Photo Courtesy Government of Alberta

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Alberta

Province aiming for better continuing care for Indigenous people

Mar 17, 2023 | 5:24 PM

The Alberta government took time on Thursday to highlight that Budget 2023 provides ongoing funding for Indigenous people to build continuing care spaces that would provide culturally appropriate care.

Government officials say the Continuing Care Capital Program aims to strengthen the quality and long-term sustainability of the continuing care system where the province is said to need added capacity. The program, which is receiving $310 million over three years, includes an Indigenous stream, which officials say will open a new intake of grant proposals from Indigenous groups later this year.

First Nations and Métis people deserve culturally safe and appropriate care that aligns with the unique needs they may have, say government officials. By collaborating with them to develop continuing care spaces in their communities, this initiative is expected to support the work of reconciliation and ensure they would receive access to the same high-quality care across the province.

“Indigenous people in our province need better access to culturally safe continuing care spaces so they can receive the care they need in familiar surroundings close to their families and friends,” says Jason Copping, Minister of Health. “The Indigenous stream of the Continuing Care Capital Program offers Indigenous groups an opportunity to partner with the province to develop continuing care spaces equipped with appropriate supports and services.”

“The Indigenous capital grant program means more Elders will be able to access the care they need in their own communities,” adds Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “This is great news for Elders and their communities. Indigenous-led solutions and strong partnerships are a winning combination.”

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In August 2021, the government says it invited eligible Indigenous groups to apply for one-time capital grant funding through the Indigenous stream of the Continuing Care Capital Program. Officials say the grant intake closed in December 2021 and Alberta Health is said to be working with successful applicants to complete the final steps of the process.

The Continuing Care Capital Program is said to be part of the government’s broader commitment to address the recommendations identified in the Facility-Based Continuing Care Review report and responds to recommendations for the province to work with Indigenous communities and organizations to develop culturally appropriate continuing care capacity. The Indigenous stream of the Continuing Care Capital Program is described as the first of its kind in Canada.

“The Continuing Care Capital Program will keep Elders and loved ones who require culturally appropriate health care close to their families in our communities,” shares Chief George Arcand Jr., Alexander First Nation. “Sustainable, on-reserve health care ensures Alexander First Nation families will lead strong, healthy and connected lives for the next seven generations.”

“Recognizing the importance of providing culturally safe, accessible health care, AHS appreciates this continued funding to better support Indigenous residents in continuing care,” states Braden Manns, interim vice-president, Provincial Clinical Excellence, Alberta Health Services. “Through this program, we can continue to work with communities to create innovative approaches to culturally appropriate care and improve quality of care while keeping Indigenous residents close to their loved ones.”

Alberta government quick facts

• Alberta Health is working to improve Indigenous health care through several initiatives, including:

o Providing continuing care capital grants to improve access to culturally safe continuing care spaces for Elders and younger adults living with disabilities.

o Working with First Nations and Métis health leaders to improve Alberta’s patient complaint process and emergency medical response system.

o Working with Indigenous partners as part of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Advisory Panel, the First Nations Health Directors and Metis Settlements Health Advisory Panels, and Health Sub?Tables with the Blackfoot Confederacy, Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council and Métis Nation of Alberta.