Adapted from various Alberta Government publicly accessible sources

In Alberta, Alberta Health Services is responsible for the services delivered through hospitals, community health centres, continuing care facilities, public health programs, and home care. It delivers health services across the Province and works with communities to deliver health services to local residents.

 

The primary responsibilities of Alberta Health Services is to:

• promote and protect the health of the population and work to prevent disease and injury
• assess, on an ongoing basis, the health needs of the Province
• determine priorities in providing health services and allocate resources accordingly
• ensure that reasonable access to quality health services is provided in and throughout the Province
• promote health services in a way that responds to the needs of individuals and communities and supports the integration of services and facilities across the Province.

Admission to the continuing care system in Alberta, which includes Home Care, Continuing Care or Long Term Care Centres, Community Care Centres and Adult Day Programs, is based on a functional assessment of the individual's need, using the Alberta Assessment and Placement Instrument (AAPI).

 

The Single Point of Entry (SPE) process, which is currently in use, was developed to provide a single point of access to individuals seeking facility or community-based long-term care.

 

Referrals for facility-based care and home care come from many sources including family members, friends, doctors and the person themselves. Once the referral is made, a home care nurse meets with the individual, usually in his/her own home. The health professional discusses the individual’s strengths and needs, and the needs of the individual’s informal support system.

 

On the basis of assessed need, a service plan is created for eligible individuals identifying the professional and support services required. If a facility placement is contemplated, the AAPI is submitted to the Long Term Care Facility Placement Committee of the region for approval and the individual’s name would be placed on the list for admission to an appropriate facility.

 

Clients are asked for their preference regarding long term care facility placement (up to 3 choices). If the situation is urgent, the client could be asked to take the next available bed and would remain there until a bed became available at their preferred location.

 

CONTACTING ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES

http://www.alberathealthservices.ca - Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health Services Corporate Office
Seventh Street Plaza
14th Floor, North Tower
10030 – 107 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3E4

Phone: 780-342-2000
Toll free: 1-888-342-2471