Our vision for aging in the 21st century is a society where Albertans:
- are treated with respect and dignity;
- have access to information which allows them to make responsible choices regarding their health and well-being ; and
- can achieve quality living, supported as needed by relatives, friends and community networks, and by responsive services and settings.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES TO ASSIST THE HEALTH SYSTEM TO RESPOND TO AN AGING POPULATION
WELLNESS AND PREVENTION
The system should:
- support healthy aging for all Albertans.
- emphasize promotion of health and prevention of illness, injury and disease.
- help Albertans to cope effectively with chronic conditions and function to the best of their abilities.
CLIENT CENTERED
The system should:
- endeavor to understand and meet client and family needs, work in partnership with clients, and ensure client choice where possible.
- acknowledge the client’s right to dignity and self-determination.
- have reasonable access to a variety of affordable services and have their needs met in a flexible, timely and responsive manner.
- respect the clients right to privacy of space and person.
- recognize and respond to the physical, psychological, spiritual and social aspects of health.
INFORMATION
The system should:
- provide clients with access to information required to make informed choices and decisions regarding care and services.
- ensure confidentiality of personal information, however, allow appropriate sharing of information to support the highest quality of services and best possible outcomes.
INDIVIDUAL AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
The system should:
- encourage independence by assisting Albertans to reach their greatest potential, recognizing that clients and families have the primary responsibility for their own health.
- should recognize the concept of interdependence and facilitate collaboration between Albertans, community and government.
EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY
The system should:
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make decisions based, as much as possible, on the values of the consumer, on evidence provided through research, evaluation and technology assessment, and available resources.
INTERSECTORAL APPROACH
The system:
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recognizes by working together, Albertans, government, regional and provincial authorities, non-government organizations, and the voluntary and private sector all have an active role in contributing to the health of Albertans.
January 30, 2006
