Find the latest news, initiatives and inspiring stories from Seniors Services and Long-Term Care. These updates reflect our commitment to inform and engage with the people, programs and innovations that make the City a recognized leader in quality care and transformative services for healthy aging.
Fall 2026
We are committed to improving quality of life for all long-term care residents, including those with serious illnesses. Residents receive pain management, comfort care and psychosocial support, helping many remain in their long-term care home rather than moving to a hospital. These services include 24/7 care, physician/nursing services and emotional support for residents and their loved ones.
To support the implementation of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) Palliative and End-of-Life Clinical Pathways, 65 staff from all 10 City long-term care homes participated in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Education Days. Participants included nursing staff, social workers, counsellors, RNAO Clinical Pathways Leads and Palliative Care Committee Co-Leads.
The training was based on learning needs identified at each home, with participants working alongside leadership teams to share knowledge and support implementation efforts within their homes.
Delivered in partnership with a Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultant and the Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI), the sessions enhanced staff knowledge, skills and confidence in providing a palliative approach to care.
Participants learned about illness journeys, communication with residents and families and team-based approaches to care. They also explored the PAUSE model, which supports staff wellbeing and reflection after the death of a resident.
This initiative strengthens staff capacity to deliver compassionate, person-centred palliative and end-of-life care in all the City’s long-term care homes.
Special funding from the Ministry of Long-Term Care purchased therapeutic equipment for the Responsive Behaviours Program. This investment enhances engagement, comfort, safety and overall quality of life for residents with diverse cognitive, sensory and behavioural needs.
The new therapeutic equipment supports a more person-centred approach to care, helping residents experience meaningful interactions and improved well-being, including:
Reducing Wandering Through Meaningful Engagement: At True Davidson Acres, a resident who walked around the home and entered other residents’ rooms has shown great improvement with the help of a BSO iPad intervention. The tool helps staff engage and redirect the resident more effectively.
Supporting Purpose and Well-Being Through Doll Therapy: At Bendale Acres, a newly admitted resident with short-term memory impairment often visited other residents’ rooms. Through doll therapy, the resident found comfort and purpose by caring for her dolls, which helped reduce visits to neighbouring rooms.
Transforming Care Experiences Through Music: At Wesburn Manor, a resident who often became upset and resisted care has shown great improvement with the help of an iPad loaded with their favourite Soca music. Listening to music, dancing and interacting with staff during care has helped reduce distress, improve cooperation and create a safer and more positive experience for both the resident and staff.
Eliminating Precipitating Factors Through Personalized Recreation: At Bendale Acres, a resident often became upset when his television was not working. Staff provided an easy-to-use portable TV and DVD player loaded with his favourite movies, allowing him to watch independently and enjoy his movies without frustration. This helped create a calmer environment for both the resident and others on the unit.
These success stories show how targeted, personalized interventions can significantly improve resident outcomes while creating safer, more supportive environments for residents, their loved ones and staff.
CareTO continues to make progress across all 10 City long-term care homes.
Pilot and Wave 1 homes (Lakeshore Lodge, Bendale Acres, True Davidson Acres and Wesburn Manor) have been focused on completing their CareTO Impact Reports. These reports will help measure the progress made so far and show how CareTO has improved the experiences of residents, staff, families and visitors. They will also help homes identify opportunities for future improvements.
Wave 2 homes (Carefree Lodge, Castleview Wychwood Towers, Cummer Lodge, Fudger House, Kipling Acres and Seven Oaks) have started in-person CareTO training led by Care Coaches. This training is helping staff build knowledge and strengthen the CareTO culture to support high-quality, resident-centred care.
The City recently welcomed the Longer Better Living at Home delegation from Germany. The delegation was organized by the Digital Urban Center for Aging & Health and the Canadian German Chamber of Industry & Commerce.
The group included leaders from aging services, healthcare, social care and technology sectors, who met with staff from Economic Development & Culture and Seniors Services and Long-Term Care.
The discussion focused on the importance of working together to support seniors as they age. Participants shared ideas about technology, long-term care, home care and age-friendly communities, and discussed the growing demand for senior care in both Toronto and Germany.
The meeting reinforced the value of strong partnerships, innovation and compassionate care. By continuing to share knowledge and work together, Toronto can help ensure seniors remain connected, supported and independent at home, in the community and in long-term care.
Kipling Acres hosted university students completing Public Health Inspector placements with the Control of Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention & Control Program at Toronto Public Health. Placement students observed how infection prevention and control (IPAC) principles are applied in a long-term care (LTC) setting to protect residents, staff, volunteers and visitors.
Students met with the Kipling Acres IPAC team and learned about routine IPAC measures. These measures are designed to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases and support outbreak management, including surveillance and control measures. These real-world applications help close the gap with classroom learning and strengthen collaboration between public health and the LTC interprofessional team.
The Your Opinion Counts survey invites long-term care (LTC) residents, community program clients and family members to share their experiences with care and services.
This year, we have been exploring the opportunity to engage with Ipsos Canada, a leading market research and public opinion firm with expertise in survey design, data analytics and trend analysis. The goal of this partnership is to support the development and implementation of an updated survey that reflects best practices and responds to the evolving needs and expectations of residents, clients and their loved ones.
The 2026 annual resident, family and community program surveys will be administered in October and will align with feedback received through various engagement sessions and meetings.
Survey results help identify areas where LTC homes and community programs are performing well, while also highlighting opportunities for continuous improvement. Every response contributes to ensuring that the voices of those we serve are heard.
