From Our Partners
Erika Healy , RPN | Nurse Care Specialist , HumanaCare
When it ’ s Time to Start Thinking About Assisted Living , Where Do I Begin ?
When it comes time to discuss assisted living options for you or a loved one , navigating the health-care system can feel like an overwhelming task . Recognizing it is time to transition to a higher level of care is essential for the quality of life and health for all involved . It is a good idea to have a plan in place well in advance , in order to avoid panicking at the last minute to find a home after an illness or a hospital visit . Being prepared will aid in this new life transition .
So where do you start ? The first step is to get a case manager through Alberta Health Services . When you are ready to begin your journey , call Health Link at 811 to arrange for an assessment by an Alberta Health Services health professional . You can refer yourself , or you can be referred if you meet the eligibility requirements . The requirements include residing
in Alberta , having an Alberta Personal Health Card number or having applied for one , and being eligible to receive Alberta health insurance coverage .
The province of Alberta is divided into five geographical zones : North , Edmonton , Central , Calgary , and South . The zone you are in is based on where you live . If you are unsure of which zone applies to you , the case manager
will help determine this . The assigned case manager will go through a standard assessment . This assessment collects information on a wide range of mental , physical , and social abilities . Once the assessment is complete , the case manager will discuss the results with you or your loved one to determine the level of care that will best suit the individual ’ s needs .
44 | arta . net CONNECTING