All contracted operators receive the same amount of funding from Alberta Health Services to deliver care and manage their facilities, regardless of whether they’re a for-profit operator or a not-for-profit operator.
However, there may be differences in how different operators use the funding they receive.
Staffing represents about 80% of the cost of continuing care services. There may be differences between for-profit and not-for-profit operators with respect to the wages and benefits paid to staff, or the percentage of full-time versus part-time staff.
Driving force and mission:
CHAA’s not-for-profit operators have a charitable, faith or mission basis for their operations. CHAA’s operators have a long-serving mission that spans decades or centuries.
For-profit operators are typically in the business for benevolent reasons. Some will focus their efforts on aspects of the business that are more profitable or can generate higher return on investment (such as real estate/asset acquisition).
Use of surplus funds (profits):
Not-for-profit operators tend to operate on a break-even basis. They’re legally obligated to put surplus funds into programming, services, or facility enhancements for the benefit of residents. Many are charitable organizations that fundraise for the extras.
For-profit operators can allocate surplus funds to dividends or profit sharing for owners. They can also sell or close parts of the operation that don’t earn a sufficient return.
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Learn more about continuing care in Alberta.
Our board
CHAA's small but mighty board is close-knit, values-driven, and nimble. Our goals? To always collaborate respectfully with decision-makers. And to use evidence and experience to inform system-wide change.
Our members
Our member organizations are exclusively not-for-profit providers of publicly funded continuing care and acute care services info. Collectively, we use the power of research, leadership, and integrity to champion change.
About non-profit care
Being not-for-profit means we can focus on the values and faith that have guided our mission of service for more than a century.