Long-term care homes provide 24-hour nursing and personal care for people who can no longer live safely at home. Each province and territory has its own process. In Ontario, you apply through Ontario Health atHome. In other parts of Canada, your local health authority or provincial program can help.
What the process usually looks like
These are the usual steps when long-term care is being considered:
- Ask for an assessment. This may start with Ontario Health atHome, a hospital or a home care team.
- A health worker will assess care needs, safety and supports at home.
- If needed, an application for long-term care is completed.
- In Ontario, you can choose up to five homes.
- The person is placed on a wait list.
- If a bed is offered, there may be only a short time to decide, sometimes 24 hours. If you refuse an offer, you may be removed from those wait lists.
- If the bed is accepted, staff will explain the next steps for the move.
What to expect
This can be a hard change. It helps to start early. Families can expect forms, assessments and conversations about safety, care needs and where the person would like to live. Even when long-term care is needed, a bed may not be available right away. The person may need to stay at home, in hospital or in another care setting while waiting.
Wait times
Wait times can be long. They depend on where you live, how urgent the need is and the type of room you want. In Ontario, the median wait in 2024 was about 200 days from the community and 72 days from hospital. Some homes have much longer waits. Waits for dementia care or other specialty units may be even longer and can be years. Ask your care coordinator or local health authority about wait times in your area.
Cost matters
Long-term care can be costly. In Ontario, the maximum monthly rate for a basic long-stay room is $2,085.37 as of July 1, 2025. Semi-private and private rooms cost more. In Quebec and other provinces, costs also depend on room type and local rules.
Your asrTrust plan helps pay part of the cost. The GM plan covers $1,600 a month. You will still have some costs to pay yourself. Extra costs may include phone, internet, cable or hairdressing.
It helps to plan early. Ask about home care, wait times and costs in your area so you can be ready if a move is needed.
If you have questions about your asrTrust coverage or need help getting started, review your plan booklet or contact GreenShield at 1-877-266-5494.
Posted: July 2, 2026
