Percentage of residents placed into a long-term care home who received their first choice of home the first time around

In Ontario, individuals applying for long-term care are allowed three choices. If they are waiting while at home, they can choose whichever choice becomes available first or they can wait for their first choice. If they are waiting while in hospital, however, they are required to go to the first available choice. If that is not their first or second choice, they can request to be transferred when a bed becomes available there.  

The best option is to get people into the home of their choice in the first place. Having to move later when the choice becomes available can be inconvenient and disruptive to the resident’s continuity of care. People's first choice is often based on factors such as being close to family members and/or because the home caters to a particular cultural or language group. Ideally, their wishes should be respected; however, in practice it is not always possible for everyone to get their first choice. Planners need to ensure there are enough beds in areas with greatest need, and enough services available to accommodate different cultures and languages. 

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