Every Resident - Bill of Rights for people who live in Ontario long-term care homes

Long-term care homes are places where you can live and receive care services, such as nursing and personal assistance. They are sometimes called "long-term care facilities" or "nursing homes".

This resource can help you understand your rights as a resident of a long-term care home.

Residents' rights are guaranteed by law
In Ontario, long-term care homes must follow a law called the Long-Term Care Homes Act. It includes a Residents' Bill of Rights. The purpose of this Bill of Rights is to make sure that long-term care homes are truly homes for the people who live in them.

The Bill of Rights must be displayed
Every long-term care home must post the Bill of Rights where it can be easily seen. The Bill of Rights tells staff at the home that they must respect your rights while you live there. It tells them to remember that you are in your home. It reminds everyone, including residents, staff, friends, family and neighbours, that residents of long-term care homes are valued members of the community.

Making sure the Bill of Rights is followed
Every long-term care home must have a way for residents and others to complain about the Bill of Rights not being followed. Inspectors from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care must enforce the Bill of Rights during their yearly inspections or when someone makes a complaint. Residents can also enforce their rights by taking the long-term care home to court, or by other means. There is more information about this in What can I do if my rights are violated?