Union Villa among first homes receiving new dementia care program funding
Union Villa in Unionville is among the first 17 long-term care homes selected to participate in Ontario’s new Improving Dementia Care Program (IDCP), part of a $9-million provincial investment aimed at strengthening support for residents living with dementia and their families.
“Our government is investing in dementia care and supports to improve the well-being of long-term care residents, their caregivers and families,” said Minister of Long-Term Care Natalia Kusendova-Bashta. “These innovative programs and specialized units will support people living with dementia and their loved ones, while improving the work experience of staff.”
Launched in September 2025, the program helps long-term care homes adopt emotion-based care models and provide specialized staff training that focuses on residents’ needs while strengthening relationships between staff, residents, and families. Nearly 50 homes are expected to participate by 2027–28.
Union Villa CEO Abby Katz Starr said the funding will support the home’s dementia care program.
“Through this initiative, we will be implementing dementia methods the Montessori way, a model that focuses on residents’ abilities and creates meaningful opportunities for engagement, purpose, and connection for people living with dementia,” said Katz Starr. “This funding from the government of Ontario and the Ministry of Longterm Care will help us continue advanced care that supports the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of residents living with dementia.”
Ontario is also investing $3.35 million in 2025-26 and $9.82 million annually from 2026-27 onwards to add 153 behavioural specialized unit (BSU) beds in five long-term care homes. These units provide person-centred care for residents with complex behavioural needs, helping them receive treatment in long-term care settings instead of hospitals.
More than 60 per cent of residents in Ontario’s long-term care homes have a dementia diagnosis, and the number of Ontarians with dementia is expected to triple by 2050.
Homes taking part in the first year of IDCP were assessed by Ontario Health against criteria that included demonstrated need, implementation readiness and capacity to operate the program.
Photo: Union Villa CEO Abby Katz Starr (centre) with MPPs Dawn Gallagher Murphy and Billy Pang at a recent provincial funding announcement.