Accessing Continuing Care

Continuing Care

Alberta Continuing Care Act Effective April 1, 2024

References to continuing care (including home care, designated supportive living, long term care and hospice) may not reflect the updated language or terms found in the new Alberta Continuing Care Act effective April 1, 2024. Refer to the Continuing Care Glossary for definitions.

Getting Started

Anyone can request an assessment for continuing care services.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help or assistance with daily tasks (getting dressed, taking a shower or bath, relief for a caregiver) or is having difficulty living alone (difficulty walking by themselves, struggling with activities that require memory or judgement), you can request more information from:

  • Your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or Primary Care Network (PCN) office
  • Your healthcare team. If you are hospitalized, transition services or discharge planning may support you with accessing continuing care
  • A community health care provider (pharmacist, physiotherapist, paramedic), or 
  • You can contact continuing care directly through your local Continuing Care Access Centre.

To be eligible for an assessment, you need your valid Alberta Health Care insurance plan number (aka healthcare card).

Select the zone you live in from the list below to find the contact information for the Continuing Care Access Centre in your area.

*Not sure what zone you live in, see the Zone Map

*If you do not currently live in Alberta, or do not have an Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan number but are inquiring about access to continuing care in Alberta, contact any Continuing Care Access Centre for support.


Before Reaching Out

  • Have your healthcare card number, address, and contact information ready.
  • If you are requesting continuing care services on someone else’s behalf, ensure that you have contact information for the individual needing continuing care services. A healthcare provider will get in touch with the individual needing services to get additional information. 

After Reaching Out

  • You will be connected with an individual that will gather your information and answer any questions you have about continuing care services.
  • You may be assigned a Case Manager and scheduled for an assessment and/or provided with contact information for additional community services.

Identifying Your Care Needs

A continuing care Case Manager will meet with you and will complete an assessment to figure out your healthcare needs. This may include figuring out what other services are needed for you to remain as independent as possible in your home.

You will be actively involved in the assessment, meaning you will have the opportunity to tell your Case Manager anything you think is important, as well as ask any questions you may have. If you live at home, this assessment will be done in your home. Assessment at home is the best option to determine your care needs -  Together, let’s get you home: Assessing at home for continuing care services - YouTube. If you are in hospital and are not yet able to go home for your assessment, the assessment will be completed by a member of the healthcare team (e.g., transition services, discharge coordinator).

After this assessment is complete, your Case Manager will discuss with you the type of care and services best suited to your needs. There are different continuing care services that can support you with your assessed needs, while promoting as much independence as your abilities will allow. For more on Continuing Care, visit: What is Continuing Care?


Charges & Fees

Financial screening and/or assessment is available to support you with payment of charges and fees for continuing care services. 
More information about subsidies and financial assistance is available on the Government of Alberta website at Family and Social Supports (also see: Alberta Seniors Benefit and Financial Assistance for People with Disabilities).  
 Home and community care services are provided as part of Alberta Health Care, however there may be additional service fees charged for home making, medical supplies, equipment or day programs.

Accommodation Charges for designated supportive living and long-term care facilities are set by the Government of Alberta.

Accommodation charges for other living options (private licensed supportive living, lodge) may be set by the site/operator or may be based on your income. See Affordable Housing Programs for more information.