The places that provide care to the most frail in our society are referred to as Long Term Care Homes, Nursing Homes, or Auxiliary Hospitals in Alberta.
They are for people who can no longer live independently and who require high levels of care, including nursing care and memory care. Residents need assistance with many of the activities of daily living, including personal care - help with personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, grooming and eating, to nursing supervision, skilled medical and nursing care. Because of limited government budgets, they have become places for those with complex medical needs.
Although long term care is not covered under the Canada Health Act, the high costs, which approach $100 per resident per day, and our attitude toward equal access for all, has resulted in this level of care being funded by the government. But don’t expect this will necessarily mean you will get a bed when you need it.
Fiscal pressures on governments to help build and fund will continue to be felt in longer wait lists as existing beds are used to free up hospital beds and provide more and more care to our growing older adult segment over time.
Eligibility for placement in a nursing home is governed by provincial legislation, specifically the Nursing Home General Regulation which requires homes to comply with the Continuing Care Health Service Standards and the Long Term Care Accommodation Standards.
You need to apply to your local Alberta Health Services (AHS) branch.
Health care services are publicly funded and are based on AHS care plans and include care, medications, medical-surgical supplies and medically necessary transportation.
The resident still has to pay for his or her room and board, or accommodation and other services such as hairdressing, foot care, and the like. For current rates click here. Check with AHS to see if Alberta offers relief for those with limited incomes. There are also private pay choices across the Province.