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News and ACCA News Releases
Fighting fraud means a battle against secrecy
Calgary Herald - Naomi Lakritz - January 5, 2012
Last month, Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson announced new crim prevention initiatives, one of which is a focus on elder abuse. That includes physical abuse and neglect, of course, and financial crimes perpetrated on the elderly by greedy, unscrupulous relatives. Bus it also includes fraud in the form of telemarketing or sweepstakes scams designed to separate a senior from his or her life savings...Read more
Centenarian cherishes clients at care centre
CTV Calgary - ctvcalgary.ca - January 4, 2012
Bennie Panero is a devoutly religious woman and every week that inspires her to help others...Read more
Many family caregivers wait a year or more before seeking help for Alzheimer patients
Edmonton Sun - QMI Agency - January 4, 2012
Canadians are far less likely to seek help for dementia than for other ailments, according to a new study released by the Alzheimer Society of Canada...Read more
Sensor technology helps Alberta seniors stay at home
CBCNEWS Edmonton - December 28, 2011
Seniors in two Alberta cities are taking part in a pilot project to see if cameras and sensors connected to computers and smartphones can help them stay in their homes longer...Read more
New long-term care spaces fall short of need, critics say
CBCNEWS Calgary - December 19, 2011
The province is spending $48.2 million to create 511 affordable supportive living and 30 long- term care spaces, an announcement critics say will do little to ease a chronic shortage of beds for seniors...Read more
More than 500 new affordable living spaces targeted for seniors and persons with disabilities
Alberta Seniors - News release - December 19, 2011
EDMONTON - Seniors & persons with disabilities in six Alberta communities will benefit from more than 500 new affordable supportive living and long-term care spaces...Read more
Class-action lawsuit against Alberta over nursing home costs gets OK
Edmonton Journal - Journal Staff - December 19, 2011
EDMONTON - A class-action lawsuit, which disputes dramatic fee hikes at nursing homes in 2003, can proceed once again after the Court of Queen's Bench threw out a November challenge by Alberta Health Services...Read more
Home cooking makes life more palatable at nursing home
Edmonton Journal - Elise Stolte - December 16, 2011
Untile the smell of baked buns wafted through the corridors, cooking at Grandview nursing home meant taking a big tray of pre-cooked meat, mashed potatoes and vegetables and sticking it all in an oven together for 55 minutes...Read more
Nominations open for awards that honour service to seniors
Alberta Seniors - News release - December 16, 2011
EDMONTON - Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Minister's Seniors Service Awards. These awards are presented annually in recognition of Albertans who volunteer theri time to support seniors in our province...Read more
Support growing for seniors property-tax deferral plan
Edmonton Journal - Elise Stolte - December 11, 2011
EDMONTON - Life is like a pair of pliers for Merle McKenna - at least that's the squeeze he feels when he looks at his monthly budget...Read more
Calgary volunteers wrap gifts for 'forgotten' seniors
CBCNEWS Calgary - December 4, 2011
The program - called Seniors Secret Service - lines up volunteers with seniors who wouldn't otherwise receive a gift...Read more
The baby boom effect: caring for Canada's aging population
Canada Newswire - CIHI news release - Dec 1, 2011
New report examines how seniors use the health system and where improvements can be made. As the baby boom generation begins to turn 65 this year, the aging of Canada's population will accelerate. As a result, the health care system will need to adapt to meet the future needs of a growing senior population, according to a new report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information...Read more
Bethany cares
Calgary Herald - Greer Black - November 25, 2011
While we are not able to disclose specific details, we can categorically state that the facts and accusations contained in this story regarding Bethany Care Society, are untrue...Read more
'Smart' condo teaches researchers about better care for seniors
Edmonton Journal - Jodie Sinnema - November 8, 2011
EDMONTON - Edmonton researchers have tracked the daily movements and activities of a group of seniors living in a senor-laden "Smart" condo to find out how to help them live independently...Read more
Minister of State (seniors) hosts roundtable meeting
Edmonton Sun - Jasmine Franklin - November 7, 2011
ACCA participates Minister's roundtable on elder abuse
Ad the elderly population continues to increase across the country, so is the federal government's fight against senior abuse...Read article
Removing the Cap for Seniors Accommodation Fees
Alberta Primetiem - Friday, November 4, 2011
Honourable Alison Redford says removing the cap on nursing home fees would spur new accommodations.
Will a freer market create more long-term care beds without harming low-income families? Should Alberta force lifestyle equality on seniors?
We talk to Bruce West, Executive Director of Alberta Continuing Care Association, and Noel Sommerville, Chair of the Seniors Task Force for Public Interest Alberta. View Video
Premier oulines new approach to deliver a better Alberta
News release - Office of the Premier - November 4, 2011
Premier Alison Redford issued mandate letters to her Cabinet calling on Ministers to work together as one team to deliver results for Albertans....Read full release
Continuing Care remains a priority - Alberta Health & Wellness mandate letter - Alberta Seniors mandate letter
Hip and fit at 91, Tom McClocklin puts the zoom in Zumba
Edmonton Journal - Jodie Sinnema - November 1, 2011
At 91, he swings his hips and lets his arms fly to Michael Buble tunes twice a week during Zumba, the latest latin-inspired craze in dance firtness classes. He also hits the weights at the gym three times a week and ambles along paths surrounding his retirement community, Touchmark at Wedgewood, in the city's southwest, where he has lived for two years...Read more
Alberta to increase AISH benefits, but no date set
Edmonton Journal - Karen Kleiss - October 31, 2011
EDMONTON - Premier Alison Redford plans to fulfil her promise to increase benefits for Albertans with disabilities, but no date has been set...Read more
Canadian Patient Safety Week launches across Canada
CNW Canada Newswire - October 31, 2011
EDMONTON, Oct 31, 2011 - Recent patient safety incidents in Canada underscore the improtance of Canadian Patient Safety Week and the ongoing commitment by healthcare facilities and providers to deliver safe care...Read more
Seniors need integration
Ottawa Citizen - Judith Shamian - October 26, 2011
Re: Home care, not health care, Oct 25
As a longtime provider of home and cummunity care, VON agrees it is not just clinical (i.e., nursing) support that helps seniors live independently at home...Read more
Lack of long-term care beds adding to Alberta's ER woes, doctors say
Edmonton Journal - Jodie Sinnema - October 21, 2011
EDMONTON - Doctors say the problems in Alberta's hospital emergency rooms are worsening, though a year has passed since physicians warned the province about a potential collapse of the system...Read more
Getting married with 183 years between them
Edmonton Sun - Danny Hooper - October 6, 2011
He's Counting the sleeps
And for good reason. Saturday night, 94 year old Clarence Thompson will finally get to sleep with his sweetheard, 89-year old Doris Mahon. The couple will wed in the afternoon in a small chapel at the Rutherford Heights Retirement Residence in South Edmonton, where they both now live, but in separate suites...Read more
Nursing shortage 101
Calgary Herald - Donna M. Wilson - September 28, 2011
Every few years, we have a nursing shortage in Alberta, which, unfortunately, helps to increase wait times and wait lists. The current shortage could mean the South Calgary Hospital does not open on time or only partially opens, with nurses pulled from other hospitals, thus downsizing those facilities...Read more
Nursing staff complain of 'burnout'
The Barrhead Leader - Marcus Day - September 27, 2011
Barrhead nurses told Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky they are suffering from 'burnout' and need extra staff...Read more
Alberta, Ontario barely meeting needs of people with disabilities - BC failing
University of Calgary - The School of Public Policy - September 23, 2011
Most people will agree that a fundamental role of government is to provide a safety net for people who are disabled and have no source of income...Read more
Most cases of dementia going undiagnosed: report
CTV Edmonton - The Canadian Press - September 13, 2011
NEW YORK - A new reprot is calling on every country to create a national dementia strategy to promote the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease...Read more
AHS seeks input from Albertans using social media
Alberter Health Sevices - News release - September 7, 2011
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is seeking input from Albertans on what they search for, and where, when looking for answers or discussing health topics through the use of social media...Read more
Alberta health plan "on track"
CBC News - September 1, 2011
Alberta saw an increase last year of nearly 10,000 more surgeries, Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky said Thursday in his update of the province's five year plan...Read more
Gary Mar vows to increase supports for seniors
Calgary Herald - Reporter: Jason Fekete - August 31, 2011
Tory leadership candidate Gary Mar released a seniors policy Tuesday that would guarantee compassionate leave from work for caregivers, expand elder care and ensure couples remain together in the same facility...Read more
Doug Horner vows sweeping health reform
Calgary Herald - Reporter: Jason Fekete & Kelly Cryderman - August 30, 2011
Tory leadership contestant Doug Horner is promising sweeping health reforms if elected party leader and premier, as the race to the initial Tory leadership vote on Sept. 17 reaches a full sprint...Read more
Design musts for aging in place
Ottawa Citizen - Reporter: Patrick Langston - August 25, 2011
Aging in place sounds ideal: instead of a nursing home or even a seniors' apartment, you stay in your own house and community. But decreasing mobility and other limitations of age mean the home that worked when you were 30 probably won't funtion so well when you're 80. Whether you plan to buy new or renovate, here's what the experts suggest...Read more
Seniors tell their stories in social media project created by Bayshore Home Health's Vancouver office
Bayshore Home Health - Press release - August 18, 2011
Bayshore Home Health's Vancouver office has initiated a unique social marketing project that enables elderly people to tell interesting, thought-provoking stories that shaped their lives, and captures the essence of who they truly are...Read more
New facility in works for Chinese seniors
Calgary Herald - Reporter David Parker - August 18, 2011
I have had the privilege of visiting Wing Kei Care Centre on Centre Street North a number of times and always come away with such a pleasant feeling, knowing that so many of our Chinese elderly are being looked after so well in a living environment that is not threatening to their culture...Read more
Fix ailing Canadian health system, doctors and govenments told
Calgary Herald - Reporters Clara Ho & Sharon Kirkey - August 10, 2011
Fractured, in distress, broken - that's how the Canadian public healthcare system has been described in a report by the Canadian Medical Association...
...In addition to more facilities, Bruce West, executive director of the Alberta Continuing Care Association, said he wants to see people being placed in the right settings...Read more
Albertans encouraged to nominate someone for enriching the lives of people with disabilities
Alberta Seniors & Community Supports - News release - August 12, 2011
Edmonton...Nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Awards. These awards are presented annually to recognize people who have helped further the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community...Read more
Thousands of Canadians say health system fails elderly, chronically ill
Calgary Herald - Reporter: Sharon Kirkey - Post Media News - August 10, 2011
Canada's public health system is fundamentally fractured and more needs to be done to provide people with the care they need when they need it, according to a "national dialogue" on health care involving the in-person and online input of thousands of Canadians...Read more
CMA VOICES INTO ACTION - Report on the National Dialogue on Health Care Transformation
Funding cut may force out patients
Calgary Herald - Reporter Matt McClure - July 25, 2011
Brain-injured patients and their famillies are upset with a plan by the province's health authority that could cut in half funding for their care at Calgary Facilities.
Nearly two dozen residents of group homes operated by Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency may be forced to move this fall after the non-profit group refused to bid fo an Alberta Health Services contract its chief executive says wouldn't provide enough money for adequate staffing...read more Related stories No cuts, Patients will suffer
In-home speech therapy for dementia and stroke patients
Alberta Health Services - News release - July 13, 2011
EDMONTON - Hundreds of Alberta adults with dementia, stroke-related impairments and other neurological disorders are regaining the ability to communicate effectively thanks to a program offered within the city's continuing care environments...Read more
Integrated care benefits seniors and cash-strapped government
Globe and Mail - Reporter: Karen Howlett - July 12, 2011
Lillian Clyne is spending the afternoon knitting a scarf at CapitalCare Norwood in Edmonton, a one-stop health care and recreational centre for the elderly with chronic medical conditions...Read more
Integrated care benefits seniors and cash-strapped government
Globe and Mail - Reporter: Karen Howlett - July 12, 2011
Lillian Clyne is spending the afternoon knitting a scarf at CapitalCare Norwood in Edmonton, a one-stop health care and recreational centre for the elderly with chronic medical conditions...Read more
Integrating health care necessary for an aging population
The Globe and Mail - Reporter: Karen Howlett - July 10, 2011
Canada's health-care providers are struggling to retool the system to meet the needs of an aging population that is often facing multiple, chronic medical conditions...Read more
ACCA comments to above article:
ACCA1 11:36 AM on July 12, 2011
This article does a good job in pointing out some of the challenges facing Canada's health care system in light of its aging population, and in identifying ways that various jurisdictions in Canada and elsewhere are responding.
However, I would like to correct the statement about the Alberta government's efforts to clear the bottleneck in hospitals by getting the private sector to provide additional long-term care homes. The article states, incorrectly, that private operators charge much higher rates for room and board than the province. In fact the accommodation fees in nursing homes and other publicly funded residential care facilities are set by government. The same fees are charged in facilities owned and operated by the public sector, non-profit providers or private for-profit providers, and all faciities must meet the same provinicial health and accommodation service standards.
Alberta Health Services, the single provinicial health authority, is responsible for placing clients, whether they are in hospital or in the community, in an appropriate care setting based on their assessed, unmet health care needs, not their ability to pay.
As with other provinces, Alberta is faced with a number of challenges in adapting its health care system to meet the needs of an aging population. This will be accomplished most effectively through collaborative efforts involving both the public and private sectors.
The Evolution of Elder Care Through A Storyteller's Eyes
Axiom news - Kristian Partington - June 24, 2011
My connection to the world of long-term care goes back almost as long as I can remember. My Mother had the heart of an angel whose natural leanings were to care for people, young and old...Read more
Emergency to Home initiative expands to northern Alberta
AHS news release - June 20, 2011
Grande Prairie/Fort McMurray - An Alberta Health Services (AHS) project that links seniors in emergency departments to community supports is expanding into northern Alberta and across the province following successes at pilot sites in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer...Read more
Canadians increasingly aware of elder abuse, poll shows
Calgary Herald - Reporter: Don Butler - June 17, 2011
OTTAWA - Canadians are becoming more aware of elder abuse and overwhelmingly believe family members are responsible for most of it. They also think nearly four in 10 seniors have experienced abuse, far more than experts think is the case...Read more
ACCA Executive Director Bruce West participates on Alberta Primtime Panel
Alberta Primetime - June 13, 2011
2011/12 Budget targets wait-time reductions
News release - Alberta Health Services - June 10, 2011
Calgary - The Alberta Health Services Board today approved a $11.99 billion expense budget that includes piority investment in key areas, includign emergency department wait times, radiation therapy wait times, growth in continuing care beds and services, and timely access to a range of surgical procedures, including cataracts, hip and knee replacements and cardiac surgery...Read more
Province and community partners work together to bring awareness to the issue of elder abuse
News release - Alberta Seniors and Community Supports - June 10, 2011
Edmonton...The Government of Alberta will once again partner with the Alberta Elder Awareness Network to support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, helping to educate people and prevent elder abuse...read more
ACCA member CareWest celebrates 50 years
ACCA - Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence - June 9, 2010
Executive Director, Bruce West attended a great celebration which included, His Honour, Col (Ret'd), The Honourable Donald S. Ethell, OC,OMM,AOE,MSC,CD,LDD - Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Honourable Gene Zwozdesky, Minister of Health and Wellness, and Calgary Mayor, His Worship Naheed Nenshi.
Carewest: "We strive to be forward thinking and creative with the goal of bringing innovation and value to our residents, clients, staff, volunteers, Alberta Health Services and the community. We pride ourselves on our ability to change with the needs of the community and to anticipate what those needs may be int he future."
