long-term care waitlist Canada
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Canada’s Long-Term Care Waitlist Crisis: Seniors Wait for a Bed

ByGlen Campbell

Across Canada, more seniors than ever are waiting for placement in long-term care (LTC). What used to be a months-long wait has now turned into years for many families. With demand rising and capacity unable to keep up, more than100,000 Canadians are currently on waitlists for long-term care, and that number is expected to climb well into 2025 and beyond.

While governments work on increasing capacity, families are left wondering:How do we keep seniors safe, supported, and independent while waiting for placement?This blog breaks down the current LTC crisis, what the waitlists look like across Canada, and how seniors can stay protected at home during what may be a long and uncertain wait.

Why Long-Term Care Waitlists Are Growing

LTC facilities provide 24/7 care for seniors with complex medical needs, mobility issues, or cognitive decline. But the demand now far exceeds available beds.

Several factors are driving the shortage:

  • Canada’s senior population is growing faster than ever
  • Staffing shortages across healthcare
  • Limited infrastructure and slow expansion
  • Seniors are waiting longer to apply, often after a health crisis
  • Hospital discharges relying on LTC beds that simply aren’t available

For many families, this means months, sometimes years of waiting.

    Provincial Snapshot: How Long Are Seniors Waiting?

    Wait times vary widely across provinces, regions, and facilities. Here’s what the landscape looks like moving into 2025:

    Ontario

    • 48,000+ seniors on waitlists (expected to exceed 50,000 by mid 2026)
    • Average wait:1–3 years (5+ years in high-demand regions)
    • Crisis placements:3–6 months
    • Many seniors wait in hospitals or at home, increasing the strain on families and healthcare services.

    British Columbia

    • 5,000–7,000 seniors waiting for LTC
    • Wait times:6 months to 2 years
    • Access varies by health authority; subsidized options are prioritized

    Nova Scotia

    • 1,500–2,000 on weekly-tracked waitlists
    • Wait:6–18 months
    • Challenges increase in rural areas

    Alberta

    • 4,000–5,000 waiting
    • Wait:3–12 months, shorter in Calgary/Edmonton
    • Mix of supportive living and nursing care

    Quebec

    • Over10,000 on the CHSLD waitlist
    • Wait:6 months to 2 years, especially long in Montreal

    Smaller Provinces & Territories

    Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Atlantic provinces often report waits between6 and 24 months. Territories may have limited LTC facilities, causing seniors to relocate or rely on extended home care.

    How the LTC Waitlist Process Works

    1. Application & Assessment

    A provincial authority (e.g.,Ontario Health at Home,BC Health Authority) determines eligibility based on medical needs and safety risks.

    2. Prioritization

    Seniors in crisis, with unsafe living conditions, hospital discharge needs move through faster. Others join the general waitlist and are prioritized by need level.

    3. Interim Supports

    While waiting, seniors may have access to:

    • Home care
    • Assisted living
    • Adult day programs
    • Temporary hospital beds (ALC – Alternate Level of Care)

    4. Important Note: Refusing an Offer

    Declining a bed canrestart or delay your waitlist position. Many families accept the first available spot, even if it’s not ideal.

    The Reality: Most Seniors Will Wait at Home Sometimes for Years

    This is where families face the biggest challenge: keeping seniors safe when support is limited. Falls, medical emergencies, medication errors, and isolation are common risks when seniors remain at home, especially without 24/7 supervision. This is also wherepractical, accessible safety solutions become essential.

    smart watch home safety for seniors Canada

    Senior Protection Helps Seniors Stay Safe While Waiting for LTC

    While long-term care waitlists continue to grow, seniors still deserve safety, independence, and peace of mind at home. Senior Protection provides reliable support during the months or years before placement.

    Our medical alert devices offer:

    • Instant one-touch emergency response
    • Fall detection for sudden slips or collapses
    • GPS tracking for seniors who leave the home or wander
    • 24/7 professional monitoring by trained emergency responders
    • Coverage anywhere in Canada.
    • Direct communication with family or caregivers during emergencies

    For families juggling work, caregiving, and long waitlist timelines, having a trusted emergency support system can be lifesaving both physically and emotionally.

    Safety Shouldn’t Have to Wait

    Long-term care waitlists may be unavoidable right now, but leaving seniors unprotected at home doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and support, older adults can maintain independence and live safely while waiting for placement. Senior Protection is here to bridge that gap.

    To learn how Senior Protection can help your loved one stay safe while waiting for long-term care, call +1 (866) 416 0838 or visit seniorprotection.ca .