Long-Term Care - FAQs

What is long-term care?

For a small number of seniors and adults with disabilities who can no longer be taken care of in their own home, or in a supportive living facility, long-term care might be an appropriate living option. Long-term care has also been referred to in Alberta as nursing home, auxiliary hospital, and extended care.

Long-term care is provided in a hospital-like model to individuals with complex health needs that may require supervision and unscheduled Registered Nurse assessment 24 hours a day.

Long-term care may be required to meet:

• Complex end of life care needs
• Complex medication management
• Complex nursing care
• Inconsistent or unstable behaviour that places the individual or others at risk

How do I know if long-term care is right for me or my loved one (parent, grandparent)?

For a small number of seniors who have highly complex and unpredictable health needs and whose care cannot be safely provided in their own home, or in supportive living, long-term care facilities will be available.

Long-term care is provided to individuals with complex health needs using a more hospital-like model. Under the direction of a family physician, an onsite Registered Nurse supervises your care with the support of Licensed Practical Nurses, Health Care Aides and other health-care providers as appropriate.

Long-term care clients:

• have complex and unpredictable care needs but are clinically stable and can be managed safely with 24-hour onsite Registered Nurses
• require regularly scheduled and unscheduled onsite support from their Registered Nurse and family doctor,
• may have complex end of life care needs,
• may have complex medication management needs,
• may require unscheduled assessments to address changing care issues,
• may have any stage of dementia,
• may have unpredictable behaviours placing self and others at risk,
• have complex physical needs with care requirements that cannot be met at home or in supportive living,
• may require the following types of assistance with daily activities:
  • Complex nutritional intake requirements
  • Increased rehabilitation
  • Complex requirements with respect to bladder/bowel control

Long-term care will not be a good fit for you if have unstable acute medical or psychiatric conditions requiring acute care hospitalization.

Who will care for me?

Because your health needs are complex, a Registered Nurse is on site 24 hours a day. The Registered Nurse supervises your care with the support of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides. Medical care is available from a family doctor. Other health-care professionals are available depending on your assessed needs.

Your family and other informal caregivers are welcome to participate in your care – and are an integral part of your plan of care.

What will it cost?

Alberta Health Services has made a commitment to ensure Alberta seniors receive the care services they require to support choice, wellness and independence as they age.

Your ability to pay will not be a barrier to accessing the care services you need.

All assessed health and personal care services included in your plan of care and managed through your Home Care Registered Nurse, will be covered by Alberta Health Services.

You will be responsible for the cost of accommodation fees in a long-term care facility, as well as any additional care or support services requested by you outside of the plan of care.

Just like at home, you are responsible for your personal laundry, hairdressing service, social outings and personal telephone.

These items can be added to your monthly accommodation charge if you request it.

Subsidies may be available. Please contact your local Seniors Benefit office for more information or call 310-0000 and ask to be connected.

What can I bring with me?

To make your room as comfortable as possible, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your special items from home. Perhaps you’d like to bring your family photos, your own blankets, or your favourite chair. Bring whatever small items make your home special to you.

Will my quality of life change?

Quality of life is very individual. For you, quality may be seeing your grandchildren, being able to participate in hobbies or outings, or seeing your favourite TV programs. We will support your quality of life as much as possible, given your capabilities.  Please let us know what is important to you so we can help ease the transition to long-term care and help you enjoy this time in your life.

Can my family and friends visit?

This is your home. Your family and friends are an important part of your plan of care and they are welcome to visit you any time of day – it’s your decision.

What about meals?

Meals are served in the dining room and assistance to and from meals will be provided as necessary. If you are too ill to eat in the dining room, your meal will be brought to your room.

Your guests are welcome to join you; they may pay for a meal or bring their own. Your family and friends are also welcome to come and assist you at meal time if needed.

Assessment by a professional dietitian is available if required.

What kinds of activities are available for me to participate in?

Therapeutic Recreation staff offer many enjoyable recreation and leisure activities to help promote your wellness and independence. You are welcome to participate in regular exercise programs, social gatherings, music, gardening, art, outdoor activities and more. Therapeutic Recreation also offers opportunities for you to participate in events in your community.

How do I access long-term care?

In order to access a senior’s living option, including long-term care, you need to undergo an assessment by a Home Care Registered Nurse*.

You can access Alberta Health Services Home Care services if you:

• Live in Alberta
• Have an Alberta Health Care number, or
• Have applied for and are eligible to receive Alberta Health Care coverage

To get more information on seniors living options or to book an assessment, contact the local Home Care Program, talk to your family doctor or call HEALTHLink Alberta Toll-Free 1-866-408-5465.

* In some parts of the province, other allied health-care professionals (i.e. physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers) also complete assessments.