Overview
There are a variety of continuing care settings, services and supports available to Albertans depending on an individual’s health, personal care or accommodation service needs.
Eligibility
Any Albertan can receive continuing care services, no matter their age, diagnosis or the length of time they need support. Eligibility for publicly funded continuing care services, provided by home and community care or in a continuing care home, is based on a professional assessment of a person’s unmet care needs. Access to accommodation services provided in a supportive living accommodation is based on the operator’s eligibility criteria.
Learn how to access continuing care.
Services
Continuing care services include help with:
- dressing
- eating
- bathing
- meal preparation
- respite
- wound care
- medication administration
- many other health care and support services
These services and supports may be provided in different settings including individuals’ homes, community-based service locations such as day programs, supportive living accommodations and continuing care homes.
Continuing care settings
Provincial standards
The Alberta government sets provincial accommodation standards, and monitors compliance to the standards through site inspections. The Accommodation Standards establish the minimum standards of accommodation services, such as meals, building maintenance, security, and housekeeping, social or leisure activities, and resident and family involvement to promote safety, security, and quality of life for clients and residents.
Read the Accommodation Standards – Supportive Living Accommodations and the Supportive Living Accommodations in Alberta – A Guide to New Continuing Care Legislation.
Health care benefits
The Alberta government provides subsidized palliative care health benefits to Albertans who are diagnosed as palliative and remain in their home or in a hospice where access to publicly funded drugs, diabetic supplies and ambulance services may not be included.
Learn about the Palliative Coverage Program.
All Albertans should prepare for the possibility they may be unable to make their own medical decisions, especially if they are older or have chronic or serious illness.
Advance care planning
Advance care planning is a way to help individuals think about, talk about and document their wishes for health care if they are unable to provide consent or refuse treatment or other kinds of care. Tools such as a personal directive, an enduring power of attorney or a will can help people plan for the future so their wishes are known.
Find out more about Advance planning.
Resident and Family Councils
The Continuing Care Act gives clients and their families the right to establish self-governing councils at type A or type B continuing care homes or supportive living accommodations, to participate in decisions made about the care and services they receive.
Learn more about Resident and Family Councils.
Legislation and standards
The most common legislation and standards regarding the continuing care system are listed below.
There may be additional legislation or standards, such as employment standards, that may be relevant to continuing care operators and those receiving continuing care services.