Residents’ Bill of Rights

The formation of residents’ rights afforded to all persons living in long-term care homes, began in the early 1950’s and grew to 27 distinct rights.  The Ontario Residents’ Bill of Rights is embedded in our provincial legislation, Long-Term Care Homes Act (LTCHA), 2007, and accompanying Regulations (O. Reg. 79/10).*

*As of April 11th, 2022, the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 will be repealed and replaced by the Fixing Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2021.
Please bear with us as we take the time to update our website links, including the expanded and revised Residents’ Bill of Rights, to reflect this new legislation. Thank you!

All long-term care homes in Ontario (including those formerly known as nursing homes, municipal homes for the aged, and charitable homes) are governed by the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 (LTCHA). The requirements in the LTCHA ensure that residents of these homes receive safe, consistent, and high-quality resident-centered care in settings where residents feel at home, are treated with respect, and have the supports and services they need for their health and well-being.

Residents’ Councils review and promote the Residents’ Bill of Rights.  The following resources are some of the supports available to provide a deeper understanding of the rights.

Access the English Residents’ Bill of Rights here.

To access translations of the Residents’ Bill of Rights in different languages, click here.

To learn more about enhancing Residents’ Bill of Rights Education at your home, check our Through Our Eyes