Provincial Press release February 3, 2021 @ 12:27pm published at 4:30pm
Alberta’s government is providing $68.5 million to protect vulnerable Albertans and staff in continuing care and residential addiction and mental health treatment facilities, as well as home care clients, from COVID-19.
This one-time funding will support operators of non-contracted licensed supportive living and both contracted and non-contracted home care, hospices and residential addiction and mental health treatment centres.
It will help operators pay for increased staffing, additional cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment.
“We must do everything possible to protect vulnerable Albertans and the workers supporting them from COVID-19. Today’s $68.5 million in support for continuing care homes is on top of $260 million that Alberta’s government has already provided to help caregivers support vulnerable seniors throughout the pandemic.” Jason Kenney, Premier
“I am pleased to announce steps to help protect this sector. We know how important these services are to Albertans who live in these facilities and their families, as well as for those who are cared for at home. Alberta’s government will continue to support services that are essential to the health and well-being of Albertans throughout this pandemic.” Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health
“I have heard loud and clear from the continuing care sector that remaining in compliance with public health orders can be costly. This funding will help operators further protect those most at risk of severe outcomes.” Richard Gotfried, MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek
“I am pleased that the Government of Alberta has taken this positive step to recognize the actions taken by operators who have stepped up and taken responsibility for the care of older Albertans throughout the pandemic. This funding recognizes the importance of this ongoing work.” Kim O’Brien, president and CEO, United Active Living Inc.
Funding to support operators providing essential services varies by sector and will be calculated based on the number of spaces in each facility or on an hourly basis for home care:
$48 million for non-contracted licensed supportive living
$9.9 million for residential addiction and mental health treatment facilities
$9.6 million for home care
$1 million for residential community hospice
Organizations operating during the period of March 15, 2020 to March 31, 2021 will be eligible.
Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s health-care system.
Quick facts
Information on how to apply for funding will be posted on alberta.ca in the coming weeks.
Alberta has provided more than $260 million in funding to protect staff and residents in long-term care, designated supportive living facilities and seniors lodges from COVID-19.
This includes more than $87.6 million that has been provided to operators to top-up the wages of health-care aides and health care aide staffing levels and provide paid practicums for students to fast-track them through certification.