A strategic plan is in place to ensure health care for senior Albertans is available when and as required.
The strategic plan was developed from a two-year review of health care needs for seniors that was completed in 1999 under the direction of the Long Term Care Review Policy Advisory Committee.
Struck in 1997, the committee was given a two-year mandate to consult with Albertans, review trends and alternatives, consider the impact of an aging population and develop a comprehensive direction for Alberta's continuing care system in the new millennium. Committee members included seniors, physicians, health authorities, provincial organizations and MLAs.
The committee provided recommendations in November 1997, to address short-term issues.
One year later, in November 1999, the committee presented its final report based on two years of extensive research and consultation with a multitude of stakeholders. The final report, Healthy Aging: New Directions for Care
, made 50 evidence-based recommendations that relate to seniors' health and continuing care services. It also described a new vision of aging for the 21st century and guiding principles to help the health system respond to Alberta's aging population.
Healthy Aging was released to the public shortly after its publication in 1999. Key health stakeholders – health authorities, professional associations, consumer organizations, government departments and the public – were asked for their comments, priorities and suggestions on how best to implement the report's recommendations. Their feedback was compiled in the report, Stakeholder and Public Response to the Final Report of the Long Term Care Policy Advisory Committee, which revealed strong support for the new vision for continuing care and the recommendations contained in Healthy Aging.
Alberta's strategic plan for healthy aging is based on the Healthy Aging report, the feedback received from its distribution, and on government's commitment to continuing care in Alberta. As outlined in Strategic Directions and Future Actions: Healthy Aging and Continuing Care in Alberta, the strategic plan ensures Alberta's continuing care system is able to provide Albertans with the health services they need, when they need them.
