Compared to other provinces, Alberta has a high degree of monitoring and oversight of the continuing care sector. There are multiple layers of accountability built into regulations to ensure contracted operators know what’s expected.
However, Alberta is unique in having two fully provincially health bodies involved in oversight and operations. Both Alberta Health (various branches) and Alberta Health Services (various divisions) have accountability for monitoring the performance and compliance of continuing care homes, and at times both organizations assess contracted operators for the same standards and regulations.
CHAA has worked closely with both organizations since 2020 to identify areas of overlap and to streamline and coordination compliance and monitoring functions so there is a clearer division of accountability between various Alberta Health and AHS audit functions. The resolution strategies are still in progress as the sector maintains our historical high degree of oversight while also ensuring efficiency across governing bodies.
Related content
Learn how CHAA is advocating for continuing care regulatory change in Alberta.
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Not-for-profit organizations occupy a special place in the health care system. We got into this line of work because we view it as a calling rather than a business. It's a mission of service. Something we're committed to, even when times are tough.
Are continuing care homes regulated and licensed?
All continuing care homes that receive government funding to deliver services are fully licensed and regulated. Most private-pay care homes are also licensed and regulated, but sometimes to a lesser extent.
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.