Long-term care accommodation fees increased by five per cent on October 1, 2007.

The increase added up to:

• $2.45 per day, from $48.30 to $50.75 per day for a private room,
• $2 per day, from $42 to $44 per day for a semi-private room, and
• $1.88 per day, from $39.62 to $41.50 per day for standard ward.

Alberta's long-term care accommodation fees remain among the lowest of any province. This was the first increase since 2003.

The province has covered the increase for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) clients, meaning that these residents will continue to have $315 in monthly disposable income. Seniors receiving benefits through the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) program have had the increase fully or partially covered. The level of coverage is based on income.

Alberta Seniors Benefit

To ensure the Alberta Seniors Benefit program remains sustainable and focused on helping those with the highest need, the province also changed the way benefits are calculated for seniors in long-term care. As of October 1, 2007, benefits for new residents are calculated to ensure that seniors have $265 in disposable income every month for items like clothing, toiletries, stationery and newspapers. This minimum monthly disposable income for seniors in long-term care is among the highest in the Canada. Residents who entered long-term care prior to October 1, 2007 continue to receive benefits based on the prior methods of calculation.

For more information, please see the news release or call: