For families researching senior care options in Alberta, the Continuing Care Program is one of the main publicly funded resources. It supports Albertans of all ages in maintaining their health, safety, and independence, whether they live at home, in a supportive living accommodation, or in a continuing care home.
Continuing care in Alberta is governed by the Alberta Continuing Care Act, with services accessed through Alberta Health Services and provincial standards overseen by Alberta Health. Eligibility is based on a professional assessment, and a valid Alberta Health Care number is generally required. For families who need support beyond publicly funded services, Ohana Care is an Alberta-based private home care provider offering flexible, personalized care in Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding areas.
Depending on a person’s assessed needs, care options may include home and community care, supportive living accommodations, and different types of continuing care homes, including Type A, Type B, and Type B Secure spaces.
Type A Continuing Care Homes
Type A continuing care homes, formerly known as long-term care, nursing homes, and auxiliary hospitals, are designed for individuals with complex, unpredictable medical needs who can no longer be safely supported at home or in a lower level of continuing care.
Residents receive 24-hour on-site registered nurse assessment and/or treatment, along with personal care and support from a multidisciplinary care team that may include licensed practical nurses and health care aides. Services may also include accommodation, meals, care management, rehabilitation, and other consultative health services. Access to Type A spaces is typically based on a continuing care assessment coordinated through Alberta Health Services.
Type B Continuing Care Homes
Type B continuing care homes (formerly designated supportive living) serve individuals who can no longer be safely supported at home and who require a higher level of health and personal care. These homes provide accommodation, meals, and 24/7 on-site support, typically from health care aides and licensed practical nurses.
Alberta Health Services describes Type B homes as providing on-site registered nurse and/or registered psychiatric nurse care, assessment, and/or treatment 24 hours a day. Type B also includes Secure Spaces for individuals living with dementia who require a secure environment and specialized support.
Type C Continuing Care Homes
Type C continuing care homes are hospice spaces within Alberta’s publicly funded continuing care system for individuals who require specialized end-of-life care. These homes provide 24-hour on-site health and personal care delivered by specialized healthcare professionals, support staff, and volunteers.
Palliative and end-of-life care services may also be provided in other care environments so Albertans can receive dignity- and comfort-focused care in the final stage of life. Access to Type C hospice spaces is typically coordinated through Alberta Health Services referral and continuing care access processes, which may vary by region.
Source: Alberta Health Services Continuing Care
Alberta Continuing Care program in Calgary
In Calgary, access to publicly funded continuing care is coordinated through Alberta Health Services. Continuing care includes both home and community care and residential Continuing Care Homes for individuals with ongoing health and support needs. In Calgary continuing care homes, care may be delivered through an interdisciplinary team that includes nursing and personal care, therapy services, and pharmacy support, with a focus on promoting independence and supporting residents’ physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. In AHS’s 2021-22 reporting, 66.1% of Calgary Zone clients assessed and approved for continuing care placement were placed within 30 days, representing 2,839 clients.
Source: Alberta Health Services Annual Report Supplementary Information
For families in Calgary whose loved one is on a waitlist, needs more support than the Continuing Care program provides, or prefers to remain at home, private home care can be a practical option. Ohana Care provides home care services in Calgary, including in-home care, 24-hour home care, live-in care, companionship, and specialized support for individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Care plans are tailored to your loved one’s needs and can be adjusted as those needs change over time.
Alberta Continuing Care program in Edmonton
In Edmonton, publicly funded continuing care is accessed through Alberta Health Services. It is available for people who need ongoing health and personal support. The system includes home and community care as well as residential continuing care options. In Edmonton continuing care homes, services may be provided through a team-based model that can include nursing care, personal support, therapy services, and pharmacy involvement. These settings are designed to support residents’ overall health, comfort, and quality of life. In AHS’s 2021-22 reporting, 74.3% of Edmonton Zone clients assessed and approved for continuing care placement were placed within 30 days, for a total of 2,773 clients.
Source: Alberta Health Services Annual Report Supplementary Information.
Private home care is an option for Edmonton families waiting for placement, requiring more support, or choosing to keep a loved one at home. Ohana Care provides in-home care, 24-hour home care, live-in care, companionship, dementia care, and Alzheimer’s care across Edmonton, with care plans tailored to your loved one’s individual needs.
Why Albertans Choose Ohana Care For Continuing Care
For families navigating the continuing care system in Alberta, Ohana Care offers a dependable private home care option backed by a strong record of client satisfaction. With more than 700 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, Ohana Care is recognized for delivering reliable, personalized support families can count on.
Unlike many care providers, Ohana Care does not require fixed contracts. That gives families the flexibility to begin care when they need it, adjust services as circumstances change, and scale support up or down without being tied to a long-term financial commitment.
Services are available across Western Canada, making Ohana Care a practical choice for families across multiple regions. Care options include in-home care, 24-hour home care, live-in care, companionship, dementia care, Alzheimer’s care, and palliative care, among others. Whether your loved one needs occasional weekly support or around-the-clock assistance, Ohana Care creates a care plan built around their needs. Contact us for more information.
