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Grants totalling $11 million will transform palliative and end-of-life care that eases suffering for Albertans with a life-limiting illness.
In September 2020, the province announced $20 million for palliative and end-of-life care initiatives. Since then, Alberta’s government has invested almost $9 million for new projects such as community hospice care, and education and training for health professionals.
The new grant program will use the remaining $11 million for projects that support four priority recommendations in the Advancing Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Alberta final report. These priorities include earlier access, education and training, community supports and services, and research and innovation.
“Accessible and compassionate palliative care requires a holistic approach from diagnosis to end of life. We’re thankful for the health providers, researchers, educators, community organizations and volunteers that make compassionate care a truly ‘whole of society’ effort. This announcement brings us closer to keeping our promise to provide quality palliative care that eases suffering and supports families.”
“Palliative and end-of-life care must start as early as possible for individuals with a life-limiting illness. We must support them in familiar settings for as long as possible, in their homes and communities alongside their families and caregivers. Funding projects that enable this will lead to better palliative care supports and services for Albertans.”
The deadline for submissions is Jan. 7, 2022, for eligible applicants. The application form, eligibility criteria and program guidelines are available online at Palliative and end-of-life care grant fund on alberta.ca.
Dan Williams, MLA for Peace River, was appointed to consult with palliative and end-of-life care Albertans and interest groups to gain further insights into the palliative care system, provide recommendations for the remaining $11 million in funding, as well as provide the final report to government.
“Covenant Health applauds the Alberta government’s continued commitment to promoting excellence in palliative and end-of-life-care in Alberta. Through these investments, we will be able to assist seriously ill Albertans and their families when they are at their most vulnerable and facing many decisions about their care and personal wishes, now and for the future.”
“AHPCA is encouraged that this program will generate palliative and end-of-life care projects that will fit the unique needs of Alberta communities. Funding will spark improved local supports for families. Equitable access to palliative and end-of-life care is the right of all Albertans.”
“Expanding awareness and understanding of palliative care and dementia across the community and the health-care system is essential. Our organization participated in the engagement process and the new grant program offers opportunities to develop projects that can improve the accessibility of appropriate care for people with dementia.”
One of the government’s priorities is to transform the province’s continuing care system to be more responsive to the needs of Albertans, which includes palliative and end-of-life care. Work is underway to expand home and community care, implementing recommended actions from the review of continuing care homes and new streamlined continuing care legislation.