Overview

The Long-Term Care Home Design Manual, 2026 sets out the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s design standards for developing and redeveloping long-term care homes in Ontario. It also outlines applicable legislation and regulations.

The manual identifies minimum standards for long-term care home development. Operators are encouraged to exceed them where possible.

The manual includes:

  • Introduction: overview of long-term care home design standards in Ontario
  • Part 1 — Using the design manual: definitions of words and terms
  • Part 2 — The design standards: design objectives, design standards and  optional design features to promote quality design and care
  • Part 3 — Design variance standards: exceptions that may be permitted for renovation projects when physical constraints prevent an existing building from fully meeting one or more design standards

Long-Term Care Home Catalogue of Standardized Designs

The Long-Term Care Home Catalogue of Standardized Designs, 2026 complements the design manual.

The catalogue is intended for architects, designers, long-term care home operators and others involved in the planning and design of long-term care homes.

It includes illustrations of long-term care home building components to support the application and interpretation of standards in the design manual.