Toronto, ON, August 11, 2026 – Today CSA Group published CSA Z2000:26, Dementia-Inclusive Home and Community Care, a new National Standard of Canada designed to support people living with dementia both in their homes and communities. With more than 700,000 Canadians living with dementia and the demand for home and community-based care continuing to grow, CSA Z2000 provides an evidence-informed framework for delivering high-quality, person-centred, dementia-inclusive care in home and community settings that supports dignity, autonomy, and well-being.

Dementia is one of Canada’s fastest-growing health challenges. Every hour, more than 17 people develop dementia in Canada. By 2030, it is estimated that nearly 1 million Canadians will be living with dementia. The growing impact is also reflected in the cost of care, with annual health care and caregiver costs projected to reach $16.6 billion by 2031, up from $8.3 billion two decades earlier.

CSA Z2000 provides organizations with practical guidance on care planning, workforce training and care partner support, organizational accountability, emergency preparedness and equitable access to services. Grounded in principles of person-centred care, dignity, cultural safety, and respect for autonomy, the standard is designed to help strengthen care delivery and support providers in navigating complex care situations.

CSA Z2000 was shaped by a Technical Subcommittee chaired by Riaz Shaikh, Managing Director, Ayucan Inc. and Jae Yon Jones, Director, Island Health, with representation from personal support workers, caregivers, care partners, health care managers, government representatives, and an advisory group of individuals living with dementia. The standard underwent a 60-day public review as part of CSA Group’s accredited standards development process.

“People living with dementia want the same things we all do: dignity, independence and meaningful connections to their communities,” said Riaz Shaikh, Chair of the CSA Technical Committee. “CSA Z2000 provides a common foundation for more consistent, person-centred care while helping to enable people to remain in their homes for as long as possible.”

CSA Z2000 is intended for home and community care organizations, including public, private and non-profit providers, as well as oversight bodies and educators. It also serves care partners, service providers, and others involved in delivering care, and applies to community-based services, including care delivered in private homes.

“As demand for dementia care grows, organizations need practical tools they can put into action,” said Kay Penn, Director, Health and Safety Standards, CSA Group. “CSA Z2000 provides evidence-informed guidance to help strengthen services and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. We look forward to working with interested parties across Canada to advance awareness, use, and adoption of this standard.”

CSA Group will host a public webinar on August 12, 2026 to support awareness and understanding of the standard. Additional information and registration details are available on the webinar registration page.

For additional information about CSA Group’s home and community care standards, visit the Home and Community Care Standards page.

About CSA Group

CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good, and sustainability. We are a leader in North American standards development and in product testing, inspection and certification around the world. Our mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard.