The next 20 years will see unprecedented growth in Canada's senior population, with higher demands and changing expectations challenging long-term care systems. The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) linked longterm and acute care data for over 59,000 seniors across six provinces and territories to analyze the pathways and transition patterns of seniors receiving long-term care services. The analysis revealed factors related to residential care entry and identified profiles of seniors admitted into residential care before it may be clinically necessary. This work provides critical information for health system decision-makers to ensure that our long-term care systems are responsive, effective and sustainable.

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