Long-Term Care: New Terminology & Your Local Option

Posted on November 14, 2024 by admin

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Terminology matters when it comes to continuing care, but the terms have changed in both verbiage and meaning over time. What used to be known as “nursing homes” transitioned to “designated supportive living (DSL). Within the DSL structure were several levels indicating care from basic support to secure facilities for dementia patients. Now, as of April 1, 2024, the terms have changed again.

The Alberta Continuing Care Act has updated definitions in its Continuing Care Glossary. Here is an overview of the latest terms that relate to long-term care.

Continuing Care Home Type A 

Continuing Care Home Type A is the term that replaces Long-Term Care. In this environment, a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse is on site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Licensed practical nurses and health care aides may or may not be on site. There may or may not be a secure space, or services for patients that require more complex care, such as rehabilitation. Patients enjoy a high level of independence supported by light housekeeping, meals, and activities.

Continuing Care Home Type B 

Continuing Care Home Type B is the term that replaces Designated Supportive Living. In these facilities, patients enjoy a homestyle atmosphere. Licensed practical nurses and health care aides are on site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Complex care is handled on an add-needed basis by speciality services such as Allied Health and palliative resource nurses. Patients enjoy a high level of independence, supported by meals, housekeeping, and recreational activities. The grounds are monitored and secure.

Continuing Care Home Type B – Secure Space 

Continuing Care Home Type B – Secure Space is the term that replaces Designated Supportive Living Dementia. These spaces have all the amenities of Type B as listed above, but with a higher degree of security and monitoring. 

Continuing Care Home Type C

Continuing Care Home Type C is the term that replaces Palliative Care and Hospice. In these facilities, specialized services are provided to patients who are nearing the end of their life. Grief support and services are also offered to the patients’ families. Comfort and the best quality of life (given the circumstances) are offered. 

In Southern Alberta, the Green Acres Foundation provides compassionate care and community living for seniors. With facilities in Lethbridge, Coaldale, Picture Butte and Barons, seniors have the option of enjoying continuing care in their own communities.

“Quality of life matters at every age.  That is why we are not just a ‘retirement home,’ says Dawna Coslovi, CEO of Green Acres Foundation’s CEO. “We have created living communities with a focus on independence, affordability, quality care, and connection.”

There was a time when seniors in Southern Alberta had limited options for supportive care of any type. The Green Acres Foundation changed this in 1999.

Coslovi explains, “We successfully negotiated a partnership with the Chinook Health Region, securing an operating grant that enabled Green Acres Foundation to hire healthcare aides. This funding allowed us to establish our local communities. When Alberta Health Services planned to close the local hospital, we expanded our efforts by converting a wing of the Green Acres Lodge in Picture Butte to include a physician’s clinic, home care services, emergency care, lab, and x-ray facilities. Now, the Lodge offers supportive living with a doctor on site and comprehensive healthcare services all in one location, providing great convenience for our residents.”

Regardless of what terms are used, many seniors are reluctant to go into care. They feel that their independence will be taken away and their standard of life will change. However, it is important to remember that “care” is not one blanket term. Seniors can enjoy a relaxed environment with support for things like meals and housecleaning, and never have to worry about transportation or getting to medical appointments – as this may be provided on site. For families looking for assistance with a senior suffering from dementia, trained professionals and secure facilities ease families’ burdens, allowing them to simply visit and enjoy their time together instead of being round-the-clock carers.

The conversations around long-term care are varied from community to community and family to family, but one reality is certain – these are locations with a variety of options and supports to suit every need and stage of senior life.

To learn more about the Green Acres Foundation, your local option, please visit their website or book a tour.