Minister of Health Tyler Shandro (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

protecting the vulnerable

Province announces $170-million to support continuing care centres hammered by COVID-19

May 19, 2020 | 3:47 PM

The Government of Alberta has announced funding for facilities such as long-term care homes, designated supportive facilities, and seniors’ lodges.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced $14-million per month, or $170-million for the year, to help operators and residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It will cover enhanced staffing, as well as costs for cleaning supplies and loss of accommodation revenues due to vacant beds and rent freezes, and’ll be maintained throughout all stages of Alberta’s relaunch, until the public health orders are lifted, and the threat of COVID-19 has passed.”

He adds that approximately 70 per cent of all deaths related to COVID-19 have come from continuing care facilities across Alberta.

That includes 10 residents that have died at the Manoir du Lac continuing care facility in McLennan, while two people at the J.B. Wood continuing care home in High Prairie have also died.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“These residents are vulnerable to the pandemic and they will continue to be until there is an effective vaccine to be found. It’s essential that we ensure these facilities have the tools and the resources that they need to protect the residents and their staff.”

For enhanced staffing, this includes paying registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and health care aides, as well as to augment staffing levels when healthcare workers are sick or self-isolating.

(With files from Shaun Penner)