Achi news desk-
Alberta will receive $627 million from Ottawa over five years for continuing care, the two governments announced Thursday.
According to officials, who announced the agreement called “Aging with Dignity” in Edmonton, the money includes $280 million over four years for home and community care services and $347 million over five years for long-term care.
The province’s health minister, Adriana LaGrange, said Alberta is preparing for a growing older population while making improvements recommended in recent reviews of its health system.
“Currently, one in seven Albertans is aged 65 and over. Within the next 25 years, one in five will be aged 65 or over. That will mean that there will be approximately 1.2 million Albertans within 20 years over the age of 65,” LaGrange told reporters.
“That (funding) is going to have a huge impact not just in urban areas but also in our rural communities – especially in rural communities, you’re very connected to your family members, your network of support, and people want to stay. instead, to age in their communities. So how do we make sure there’s support in place, how do we make sure the infrastructure is there?
According to Lagrange, the funding will be distributed to care providers to be used for operations, as well as boosting the workforce.
As part of the agreement, the province is required to report to the federal government how the money is spent.
Over three years, Alberta is expected to spend $1 billion on transforming its continuing care system, including implementing the new Continuing Care Act, which came into effect on April 1, and expanding non-medical supports that enable people to age at home or their community.
