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How Alberta's Continuing Care System Works

Updated July 2026 · 5 min read · ABSeniors
How Alberta's Continuing Care System Works
Quick answer

Alberta's continuing care has three streams — home care, supportive living, and long-term (facility) care — all accessed through an Alberta Health Services assessment (start at Health Link 811). AHS funds the care; residents pay set accommodation charges in facilities.

Alberta's publicly-funded "continuing care" system confuses almost everyone. Here's the plain-language map of how it works and how to get in.

The three streams

StreamWhat it isYou pay
Home careCare delivered in your own homeFunded hours after assessment (see CDHCI); private hours extra
Supportive livingHousing with personal care (incl. designated SL4 / memory)Care funded; set accommodation charge
Long-term care24-hour complex nursing in a facilityCare funded; government-set accommodation ($2,118–2,448/mo, April 2026)

How to access any of it

  1. Call Health Link 811 or your local AHS home-care office.
  2. An AHS case manager assesses needs and determines eligibility and care level.
  3. AHS places or approves care; for funded home care you can often choose your provider via CDHCI.

Private options (private home care, private retirement and supportive living) don't require an AHS assessment — you can arrange them directly and start sooner.

Next step

Browse home care, assisted/supportive living, and retirement communities by city — or get matched.

Frequently asked questions

How do I access publicly-funded care in Alberta?
Through an Alberta Health Services assessment. Call Health Link at 811 or your local home-care office; an AHS case manager determines eligibility and care level.
What's the difference between supportive living and long-term care?
Supportive living is housing with personal care (including designated SL4 and memory care); long-term care provides 24-hour complex nursing in a facility. Both are accessed via AHS.
Do I need an AHS assessment for private care?
No. Private home care, private retirement residences, and private supportive living can be arranged directly with the provider — often a faster way to start.
How much does publicly-funded long-term care cost?
The nursing care is funded; residents pay a government-set accommodation charge — about $2,118/month for a shared room or $2,448/month for a private room (April 2026 maximums); low-income residents get help through the Alberta Seniors Benefit.

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This guide is general information for Alberta families, not medical, legal, or financial advice. Costs are orientation estimates from public sources and vary by provider. Always confirm details directly with providers and Alberta Health Services.

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