At the heart of our vision is the Safety Net, a physician-informed framework that brings renewed focus to the community-based programs keeping Albertans safe, supported and healthy at home. This strategic tool will drive our advocacy for a more integrated, responsive continuing care system, offering practical solutions that support caregivers, improve health outcomes and ensure Albertans receive the right care in the right settings.
Why community-based care matters
Community-based programs are the bedrock of a sustainable continuing care system. They empower Albertans to age and live independently in their homes, preserving dignity and reducing reliance on acute care. Yet, these vital services are often underfunded and difficult to access.
Across the province, many Albertans face barriers to receiving the care they need. Caregivers are experiencing rising levels of burnout. Transitions between hospital and home are frequently fragmented. And seniors are often left waiting in acute care units for placement in continuing care homes. These gaps put pressure on the entire system, compromising quality of life and acute care capacity.
The threads of the safety net
The Safety Net framework outlines issues and solutions across four interconnected levels (threads) of continuing care:
- Home and community-based care
- Supportive living
- Long-term care
- Hospice care
Each thread represents a distinct level of support tailored to the unique needs of Albertans who need care. When these supports are strong, they ease pressure on acute care and uphold quality of life. When they’re frayed or missing, the entire system is at risk.
How to get involved
Physician voices and expertise are instrumental in shaping the future of continuing care in Alberta. If continuing care is a passion of yours, there’s space for you to join us in shaping a stronger, more compassionate system in Alberta. Here are a few ways to get involved.
- Join our group of experts: a focused team of physicians who advocate for and advance evidence-based solutions, inform policy and shape key initiatives.
- Offer your insights: tell us what’s working well in your area, where gaps exist and where you see opportunities for improvement.
- Submit a story: share experiences from your daily practice through Report My Story, a secure text line (587-401-9591). Your real-life stories power advocacy by illustrating the state of continuing care and what’s at stake.
Contact [email protected] if you have questions, ideas or would like to join continuing care advocacy efforts.