving care standards, enhancing resident protections, and recognizing the essential role of caregivers. The Act proposes changes to both the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and the Retirement Homes Act, 2010.
This blog highlights the most important things seniors, and their caregivers need to know about the proposed reforms, and what they may mean for long-term care, retirement living, and caregiving in Ontario.
Key Provisions
1. A Right to Dementia-Specific Care
Under the new legislation, every long-term care home would be required to provide an organized dementia care program, developed and supervised by qualified staff.[1] This change reflects a growing recognition that over 60% of Ontario’s long-term care residents are living with dementia, and that structured, evidence-informed programs are no longer optional.
Care homes would need to tailor these programs to the cognitive, emotional, and physical needs of residents, with an emphasis on individualized treatment plans and therapeutic engagement.[2]
2. Legal Recognition of Caregiver Support
One of the most significant changes proposed is the formal recognition of caregiver access rights. Seniors in both long-term care and retirement homes would have the legal right to receive ongoing support from caregivers, family members, or chosen support persons, even during outbreaks or operational restrictions.[3]
In retirement homes specifically, these rights would be enshrined in law to prevent isolation and ensure consistent emotional and social support, which is essential to seniors’ well-being.
3. Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Inclusion
The Act introduces a requirement that care homes establish cultural, religious, and linguistic programming, ensuring that all residents, regardless of background, feel respected and understood.[4] This includes enhanced provisions for French-language services and the development of care models that reflect Indigenous, immigrant, and minority identities.[5]
These new obligations reflect Ontario’s diversity and respond to longstanding calls for culturally appropriate elder care.
4. Stronger Protections Against Abuse and Neglect
A cornerstone of the Act is the introduction of new offences for abuse, neglect, or failure to provide adequate care.[6] These are supported by expanded enforcement tools such as stronger inspection and investigation powers,[7] and the ability to prosecute operators who fail to meet safety and care standards.[8]
These legal tools aim to hold facilities accountable and give families and residents a clearer path to justice when care breaks down.
5. Clinical Oversight in Long-Term Care Homes
The Act proposes that every long-term care home must appoint a Clinical Director: a registered nurse in the extended class or a physician.[9] Currently, a Clinical Director must be a physician.[10] Broadening the scope of those authorized to hold this position is intended to bolster interprofessional care from those with specific expertise in aging.
For seniors and families, this change promises improved leadership, improved care planning, and a safeguard against disorganized or unsafe clinical practices.
A $114 Million Commitment Behind the Legislation
Legislation without funding is often symbolic. The Ontario government has paired this bill with a $114 million investment, including $80 million over 3 years to expand dementia programming.[11]
This financial backing suggests the government’s intent to support institutional care for Ontario’s aging population.
A Step Forward, But Not the Finish Line
The Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025 is a positive and long-overdue shift toward better dementia care, caregiver inclusion, and culturally safe services in Ontario’s long-term care and retirement homes.
Despite this progress, Ontario’s current systems have long been plagued by chronic underfunding, staff shortages, inconsistent regulatory oversight, and inadequate enforcement of care standards. The COVID-19 pandemic tragically exposed just how vulnerable these systems are, with many facilities failing to provide even basic levels of safety, hygiene, and emotional support. Reports of neglect, isolation, and culturally inappropriate care have been disturbingly common, pointing to systemic issues that require more than just legislative promises – they demand ongoing accountability.
Whether you are a senior, caregiver, health professional, or advocate, staying informed about your rights will remain a key part of ensuring that Ontario’s laws treat the systems that elders are growing increasingly reliant on with dignity and safety… Stay tuned for more.
[1] Bill 14, An Act to amend the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and the Retirement Homes Act, 2010, 1st Sess, 44th Leg, Ontario, 2025, at schedule 1, cl 2 [Bill 14].
[2] Ontario, Legislative Assembly, Hansard, 43rd Leg, 1st Sess, No 192 (5 December 2024) at 10 [Legislative Assembly, Hansard].
[3] Bill 14, supra note 1 at schedule 2, cl 1.
[4] Ibid at schedule 1, cl 3.
[5] Ibid at schedule 1, cl 15; Legislative Assembly, Hansard, supra note 2 at 11–12.
[6] Bill 14, supra note 1 at schedule 1, cl 5.
[7] Ibid at schedule 1 cl. 11–12.
[8] Ibid at schedule 1, cl 5.
[9] Ibid at schedule 1, cl 7
[10] Ibid at schedule 1, explanatory note.
[11] Ontario Taking Action to Support Seniors and their Caregivers, online: Ontario Newsroom <Ontario Taking Action to Support Seniors and their Caregivers | Ontario Newsroom>.
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