Navigating the healthcare system for yourself or a loved one can be challenging, especially when care needs change over time. In Alberta, the continuing care system is designed to provide health, personal care, and accommodation services across a spectrum of needs. The different levels of care are categorized based on the individual's required level of support and can be accessed through a professional assessment by Alberta Health Services (AHS).
Home and Community Care
Alberta's Home and Community Care program provides publicly funded services to help individuals remain independent in their own homes. These services are meant to complement, not replace, support from family and friends. To access these services, an AHS health professional will assess the individual's needs.
What does Home and Community Care offer?
- Personal Care: Assistance with daily living activities.
- Health Services: Includes nursing care and therapy.
- Respite Care: Temporary relief for caregivers.
- Day Programs: Community-based activities.
Supportive Living Accommodations
Supportive living is for those needing more support than home care but not the extensive care of a continuing care home. These licensed facilities offer a balance of independence and services in a shared environment. While access is often directly with operators, a Home Care assessment is needed for publicly subsidized spaces.
Key features of Supportive Living
- Licensing: Operators must be licensed and follow the Accommodation Standards – Supportive Living.
- Variable Services: Facilities and services differ, with operators setting rent and service packages.
- Designated Supportive Living (DSL): Subsidized facilities funded by AHS, offering different levels (DSL3 to DSL4).
- DSL4D: Facilities with secure areas for residents with dementia.
Continuing Care Homes
Continuing care homes provide 24-hour on-site care for individuals with complex health needs. AHS determines access based on a professional assessment. Publicly funded continuing care homes have government-set maximum accommodation fees. For details on facility types, services, and access, refer to the {Link: Alberta Health Services website https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/cc/Page17907.aspx} and the {Link: Alberta.ca website https://www.alberta.ca/about-continuing-care}.
Comparison of Continuing Care Levels in Alberta
| Feature | Home and Community Care | Supportive Living | Continuing Care Home (Type A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Individual's home | Congregate setting | Facility-based residential setting |
| Level of Care | Support for safe, independent living | Scheduled and unscheduled personal care | 24/7 onsite professional nursing and personal care |
| Caregivers | AHS, contracted providers, or hired | HCAs, with LPNs or RNs as needed | RNs/RPNs, LPNs, and HCAs onsite 24/7 |
| Client Independence | Maximum independence encouraged | High level of independence promoted | Limited independence due to complex needs |
| Access Method | AHS assessment via Health Link 811 | Direct access with operator (assessment for subsidized spaces) | AHS assessment and placement |
Conclusion
Alberta's continuing care system provides a range of options to meet the changing needs of residents. An AHS assessment is crucial for determining the appropriate level of care. The system aims to support the well-being and independence of Albertans through a mix of publicly funded and private options.
How to access care
To access publicly funded home care or continuing care home services, contact Health Link at 811. An AHS health professional will conduct an assessment to determine care needs. No referral is needed.
Additional Considerations
Specialized services, such as palliative care, are available across different settings, including at home or in hospice facilities (Type C). Type B Secure Spaces offer specialized care for individuals with dementia. While health services are publicly funded, clients are responsible for certain costs in day programs or continuing care homes. The government sets maximum accommodation fees for publicly funded facilities. Financial assistance programs like the Alberta Seniors Benefit are available for eligible seniors. The system's goal is to provide comprehensive support while respecting individual independence.
