Province says new assisted living arm of health care will improve service

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 31, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Alberta’s government is establishing Assisted Living Alberta, the new provincial continuing care agency, continuing its ongoing restructuring of the provincial health-care system.

“By 2046, one in five Albertans will be 65 years of age or older,” the province, says. “As their needs evolve, it is important that older adults and vulnerable populations have access to the support they need to maintain their quality of life and independence so they can age with dignity.”

To support this goal, Assisted Living Alberta will become an entity by April 1, and will be fully operational by fall 2025.

“As the need for continuing care services in Alberta grows, I am committed to working with health, social services and continuing care professionals to transform the system and ensure the new provincial agency, Assisted Living Alberta, meets all Albertans’ needs,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “This change ensures Albertans have access to a full range of wraparound supports to meet their evolving needs and maintain their independence and quality of life as they age or require more support.”

Assisted Living Alberta, the province says, aims to provide Albertans access to a comprehensive system of continuing care with a full range of wraparound services.

“This transition will allow the province to place a holistic social service lens on assisted living services to deliver care more effectively and consistently throughout the province. By taking this approach, individuals and families will have more options when they need care, and as their needs evolve, helping older adults and vulnerable populations maintain their quality of life and independence,” a government release states.

The government says Albertans currently receiving care, and those who need care, will continue to have access to the services they need during the transition, which will be led by a committee consisting of Dr. Sayeh Zielke, medical director of Chinook Cardiology, alongside leaders from health care, continuing care, social services and other local organizations.

“Integrated health and social care enhances outcomes, aligns with the preferences of older adults, caregivers and practitioners, and underpins leading continuing care models,” said Karen McDonald, provincial director of Healthy Aging Alberta. “Healthy Aging Alberta and the United Way of Calgary congratulate the ministry on this exciting transition, and look forward to supporting an integrated wraparound model of continuing care in Alberta.”

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