Funding to support Albertans as they age
A new Aging with Dignity funding agreement with the federal government will enhance Alberta’s continuing care transformation efforts to support Albertans as they age.
Albertans deserve a continuing care system that ensures they can access the highest quality of care available when and where they need it. To meet the growing needs of an aging population and ensure the future of the province’s continuing care system, Alberta’s government has committed $1 billion over three years to transform continuing care in Alberta. This work includes supporting initiatives that will shift to deliver more care in the community, enhance workforce capacity, increase choice and innovation, and improve quality of care within the continuing care sector.
To support Alberta’s continuing care transformation work and help Albertans age with dignity, Alberta’s government has signed a five-year, $627 million bilateral funding agreement with the federal government to support home care and continuing care home initiatives.
“We are committed to making sure Albertans have the care they need as they age. This funding will complement the significant continuing care transformation investments Alberta’s government is making and the improvements we are putting in place to meet the growing care needs of Albertans as they age. This transformational work will provide Albertans high-quality care close to home and will build a responsive and sustainable continuing care system for years to come.” — Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health
Home care initiatives will include enhancing home care services, improving access to palliative and end-of-life care, increasing support for caregivers, and expanding non-medical supports. Continuing care home initiatives will include supporting quality of life best practices in home care and continuing care homes, expanding continuing care workforce education, training and development opportunities, providing workforce mental health supports, and enhancing compliance and monitoring capacity for continuing care homes.
“Investing in the well-being of our aging population is investing in the heart of Alberta. Along with our community partners, we have taken significant steps to ensure every Albertan receives the care they deserve as they age. This funding will build on the work we have done to create a continuum of care that not only meets the needs of today but also ensures a sustainable and responsive system for the future." — Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
In addition to this funding, the province has allocated $654 million over three years for the Continuing Care Capital Program to improve access to continuing care spaces for Albertans, including those who no longer need to stay at a hospital but require further support. The capital funding will also support efforts to reduce emergency department wait times by freeing up more beds and making sure Albertans are getting the right supports in the appropriate setting.
“The Alberta Continuing Care Association (ACCA) is proud to be a partner in this announcement of funding to enhance community and continuing care initiatives in the province with the support of federal funding to ensure clients and residents in this sector receive the highest quality of care and support. We appreciate both levels of government addressing the continuum of services for Albertans. We feel strongly that this infusion of funding will make a huge difference in supporting Albertans to remain in their homes and in their communities with the right supports for as long as possible.” — Feisal Keshavjee, chair, Alberta Continuing Care Association
“Providing our residents with quality of life, access to innovative and sustainable services, and giving them a sense of belonging to a community are fundamental principles of The Good Samaritan Society. This funding agreement will support us and other care providers in meeting our goals in the years to come.” — Dr. Katherine Chubbs, president and CEO, The Good Samaritan Society
As part of its work to create additional continuing care spaces in communities across Alberta, Alberta’s government is working to ensure that the province’s health care system can deliver culturally appropriate care for Indigenous Peoples.
Quick facts
By 2046, one in five Albertans will be 65 years of age or older, making up more than 1.2 million of the total population.
The demand for continuing care will increase even faster due to people living longer and with more complex needs. This will result in an 80 per cent projected increase in demand for continuing care over the next 10 years.
Alberta’s continuing care transformation work includes:
Implementing new regulations, updated standards and improved licensing processes to support the Continuing Care Act, which came into effect on April 1. The Act establishes clear and consistent authority and oversight for licensing compliance and monitoring, accommodations, and the delivery of continuing care in Alberta. The Act reflects current practices and settings and addresses the changing needs and expectations of Albertans.
Supporting the expansion and delivery of non-medical supports that enable individuals to continue to live safely and independently at home or in the community.
Funding to enable and strengthen support networks, resources and connections for caregivers in Alberta.
Expanding client-directed care to provide more choice in home and community care for Albertans.
Increasing hours of care provided to residents in continuing care homes.
Supporting the continuing care workforce through increased mental health and wellness supports and implementing the Health Workforce Strategy to address the immediate challenges facing the workforce and service delivery.