Understanding: What is the continuing care program in Alberta?

The need for continuing care in Alberta is projected to rise significantly over the next decade as the population ages and lives longer. So, what is the continuing care program in Alberta? It is a coordinated system of care designed to support individuals with health and personal needs across various settings.

Quick Summary

The continuing care program in Alberta is a provincial system providing a spectrum of health, personal care, and accommodation services for individuals with diverse needs, whether at home, in supportive living, or in a continuing care home, all determined by a professional health assessment.

Key Points

• Diverse Support Settings: Alberta's continuing care includes services for individuals in their own homes, supportive living accommodations, and licensed continuing care homes.

• Professional Health Assessment: Eligibility and the level of care required are determined through a comprehensive assessment arranged by Alberta Health Services (AHS).

• Access via Health Link 811: The first step for anyone needing continuing care services is to call Health Link at 811 to begin the assessment process.

• Blended Funding Model: While health services are publicly funded by the province, residents are responsible for paying for accommodation in facilities.

• Three Facility Types: Continuing Care Homes are categorized into Type A (complex medical needs), Type B (moderate medical needs), and Type C (hospice/palliative care).

• Flexibility and Independence: The program's design aims to support individuals in remaining as independent as possible for as long as possible, in the most appropriate setting.

A Coordinated Approach to Health and Personal Care

Alberta's continuing care program ensures residents of all ages have access to necessary health and support services to maintain independence and quality of life. It is a flexible system that adapts to an individual's changing needs, encompassing home and community care, supportive living accommodations, and continuing care homes.

Settings for Continuing Care in Alberta

The program offers services in different environments to meet diverse needs.

Home and Community Care

This service helps Albertans remain in their own homes by providing health and personal care, supplementing support from family and friends. Services can include assistance with daily living activities, medication, wound care, and respite care. Care is delivered by providers working with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and can be short-term or long-term.

Supportive Living Accommodations

For those unable to live independently at home, supportive living provides a congregate setting with access to care. Facilities vary and operators must be licensed and adhere to provincial standards.

Continuing Care Homes

These licensed facilities offer higher levels of on-site health and personal care. AHS determines access to publicly-funded spaces. The Continuing Care Act updated the licensing system.

Continuing care homes are categorized by care level:

• Type A: For individuals with complex medical needs requiring 24-hour professional nursing.
• Type B: For individuals needing 24-hour personal care from health care aides and/or licensed practical nurses, including secure dementia spaces.
• Type C: Publicly-funded hospice for specialized end-of-life care.

How to Access the Program

Access begins with an assessment to determine individual needs.

1. Call Health Link: Contact 811 to arrange an assessment.
2. Professional Assessment: An AHS professional assesses physical, mental, and social abilities.
3. Care Plan Discussion: A case manager discusses results and care options.
4. Placement or Services: The individual is connected with services or placed on a waiting list.

Understanding the Costs

Costs are a mix of publicly funded healthcare and privately paid accommodation.

Feature	Publicly Funded Health Services	Accommodation Charges
Coverage	Includes services like nursing and therapy.	Covers room, board, and meals in facilities.
Payer	Alberta Health.	Paid by the resident.
Facilities	Provided in various settings.	Resident pays in supportive living and continuing care homes.
Subsidy	Full health services are covered.	Government sets maximum charges in continuing care homes. Subsidies may be available.

Continuing Care Transformation

To meet rising demand, Alberta is investing in transforming the system with more spaces and new care models. Changes aim for more person-centered, flexible care. For current information on legislation and standards, visit the Government of Alberta's website: https://www.alberta.ca/continuing-care-legislation-and-standards.

Conclusion

Alberta's continuing care program is a comprehensive system offering adaptable support for residents needing health and personal care. With services ranging from home care to facility-based care, it addresses the diverse needs of Albertans. The process starts with a call to Health Link for an assessment to ensure appropriate care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the continuing care program in Alberta for?

The continuing care program in Alberta provides a wide range of health, personal care, and accommodation services to help individuals of all ages maintain their independence and quality of life.

How do I start the process to access continuing care services?

You can start by calling Health Link at 811. A health professional will arrange for a needs assessment by Alberta Health Services (AHS) to determine the best care options.

What is the difference between home care and a continuing care home?

Home care services are provided in an individual's own home, while a continuing care home is a licensed facility offering 24-hour on-site nursing and personal care for those with more complex needs.

Are continuing care services free in Alberta?

No. While the health and personal care services themselves are publicly funded, residents are responsible for paying accommodation costs when living in a facility. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.

What level of care is provided in a Type A continuing care home?

Type A continuing care homes are for individuals with complex and unpredictable medical needs who require 24-hour on-site professional nursing care.

What does a continuing care assessment involve?

An assessment is conducted by an AHS health professional and uses a standardized tool to evaluate an individual's physical, mental, and social abilities to determine their unmet care needs.

Does the continuing care program cover palliative care?

Yes, palliative and end-of-life care is an integral part of the continuing care system and can be provided in the home, supportive living, or a specialized continuing care home (Type C hospice).