Feedback from the review will help inform Alberta’s first comprehensive continuing care legislation. Current continuing care legislation dates back to 1985 and includes six acts, six regulations and three standards. Currently, each stream of continuing care in Alberta – home care, supportive living and long-term care – is governed by its own legislation.
“Reviewing Alberta’s current continuing care legislation is part of our commitment to do everything we can to ensure aging and vulnerable Albertans have access to high-quality continuing care. We’re asking Albertans for input on how one piece of legislation can best support a variety of options for their loved ones in continuing care.”
The new legislative framework will support a more responsive system that is better able to meet the needs of Albertans, while eliminating unnecessary barriers and reducing red tape. It is expected to be tabled in 2021.
“I’m honoured to lead engagement with key stakeholders about how we can improve Alberta’s continuing care legislation. Alberta seniors deserve to have access to supports and options that best meet their needs. I look forward to working with stakeholders and Albertans to explore how new legislation can improve the quality of life of their loved ones in continuing care.”
In the coming months, Albertans and key stakeholders – including home care providers, facility operators and seniors’ organizations – will be informed of how they can provide input on topics that may include:
- standards for health, personal and accommodation services
- operators’ compliance with licensing requirements and standards
- options for health-care practitioners so they can work to their full scope of practice
- eligibility requirements across continuing care
- alignment of programs and services across government
- clarity of roles and responsibilities between government, Alberta Health Services and other partners to reduce overlap and duplication
Quick facts
- Home care provides health and personal services to individuals in their own homes (single family homes, apartments, condominiums, lodges) and communities.
- Designated supportive living provides accommodation, meals, and some health supports while still allowing residents to live independently in a home environment.
- Long-term care, which includes nursing homes and auxiliary hospitals, provides care for people with complex medical needs who are unable to remain at home or in a supportive living facility.
- There are almost 27,000 publicly funded facility-based continuing care spaces in Alberta (includes designated supportive living and long-term care).
- More than 127,000 Albertans received home care services in 2018-19.