Navigating later-life decisions requires knowledge of the possible. It also requires preparation. There are many factors to consider when making decisions about advanced care. Where will you live when your care needs increase? How much will it cost?
Later life decisions are some of the most personal, emotional, and important decisions we will make as an individual. These decisions should be made in collaboration with our loved ones.
The tasks of planning for later life care can be split into two distinct areas: financial planning for your advanced care, and research-based planning to navigate the continuing care system.
Advance care planning is a process of thinking, conversing and documenting health care decisions for future situations when we may lack capacity. The goal is to ensure that your requests with respect to treatment, care and housing are communicated to health care providers and loved ones. Thought and planning must also be given to finances in the same way – thinking, preparing and documenting assets and how they will be allocated in the event of incapacity.
Alberta’s publicly funded continuing care system is designed to support individuals who require ongoing health, personal, or accommodation services due to aging, illness, disability, or recovery needs. The system is broadly divided into two main streams: Home and Community Care, and Continuing Care Homes.
Home and Community Care services enable individuals of all ages to remain in their own homes or community settings for as long as possible. These services include assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, as well as clinical support like medication administration and wound care.
For individuals with more complex or ongoing care needs, Continuing Care Homes provide accommodation along with integrated health and personal care services. Under Alberta’s updated framework, these homes are categorized into three types: Type A (Long-Term Care), Type B (Supportive Living), and Type C (Hospice). Type A facilities serve individuals with complex and unpredictable medical needs requiring 24-hour nursing care. Type B environments offer a more independent, home like setting with access to personal care and some nursing support, while Type C provides palliative and end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity.
Access to continuing care services in Alberta is based on a professional assessment of an individual’s unmet care needs, typically coordinated through an Assisted Living Alberta (ALA) case manager. This assessment determines the most appropriate level of care and setting. While health services are publicly funded, some accommodation-related costs such as meals and housing in continuing care homes may require client contributions, with maximum rates regulated by the province.
When planning for later life care it is vital to note that in Alberta specifically, cost of care varies, with the accommodation fees set by the Government of Alberta. As of May 2026, residents typically pay between $2,147.42 and $2,482.00 per month for accomodation. Increases to these rates are implemented annually based on the Consumer Price Index by ministerial order. Care funding is provided by the Government of Alberta to the provider directly, and covers nursing services, recreation and other care services such as dieticians, social worker and therapy. Accommodation charges, set out in the Continuing Care (Ministerial) regulation, can be found at www.alberta.ca/continuing-care-accommodation charges.
AgeCare currently operates 54 continuing care communities across Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. The organization’s 10,500 employees deliver high-quality, resident-centred care, programs, amenities and services including long-term care, retirement living, supportive living, memory care, mental health, brain injury, hospice and adult day programs to nearly 8500 residents.
Salimah Walji-Shivji is the Chief Executive Officer of AgeCare, where she leverages her background in social work and law to drive innovation and quality in the senior care sector. Appointed as CEO in January 2024 following key legal roles at Alberta Health Services, she leads with a mission-driven focus rooted in a lifelong commitment to service, social justice, and extensive community volunteer work. Her professional excellence, King’s Counsel honor, and dedication to continuous learning have earned her notable recognitions, including Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 and the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
