Nearly 95% of all seniors and adults with disabilities are able to safely and comfortably live at home throughout their senior years. For those choosing to remain in their own home, it’s not uncommon to need anywhere from 10 to 40 years of support from family and friends as caregivers.
According to Caregivers Alberta, there are an estimated one million caregivers in Alberta who provide approximately 620 hours each of caregiving time annually. That’s nearly two hours per day — with some family members providing care for 20, 30 or even 40+ hours per week.
Families provide care in our facilities, too.
At CHAA’s not-for-profit facilities and services, we welcome family members and friends across our sites. If you have a loved one in a CHAA site, you’ll be embraced as a full member of the care team and an essential participant in the compassionate care provided to your family member.
Many family members do double duty as both direct caregivers and as facility/program volunteers. CHAA operators are unique in that we are huge benefactors of a generous base of volunteers. Consider yourself among the 4,000 volunteers who provide 400,000 hours of volunteer companionship and support to the 35,000 residents in our care facilities and programs.
Relief and respite care
Staff in CHAA facilities and programs are always looking out for the health and well-being of family members — whether you’re caring for a loved one at home or spending time with loved ones in facility-based care.
If you find you’re struggling with the demands of caregiving, please reach out to staff within the facility or to Caregivers Alberta to discuss caregiver supports and resources.
Many CHAA facilities also have relief and respite care services available for families that need a break from caregiving or need a vacation. Services may take the form of:
Day Programs, where you can register to bring your loved one for social activities, meals and supervision while you attend to your own appointments or activities.
Respite Care Programs, where you register to bring your loved one for overnight stays on an occasional or regular basis.
Related Content
Learn more about continuing care in Alberta.
Families make all the difference
We believe family and friends are the most important support system for our residents. We’ll always consider you an essential part of the care team.
Quality of life
Quality of life is largely determined by the sense of family and shared values within facility-based living.
Dorothy's jewellery box
Staff were at a loss to find ways to calm Dorothy on days she woke up anxious and distressed. A caring staff member and a dollar-store jewelry box saved the day.