Choosing a continuing care home: questions to ask

Questions the public record can help answer

• What has the home been cited for, and how recently?
• Were the findings addressed (rectified or resolved), or do some remain open?
• Do the same standards come up again across several visits?
• How do the home’s findings compare with the Alberta average? Each home page shows its findings per year beside the provincial figure.

Questions only a visit can answer

• Is the home clean, well-maintained, and free of odours?
• Are there enough staff to help residents without rushing them?
• Do staff treat residents with warmth, courtesy, and respect?
• Do meals look appetizing, and is there a varied activity calendar?
• How does the home handle a family’s concerns or complaints?

Practical questions about the home

• How many units does the home have, and what room types are available?
• Which organization operates the home?
• Where is it, and is it close to family who will visit?
• Does it provide the level of care the resident needs? See how to access continuing care.

The public record is one input among several. A finding records a moment in time and does not, on its own, describe the care a resident will receive today. We do not rank homes or tell you which to choose. These questions are prompts, not recommendations.