Ethical decision-making is an important part of providing respectful, person-centred care and services. It helps ensure that the rights, values, preferences and individual circumstances of residents and clients remain central to decisions about their care and quality of life. Our approach is grounded in principles including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and fairness, and reflects our commitment to dignity, diversity, inclusion and resident/client rights.
As part of our ongoing work to strengthen the Seniors Services and Long-Term Care Ethics program, we are partnering with Unity Health Toronto ethicist, Marina Salis, to bring additional ethics expertise, education and consultation to support programs and services. This includes refreshing ethics resources and expanding opportunities for learning, reflection and discussion, including through an interprofessional staff education Ethics Forum.
The Toronto Network of Women (TOnow) empowers and uplifts women within the Toronto Public Service with resources and supports to help them to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Seniors Services and Long-Term Care recently presented “Caring for Seniors: Roadmap for Caregivers”, an informative webinar designed to help navigate seniors’ care services in Ontario.
Residents at Bendale Acres rolled into the end of summer with a squeaky-clean shine following the annual Wheelchair and Walker Car Wash! Inspired by a popular TikTok trend, the Recreation team transformed the garden area into a lively car wash station. Wheels were scrubbed, frames were soaped up and everything got a refreshing rinse under the sprinkler, including some residents who found it a cool way to beat the heat while giving their mobility devices a sparkling clean finish.
Did you know? Within City long-term care homes, 85 per cent of residents use mobility devices.
Fudger House closed out the summer with Busker Fest featuring performances from Mark the One-Man Band, Ben the Juggler and Darren the Stilt Walker. They also featured colourful face painting, temporary tattoos and whimsical balloon creations of Johnnie Balloonie. And new this year, residents got creative at a button-making station and distributed bubbles throughout the courtyard. Refreshments like corn dogs, lemonade and cotton candy ice cream, along with pleasant weather, made for pure summer fun.
At Lakeshore Lodge, music is a source of connection, movement, memories and joy. Residents enjoy a variety of popular programs that offer the benefits of rhythm, exercise and music, including:
Residents who live on the secure home area at Seven Oaks have new personalized door murals designed to create a warm and comforting environment, to reflect their individuality and support wayfinding. Each mural was chosen to represent personal interests, favourite themes and meaningful memories, helping residents feel more connected to their home environment. The colourful murals have received positive feedback from residents and their loved ones. They brighten the hallways, help residents recognize their rooms and promote a sense of independence, familiarity and belonging.
Fresh air and natural daylight can improve mood and support overall well-being. The summer months provide many opportunities to celebrate community, enjoy nature and create meaningful moments. At True Davidson Acres, resident BBQs, outdoor recreational programs and activities, visits with loved ones and the beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces become an important part of daily life, helping residents remain active, connected and engaged.
Each month, Wesburn Manor residents embark on a globetrotting adventure through the Travelogue program. The program brings a different country to life through engaging activities such as trivia games and culinary experiences inspired by the featured destination. Recent locations include Northern Canada, Southern France and Argentina as chefs showcase their culinary talents and bring international dishes to the table.
In August, staff members from Seniors Services and Long-Term Care, Children’s Services and Toronto Shelter & Support Services came together to mark Emancipation Month through shared learning.
Virtual screenings of “Mr. Emancipation: The Walter Perry Story,” a documentary by filmmaker Preston Chase, shared the story of Walter Perry and the Emancipation Day celebrations he organized in Windsor, Ontario, bringing together Black communities and Black leaders from across Canada and the United States.
The screenings were followed by a live virtual Q&A panel with Preston Chase, allowing staff to learn more about Walter Perry’s remarkable story and reflect on the film. The conversation highlighted Black Canadian history, the important role seniors play in sharing stories and experiences and the power of community to bring people together and create positive change.
Multicultural Day at Carefree Lodge is a way to celebrate, embrace, learn and grow stronger from the rich diversity of its resident, staff and volunteer community.
The celebration gave residents the opportunity to sample authentic cultural dishes, share meaningful stories, cherished traditions and music from around the world.
Filipino staff at Cummer Lodge proudly hosted a Filipino Fiesta to celebrate Philippine Independence Day. The event showcased Filipino culture, heritage and traditions while bringing together residents, staff, volunteers and guests and reflecting the community’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Highlights included Filipino music, cultural performances, games, authentic cuisine and the lively Tinikling bamboo dance and karaoke.
Two years ago, during Pride Month, some Castleview Wychwood Towers (CWT) residents had the opportunity to attend a drag brunch in the community. To make the outing possible, a bus was rented, but space limitations meant that only ten residents could attend. The venue was small, and accessibility was difficult. Residents had a wonderful time and expressed how much they enjoyed the experience. So this year, guided by CareTO and our commitment to creating inclusive experiences that are accessible to all residents, the program was reimagined. Instead of taking a small group into the community, the drag brunch was brought to CWT.
Recreation and Dietary teams curated a memorable event, welcoming a professional drag queen entertainer and serving residents a specialty breakfast of made-to-order omelettes, smoked salmon, bacon, bagels and pastries, which was enjoyed by more than 40 residents.
TPS Week is a celebration to recognize the great work of City staff. It is a special time to say thank you for the commitment to excellent care and services staff provide to thousands of residents and clients within Seniors Services and Long-Term Care.
This year, three staff are celebrating 30 years of service, 26 staff are celebrating 35 years of dedicated service and the following 13 staff are celebrating an outstanding 40 years of service:
Thank you to all members of the team. You are valued and appreciated, not just during TPS Week, but each and every day!