Ontario is pouring $1.1 billion into home health care over the next three years as the province concedes it will likely fall short of its ambitious goal to build 58,000 new long-term care beds by 2028.
The funding announcement came as part of Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy's 2026 budget, which projects a $13.8 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. The investment represents a strategic shift toward supporting seniors who prefer to age in their own homes rather than enter institutional care.
"A part of our strategy for health care is to help people where they want to be taken care of," Bethlenfalvy told reporters Thursday. "I know many, many people who would prefer to age at home, so we're transitioning to providing that home care."
Long-Term Care Goal Faces Reality Check
When pressed about whether the province could still achieve its 58,000 bed target within two years, Bethlenfalvy acknowledged the challenge ahead.
"Well, we're going to continue to try. We're ambitious here. We're going keep building, and we'll get as far as we can because it's the right thing to do."
As of February, approximately 26,000 nursing home beds are either operational, under construction, or approved to begin construction—less than half the targeted amount with just two years remaining.
Home Care Investment Details
The $1.1 billion investment will focus on hiring additional nurses and personal support workers, with the goal of enabling thousands more patients to receive medical care in their homes. Officials hope this approach will provide relief to overburdened hospitals and long-term care facilities.
The province plans to invest approximately $6 billion total into home care over the coming years, representing a significant commitment to community-based elder care.
Industry Backs Home Care Strategy
The investment aligns with recommendations from AdvantAge Ontario, which represents most municipal and non-profit nursing homes in the province. The organization made the unusual request for increased funding in related sectors, specifically asking for at least $600 million in home care investment.
Long-term care operators report that the most effective pathway into nursing homes currently involves hospital admission first, allowing patients to be designated as "in crisis" and receive higher priority placement.
Data from the Canadian Institute of Health Information reveals that more than 50 per cent of long-term care admissions now come from hospitals—a 67 per cent increase from pre-pandemic levels. Most nursing homes currently have waiting lists spanning months or years.
This article is based on reporting by CBC Health. Read the original story here.