When mom needs a hand
Calgary Herald - Reporter: Denise Ryan - June 9, 2011
Six years ago, Carol Lange was having a peak experience: After 16 years with a large campany she had reached the level of senior executive, and she was jetting around North America. She was in a happy relationship and, in her 30s, was thrilled to be pregnant with her first child.
Then the phon calls started coming. "My Mom had left a few messages, increasingly frantic. She was in her late 70s, and had always been eccentric, but this was over the top"...Read more
Planting the seeds of empathy in students entering the world of long-term care
The Morning Report - Kristian Partington - June 7, 2011
What started as a program to help new team members at Moira Place understand the home's culture of care is now helping to plant the seeds of empathy in students training to work in the long-term care sector...Read more
Shepherd's Care Foundation celebrates successful re-accreditation as an Aging Service Network, adding new Assisted Living program accreditation as well -
Shepherd's Care Foundation - News release - June 7, 2011
Three years after becoming the first organization in Canada to be accredited for its aging services network by CARF International, Shepherd's Care Foundation has again been successfully accredited for another 3 year term, its second consecutive award...Read more
Seniors living options to expand in Medicine Hat
Alberta Health Services - News release - June 6, 2011
MEDICINE HAT - Alberta Health Services (AHS) has selected the three operators for 70 additional continuing care beds and 10 hospice beds here, following an extensive review of proposals and contract negotiations...Read more
Designated Assisted Living (DAL) and Long-term Care (LTC) in Alberta: Selected highlights from the Alberta Continuing Care Epidemiological Studies (ACCES)
Strain, L.A., Maxwell, C.J., Wanless, D., & Gilbart, E. (2011). ACCES Reasearch Group, University of Alberta - May 2011
The Alberta Continuing Care Epidemiological Studies (ACCES) was a province-wide research program involving over 2,000 older adults residing in designated assisted / supportive living facilities (DAL) and in long term care (LTC) between 2006 and 2009, their family caregivers, and the facilities in which they lived. The objectives of ACCES were:
1. to examine the health, social needs, and quality of care of older adults living in DAL
and LTC facilities in Alberta;
2. to identify the mix of services provided to these residents, including assistance
from family caregivers; and,
3. to examine health outcomes across settings, taking resident and facility
characteristics into account.
1. to examine the health, social needs, and quality of care of older adults living in DAL
and LTC facilities in Alberta;
2. to identify the mix of services provided to these residents, including assistance
from family caregivers; and,
3. to examine health outcomes across settings, taking resident and facility
characteristics into account.
This report provides descriptive profiles of facilities, residents, and families first for DAL and then for LTC. A brief comparison of the two settings follows. A discussion of issues and challenges facing DAL and LTC concludes the report. Full report
Dietitian advocates for resident-focused dining experience
The Morning Report - Lisa Bailey - May 30, 2011
Eye contact, conversation and choice help to empower residents, Suzanne Quiring says. Suzanne Quiring aims to change the culture of the long-term care dining experience...Read more
Good Samaritan Linden View adds 105 supportive living spaces
AHS News release - May 26, 2011
Taber - Seniors living in Taber and the surrounding area will have more choice in living options when Linden View, a new supportive living facility, opens in late July...Read more
Over 60 nominations received for awards that honour dedication to Alberta's seniors
Government of Alberta - Alberta Seniors and Community Supports - May 13, 2011
Edmonton - Over 60 individuals and organizations have been nominated for this year's Minister's Seniors Service Awards. Now in its 14th year, this annual awards program recognizes Albertans who volunteer their time to make a difference in the lives of seniors...Read more
New Calgary prevention projects benefit victims of domestic and elder abuse
Government of Alberta - News release - May 11, 2011
Calgary...The Alberta government is helping the Kerby Centre and the Young Women's Christian Association of Calgary (YWCA) implement new projects for victims of elder abuse and domestic violence...Read moreBlood test touted for early detection of Alzheimers
Calgary Herald - Reporter: Tom Blackwell, Postmedia News - May 5, 2011
Toronto - Until now, the only way to definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease has been by post-mortem; when patients are alive, doctors must rely on analyzing symptoms, conducting tests and gathering patient history. Read more
NICE urgently needs your help!
