Long waits for Toronto-area nursing homes geared to cultural groups reflect need for more of them, report says

Lily Wong was admitted to the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto at age 88, several years after she had a stroke that severely affected her short-term memory, ability to follow conversations and her balance.

The wait time to get into the long-term care home was nine to 10 years, but Wong was admitted in slightly less than seven. 

“Which was, like, super fast,” said her son, Tony Wong.

It’s been two years since she was admitted, and Lily Wong is doing well living in a home that meets her cultural needs, her son said. It’s a relief to