CHAA operators were eager to collaborate with Government in the preparation and review of new continuing care legislation and regulations. As a group of solutions-focused, like-minded leaders, we committed to positive dialogue, compromise, and consensus building as we maintained our strong advocacy on behalf of vulnerable resident populations.
Our operators formed a Care Transformation working group that met weekly as the legislative and regulatory legwork began in 2021. We reviewed the proposed roadmap and timelines to draft new legislation, and thoroughly discussed each regulations section as content areas and priorities evolved. We then prepared written submissions at each step along the way to ensure the input of operators was captured and articulated.
Key themes captured in CHAA’s submissions include:
Closing some of the gaps between the highly desirable concept of aging in place (i.e., staying at the same facility as care needs change) versus the policy, staffing and funding challenges that may not support the concept in practice.
Moving toward an outcomes-based approach rather than the current checklist approach to monitoring facility performance.
Resolving overlapping jurisdiction and practices with respect to compliance and monitoring functions.
Better aligning the licensing, auditing and accreditation standards and timing to reduce duplication.
Creating stronger partnerships between the operator and the AHS case management team — so facilities can be more directly involved in assessing and placing residents as their care needs change.
Acknowledging the role of food services far beyond basic nutrition — especially the contribution to the social, emotional, cultural and life enrichment wellbeing of residents.
Ensuring assistive equipment (e.g., mechanical lifts) is viewed and funded as necessary health-related capital equipment.
Recognizing increased needs within today’s care environments for social work supports, facility security, and information technology.
Clarifying and strengthening the expectations around resident trust accounts and protection of resident property.
Greater clarity regarding the accountabilities when an independent, supportive living facility gradually wades into the provision of care services.
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Learn how CHAA is advocating for continuing care regulatory change in Alberta.
What does continuing care cost, and who pays for what?
In facility-based continuing care, the responsibility for various costs of continuing care depends on which type of service or facility the individual is receiving care from.
Getting care
Alberta’s continuing care system is complex, and it takes some time to understand how to access care services. Preparing ahead of time can ensure individuals and families are ready to navigate the system if and when care is ever needed.
Accessing services
Accessing publicly funded services takes a bit of legwork and some knowledge of how the system works. Here is how to get started.