National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly - Release - May 2011
300 older adults (55+) from acrosss Canada are invited to participate in a research study about their personal safety and experiences with mistreatment (abuse and neglect). English or French speaking participants who have or have not experienced mistreatment are encouraged to participate.Read more
Local decision-making, physician engagement, patient care pathways drive realignment
Alberta Health Services - News release - May 3, 2011
EDMONTON - Alberta Health Services President and CEO Dr. Chris Eagle today announced a realignment of the organization's leadership structure to transfer more decision-making to its five zones; hospitals and community care centres; and to increase direct physician engagement in planning and service delivery. Read more
Private home care fills big service gap for seniors....Read more
Dr. Chris Eagle named AHS President & CEO...Read more
Announcement 
March 24, 2011
Long-term care providers need to return to charging residents for cable services... Read more
Community-based care reducing ED wait times...Read more
Home Care Worker Safety...View Video
U of C launches centre to study aging...Read more
Financial institution launches strategy aimed at stopping elder abuse ...Read More
ACCA attends Maclean's/CMA roundtable "Health Care in Canada: Time to Rebuild Medicare" in Edmonton www.cpac.ca . To view previously recorded roundtables: January 26, 2011 - Halifax - March 1, 2011 - Toronto - March 29, 2011 - Alberta
Computerized tool tracks and improves seniors care...Read more
HQCA releases terms of reference ...Read more
Community-based hospice comes one step closer...Read more
Reforming health care: national or provincial leadership?...Read more
New members named to AHS board...Read more
New Technologies bring more independence to Seniors...Read more
15 Years of Research Care - Read more
Government of Canada Supports Seniors in Edmonton...Read more
Recognize a volunteer for outstanding service to seniors...Read more
Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach is stepping down - see more
More housing options Calgary SeniorsRead more
What do Canadians want from health care system? CMA aims to find outRead more
AHS Board and Alberta Health and Wellness Release Mandate and roles documentRead more
Seniors helping seniorsRead more
Alberta passes new health legislationRead more
5-year Health Action Plan sets clear course for health systemRead More
ACCA's letter to the editor: More letters on health careRead More
Minister Zwozdesky accepts AHS Board decision regarding Dr. Stephen DuckettRead more
Alberta supports Didsbury and area seniors through affordable living spacesRead more
Fred Horne appointed Parliamentary Assistant for HealthRead More
ER waits top Friday meeting agenda Read more
Government aims to prevent elder abuse Read more
Senior thinks back to navy days Read more
Touchmark creates romantic dinner for continuing care residents Read more
Mason calls for emergency debate on health care Read more
Veterans portraits is new book Read more
Alberta ER doctors fear 'catastrophic collapse' Read more
Care Centre on schedule Read more
A long-term problem Read more
Accommodation increase for long-term care facilities helps address rising costs Read more
Long-term care facilities to adjust accommodation fees to reflect increasing operating costsRead more
2009/2010 Alberta Health and Wellness Annual Report Alberta Health Services financial information or Alberta Health and Wellness Annual Report
Bethany Airdrie Champion of Oral Care Read more
Having the right people essential to future care Read more
Welcome plan for home care Read more
The Brenda Strafford Foundation Purchases Forest Grove Care Centre Read more
Government of Canada raises awareness about financial exploitation of seniors Read more
Alberta releases workplace injury and fatality records September 30, 2010 News release
War Veterans get their place in the sun September 25, 2010 Article
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra brings Sounds of music to Bethany Calgary September 22, 2010 Article
New provincial framework aimed at improving patient safety in Alberta September 20, 2010 Read more
Health consultation report available to Albertans September 16, 2010 Read more
Alberta Continuing Care Association Submission posted to Government Website July 6, 2010 Submission
Alberta Health Services announces new VP of Seniors' Health September 21, 2010 AHS news release
Canadians brace for higher health costs: poll Published:August 23, 2010... Read more...