Understanding the costs of long-term care is an important part of planning for yourself or someone you love. We know that navigating the financial side of long-term care can sometimes feel confusing, so we’re here to help make it a little easier to understand.
How much does long-term care cost?
In Ontario, everyone who lives in a long-term care home helps pay for the cost of their meals and accommodation. This payment is called a co-payment. It helps cover everyday living costs such as your room, meals, snacks, housekeeping, and laundry.
The amount you pay depends on your accommodation type.
The amount of your co-payment depends on whether your accommodation is classified as basic, semi-private, or private. The Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care sets the maximum co-payment rates each year, and those rates are the same for all long-term care homes across the province.
Your actual rate may be lower if you live in basic accommodation and qualify for a government rate reduction.
Current accommodation rates
The following are the accommodation rates set by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care, effective July 1, 2026.
- Type of accommodation Daily rate Monthly rate
- Long-stay basic $70.00 $2,129.17
- Long-stay semi-private $84.40 $2,567.17
- Long-stay private $100.01 $3,041.97
- Short-stay $45.31 N/A
Your care is the same, no matter your accommodation type
Your accommodation type does not determine the care you receive. All long-term care residents are entitled to the same level of care and services, whether they live in basic, semi-private, or private accommodation.
How this works in newer Schlegel Villages
Our long-term care Villages built from 2026 onward feature all single rooms. This means each resident has their own room and bathroom. In these newer Villages, while all rooms are single, there is still a mix of basic and private accommodation rates. Rooms charged as the private rate are slightly larger and include a little more storage space.
Are there other costs?
In addition to the co-payment for accommodation and meals, long-term care homes may offer optional services for an additional fee.
These might include:
- Hairdressing
- Cable television
- Telephone
- Internet
- Transportation
Optional services are not part of your basic accommodation co-payment, and you can choose the services that are right for you.
What if I can't afford the basic rate?
We believe everyone should have access to the care they need, regardless of their financial circumstances.
If you are worried about paying for long-term care, you are not alone. Ontario has a Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program that may help lower the cost for eligible residents who live in basic accommodation.
This program is designed for residents with limited income who cannot afford the full basic co-payment. It does not apply to regular semi-private or private accommodation.
The program may also apply to spouses or partners who live together in a two-bed semi-private room that has been redesignated as basic accommodation.
Who can qualify for a rate reduction?
There is no single income threshold that determines eligibility. The Rate Reduction Program considers several factors when calculating the amount a resident may be required to pay, including:
- Your income
- Whether you have a spouse or child living in the community who depends on you financially
The Ontario government outlines, as a general guide, a person who is not claiming dependant deductions or income exclusions would likely qualify for some rate reduction if their annual income is less than $27,338, based on the basic accommodation rate effective July 1, 2026.
Everyone's circumstances are different, and the amount of assistance you receive will depend on your individual situation.
Most people who qualify for a rate reduction will still pay a portion of their accommodation co-payment.
How do I apply for a rate reduction?
You or your lawful representative will need to complete an application for the Long-Term Care Rate Reduction Program and submit it to your long-term care home.
Our team can help you understand the process and provide the information you need to get started.
Questions about long-term care costs
Choosing long-term care is about much more than the cost of a room. It is about finding a place where you or someone you love can feel at home, build relationships and receive the support and care they need.
At Schlegel Villages, we know that every family's circumstances are different. If you have questions about long-term care costs, accommodation options or financial assistance, we encourage you to contact Ontario Health atHome, which is the organization that manages long-term care placement in the province. You can visit their website here: https://healthcareathome.ca/ or call 310-2222 (no area code required). This service will automatically direct your call to the nearest office from your calling location.
