Alberta's continuing care system changed significantly on April 1, 2024, when the new Alberta Continuing Care Act came into effect. If you are reading older resources, some of the terminology will be different. This guide reflects the current system.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) administers all publicly funded continuing care in Alberta — home care, supportive living, and long-term care (now called Continuing Care Homes). The entry point is the same regardless of what level of care you are seeking: call AHS and request an assessment.
Anyone can request an assessment for continuing care services. You do not need a GP referral. The process begins with a phone call to one of two numbers:
When you call, a case manager and registered nurse will arrange to meet with your family member, conduct a needs assessment, and determine what services are appropriate. The assessment covers physical health, cognitive function, personal care needs, and the home environment. Anyone living in Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan number is eligible for assessment.
Home and community care: Professional services delivered in the home — nursing, personal care, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work. Also includes adult day programs and CHOICE (a day programme specifically for people who might otherwise need facility care). There are no fees for professional or personal care services in home care in Alberta. This is a meaningful distinction from some other provinces.
Supportive living (Type B): For people who require 24-hour hospitality services, security response, and personal care support but do not require continuous nursing. Accommodation costs apply and are standardised across AHS-funded facilities. Contact AHS for current rates — these are indexed regularly.
Continuing Care Homes Type A (formerly Long-Term Care): For people assessed as requiring 24-hour nursing care and supervision. Publicly funded; accommodation costs are standardised by AHS. The operator of each facility will determine whether the facility is a suitable match for your family member's specific needs and preferences.
After initial contact, an AHS case manager will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This determines both what level of care is needed and, for facility care, what type of accommodation is appropriate. The case manager will then provide a list of facilities that match the assessed level of care and your stated preferences.
For supportive living accommodation, the facility operator also makes a matching decision — it is not purely AHS-allocated. You will need to contact facilities that interest you, arrange tours, and confirm they can meet your family member's needs. AHS's Assisted Living Navigation Portal (assistedlivingalberta.ca) allows families to view facilities, costs, amenities, and services online before making contact.
For Continuing Care Homes Type A, placement is coordinated through AHS. Wait times vary significantly by facility and location. As in other provinces, applying early — before a crisis — places you in a stronger position.
"There are no fees for home care services in Alberta. This is not the case in every province. If you haven't called yet, call today."
AHS assesses urgency at the time of application. If your family member's situation is deteriorating or unsafe, say so explicitly when you call — do not understate the clinical picture. The case manager uses your description alongside the formal assessment to determine urgency, and this affects both the type of support arranged and the speed of response.
If your family member is currently in hospital and cannot return home, the hospital discharge planning team can initiate a continuing care referral directly. Hospital-initiated assessments are often prioritised, and the clinical information already gathered during the admission accelerates the process.
Home care professional and personal care services: no cost to the patient or family. Accommodation costs in supportive living and continuing care homes are standardised by AHS but do apply — contact AHS or the specific facility for current rates, as these are updated regularly. Low-income residents may qualify for rate reductions; ask the case manager about this at the time of assessment.
First call: Health Link 811 or the Continuing Care Access Line 1-855-371-4122. No referral needed. Anyone can call on behalf of a family member who cannot call themselves.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Government programme details, costs, and contact numbers change. Verify current information directly with the relevant health authority or government body before acting.
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