One year ago, Assisted Living Alberta was created to deliver, coordinate, and oversee the province’s assisted living system. Since then, we have remained committed to ensuring Albertans can access consistent and reliable care regardless of their age and diagnosis. This commitment includes supporting Alberta seniors to stay connected, and live and age with dignity in their homes and communities of choice, which is a goal we share with Alberta Senior Living.
Looking back over the last twelve months, we have already made some important progress in Alberta’s assisted living system. By supporting the transition of clients who no longer need care in a hospital to home locations better suited to their care needs, we freed up approximately 175 acute care beds for those who require hospital care. We also added more than 200 continuing care beds. In addition, our dedicated team has supported more than 4,500 Albertans who needed temporary care while preparing to return to the places they call home.
Our first year has truly been a success, and we are just getting started.
We have the privilege of being part of the care journeys of thousands of people and their families in every part of Alberta – approximately 150,000 Albertans receive home care services, a 24 per cent increase over the last five years; and more than 30,000 Albertans live in continuing care settings supported directly by ALA or through our contracted care partners.
There are also hundreds of people across the province who are part of community care programs, including caregivers in need of support, and clients using rehabilitation and other allied health services, such as those provided by social workers.
We care deeply about ensuring the right support and resources are always there for Albertans in the places they call home. ALA is fortunate to have more than 15,000 dedicated team members who ensure high-quality care is delivered today and are building a strong foundation for the work ahead.
As we head into our second year, our priorities are clear: provide the best, quality care for those who need assisted living and continuing care; support the health system by helping those who no longer need hospital care to move safely back to communities; build more capacity across the province; and find innovative ways to support Albertans.
Assisted Living Alberta’s first year has been a success, and we know there is much more work ahead to meet the growing needs across the province.
I look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen assisted living and continuing care services, support older adults to live well and receive the services they need at home and in their communities, and ensure every Albertan, regardless of their care needs, experiences the same, consistent care from Assisted Living Alberta.
Sincerely,
Mr. Brian Pollard
Chief Executive Officer
Assisted Living Alberta