Overview
Residents in supportive living and long-term care are responsible to pay an accommodation charge. Examples of accommodation-related services include:
- rooms
- meals
- housekeeping
- routine building maintenance
Health care services in designated supportive living and long-term care settings are publicly funded at no cost to residents.
Accommodation charges
The Alberta government sets the maximum accommodation charge in designated supportive living and long-term care. In other types of supportive living settings, the accommodation charge, or rent, is set by the operator and can vary from facility to facility.
The annual accommodation charge increase has been delayed (Ministerial Order 22/2020) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting July 1, operators can notify residents of the increase to accommodation charges in line with the rates below, based on 2.5% increase in the Alberta Consumer Price Index. These rates are expected to come into effect on October 1, following a 90-day notification period.
Current charges
Maximum accommodation charges for designated supportive living and long-term care are:
Effective until September 30, 2020
| Room Type | Daily | Avg. Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Private room | $68.00 | $2,074 |
| Semi-private | $58.85 | $1,795 |
| Standard | $55.90 | $1,705 |
Effective October 1, 2020 based on 2.5% increase in the Alberta Consumer Price Index*
| Room Type | Daily | Avg. Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Private room | $69.70 | $2,120 |
| Semi-private | $60.30 | $1,834 |
| Standard | $57.30 | $1,743 |
Accommodation charges while in hospital
If you are in the hospital receiving care, your condition may improve or change to a point where the hospital care team may determine your care needs no longer require hospital services. It may be decided you would best be cared for in designated supportive living or long-term care.
If a designated supportive living or long-term care space is not immediately available to meet your needs and preferences, you may be required to stay in the hospital while waiting for a space to become available.
If you are staying in a hospital bed while awaiting admission into designated supportive living or long-term care, you will be charged a fee called an Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Accommodation Charge.
These charges are set at the rate currently charged for a “Standard” room type noted above. This charge does not apply if your move is for palliative care.
There are fee waiver processes if the accommodation charge will cause you financial hardship. Your care team will help you explore possible government income supports and other benefits.
Read Alberta Health Services’ policy on Alternate Level of Care Accommodation Charges
Financial help
In designated supportive living and long-term care facilities, accommodation charges may be fully or partly covered for residents who are eligible for the Alberta Seniors Benefit or clients of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program.