When is long-term care needed instead of home care?

Question

Accepted Answer

Long-term care (nursing home) is considered when needs are too complex or unsafe to manage at home, even with 24-hour caregivers, including advanced medical care, severe dementia wandering, or repeated hospitalizations. Most families maximize home care first: personal care, nursing, overnight shifts, home modifications, and family rotation. This often works for years. Regular honest assessments prevent sudden crises. When two people cannot safely transfer the senior, when aggressive dementia behaviours risk injury, or when complex medical equipment exceeds what the home can support, a continuing care home may be safer. AHS continuing care access lines help with assessments for facility placement. Home care is the first choice for most Calgary families. Facility care is for complex, unsafe situations at home. AHS assesses eligibility for long-term care placement.

When is long-term care needed instead of home care?

Staying home as long as possible

Signs facility care may be needed

Free consultation