Short answer: recreation teams in Ontario long-term care (LTC) homes and retirement homes can order dementia activity supplies from CDS Boutique, a Canadian supplier founded in 1992 that specializes in recreation, sensory and therapeutic products for seniors. We carry over 900 products, accept institutional purchase orders and ship across Ontario from our warehouse in Sherbrooke, Quebec, with bilingual service.
Why Ontario LTC homes need a steady supply of activity materials
Under Ontario's Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and its general regulation (O. Reg. 246/22, sections 71 to 73), every LTC home must run an organized recreational and social activities program, with a designated lead and qualified staff. In practice, that means recreation therapists and activity staff need materials that work for residents at very different stages: people who still enjoy competitive group games, and people living with advanced dementia who respond better to touch, music and calm one-on-one moments.
Retirement homes, which are regulated separately under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010, often look for the same kinds of products for their memory care and activity programs.
What to stock: a checklist by resident need
Comfort and calm for residents living with dementia
Therapeutic dolls and robotic pets are a good place to start. The Reborn Doll Mila and the Tenderness Doll invite rocking and cuddling, while the interactive Shiba Dog responds to petting. A simplified radio and music player with large, high-contrast buttons lets residents play their favourite music on their own. Browse the full Dolls and Plush Toys and Dementia Activities collections.
Group games that get everyone involved
For social programs, choose games that work seated or standing: the Horse Race dice game, Giant Connect 4, bean bag toss and adapted bowling. Bingo remains a staple; easy-to-read window bingo cards help residents with low vision play independently. See Active Games and Bingo.
Reminiscence and conversation in English
Our Reminiscence Activities and Resources and Books collections include English-language conversation cards, "finish the phrase" books and photo-based activities for English-speaking residents.
Sensory stimulation
For quieter moments or a multisensory room, look at gel pads, scent games, weighted products and lights in the Sensory Stimulation and Multisensory Room collections.
How ordering works for institutions
- Purchase orders are accepted. Your first order is paid in advance by cheque or credit card. Once your credit history is established, we invoice you with payment due within 30 days.
- Tax-exempt facilities: write your exemption number in bold on your purchase order.
- Returns: sealed products can be returned within 30 days with a return authorization number (a 10% handling fee applies). For hygiene reasons, dolls, plush toys, weighted products and robotic animals cannot be returned, so check the product details before ordering.
Full details are in our return policy.
Funding for Ontario homes
Federal programs such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program can fund equipment that reduces isolation and supports seniors' engagement. Eligibility, amounts and intake dates change from year to year, so check the program directly before applying. Our grants and funding page lists current programs, and we can provide product descriptions and formal quotes for your application.
Frequently asked questions
Do you ship to all of Ontario, including Northern Ontario?
Yes. We ship anywhere in Ontario by courier from our warehouse in Sherbrooke, Quebec.
Can our LTC home order with a purchase order?
Yes. Your first order is prepaid by cheque or credit card, then we can invoice you with payment due within 30 days once your credit history is established.
Is your service available in English?
Yes. Our team serves facilities across Canada in English and French, by phone and email.
Which products work best for residents with advanced dementia?
Products that rely on touch, sound and comfort rather than rules: therapeutic dolls, robotic pets, weighted products, gel pads and simple music players. They are used one-on-one or in small groups.
Your contact for Ontario: Sarah Diaz, sarah.diaz@cdsboutique.com, or call us toll-free at 1 888 907-6878. Service is available in English and French. You can also send us a quote request.
Sources
- Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, S.O. 2021, c. 39, Sched. 1, Ontario e-Laws
- O. Reg. 246/22: General, sections 71 to 73, Ontario e-Laws
- Retirement Homes Act, 2010, S.O. 2010, c. 11, Ontario e-Laws
- New Horizons for Seniors Program, Government of Canada
