Long-term Care Home Wait Time Information

Making the decision to move to a long-term care home (LTCH) is a life-changing step for you and your family. It is important that you have all of the information you need to choose the home that is right for you. There are many things to consider, including the level of care you require, location, availability and cost.

You can also download a copy of the Long-term Care Guide here.

Your Care Coordinator can help you think through your decision. If you are able, we recommend that you and your family visit the homes you are interested in and ask questions before making a final decision.

Each person who applies for long- term care may choose up to five (5) homes anywhere in Ontario, in order of preference. These decisions will help determine the amount of time a person waits for long-term care. If you need care urgently, you are able to add more homes to your choice list. If you move to a home that is not your first choice, you may stay on the waiting list for your first choice.

View LTC Wait Times here. 

If you are looking for wait times for specific long-term care homes, please contact your care coordinator or call 1-888-883-3313. 

There are many factors to be considered when choosing a home. The size of the waiting list (number of people on the wait list) in homes you are considering may be important to you. 

Please note the following:
  • Each individual may choose up to 5 homes and up to 3 bed types in each home. This means that one person may be represented on multiple waitlists.
  • Care Coordinator can provide you with information about the options that may best meet your individual needs.
  • Long-Term Care Home wait times information is one point in time. 

To Learn More About Individual Long-Term Care Homes, Visit:


Placement Priority Categories

Each person who applies for long-term care is assigned a priority category. The priority of each person on the waitlist also affects wait time.

  • Category 1 - People who need immediate admission to long-term care and cannot have their needs met at home, or who are in hospital, when hospital is in crisis. People in a LTCH that is closing within 12 weeks. 
  • Category 2 - People who need to be reunified with their spouses/partners who are currently residing in a long-term care home, and who meet eligibility requirements (including care needs.)
  • Category 3A - People waiting for a Long-term Care Home serving those of a particular religion, ethnic origin or culture. People who have high care needs, but can still be supported at home until a bed becomes available. People in hospital waiting for long-term care. People in a long-term care home seeking transfer to their home of choice.
  • Category 3B - People waiting for a Long-term Care Home serving those of a particular religion, ethnic origin or culture. People with care needs who are currently managing at home with supports. Wait times for clients in this category are much longer. 
  • Category 4A - People who have high care needs, but can still be supported at home until a bed becomes available. People in hospital waiting for long-term care. People in a long-term care home seeking transfer to their home of choice.
  • Category 4B - People with care needs who are currently managing at home with supports. Wait times for clients in this category are much longer.
  • Veteran - People who are veterans and are applying to be placed into a Long-term Care Home that contains Veteran Priority Access Beds.