How to access continuing care in Alberta

Who continuing care is for

A continuing care home provides 24-hour nursing care for people with complex needs who can no longer be supported safely at home or in a lower level of care. Eligibility is based on assessed care needs, not on age or income on their own.

How access works, step by step

1. 1Contact Alberta Health Services, or ask the care team at a hospital or in the community to make a referral.
2. 2A case manager assesses the person’s care needs, which can include functional and health assessments.
3. 3You discuss the options together, including whether a continuing care home is the right fit or whether home care or supportive living could meet the need for now.
4. 4If a continuing care home is appropriate, you can use this site to research each home’s monitoring record first.
5. 5Alberta Health Services coordinates the placement and the move when a suitable space is available.

What it costs

Continuing care is publicly funded: the health-care portion is paid by the province at no cost to residents. Residents pay a monthly accommodation charge toward their room, meals and related services, and the Government of Alberta sets the maximum charge. Because the amount changes over time, check Alberta’s resident accommodation charges page for the current rates and the support available for residents who cannot afford the standard charge.

Alberta Health Services coordinates eligibility and placement across the province. For the official details, see Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta’s continuing care page.