Moving to Long-Term Care
We understand that transitioning to long-term care can feel overwhelming and challenging. Our goal is to make this process as smooth and comfortable as possible for you and your family.
Getting Started
The admission process begins with a Comprehensive Health Assessment and a referral to a Continuing Placement office. Your family doctor or Home Care Nurse (Health Link Alberta) will assess your care needs and determine the appropriate level of support. Then, a Continuing Placement coordinator will collaborate with you and your family to find the best long-term care home that fits your needs.
What to Expect
Residents in long-term care pay an accommodation fee. This fee covers room and board, meals, housekeeping, and routine building maintenance. All health care services provided within designated long-term care settings are publicly funded and available at no additional cost to residents.
Accommodation Charges While in Hospital
If you are in the hospital and your health care team determines that you no longer need hospital-level care, they may recommend transitioning you to designated supportive living or long-term care. However, if a suitable long-term care space is not immediately available, you might need to remain in the hospital while waiting for a placement.
During this waiting period, you will be charged an Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Accommodation Charge for your hospital stay. This fee is based on the current rate for a standard hospital room (see PDF for details). Please note, this charge does not apply if your transfer is for palliative care.
If this accommodation fee creates financial hardship, fee waiver options may be available. Your care team will assist you in exploring government income supports and other available benefits to help manage costs.
Financial help
If you are moving into designated supportive living or long-term care, you may qualify for financial assistance to help cover accommodation costs. Residents who receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit or are enrolled in the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped(AISH) program may have their accommodation charges fully or partially covered, depending on their eligibility.
To find out if you qualify and to explore your options, speak with your care team or contact the appropriate government support program directly.
