SUPPORTIVE LIVING HOUSING:

During the last decade, a new and lucrative industry, sprang

up across Alberta. Entrepreneurs began setting up Assisted

Living facilities in order to house frail, dependent elderly Albertans.

In some instances these facilities contain locked units for cognitively

impaired seniors. The Alberta Government funded the conversion of

Long Term Care Facilities into Assisted Living Facilities. They did not

require these facilities to obtain a license nor were they subject to the

Nursing Homes Act.

An assisted living facility in Lloydminster posted a hotel catering license.

In the West end, a facility posted a City of Edmonton rental license despite

housing vulnerable Alzheimer residents in a locked unit, which does not

have patient call bells.

In May 2007, because of our many complaints, government began licensing

established facilities, some of which had known, serious flaws. One was

known to have heating difficulties because of an inferior heating system,

another, failure to have resident rooms equipped with sprinkler systems

as was the situation at the Lifestyle Options facility which burned on the

weekend.

Now the Supportive Living Accommodation Licensing Act is before the Legislature.

The intended licensing Act for these facilities, (Bill 10), has passed 2nd reading

but has not been given Royal Assent. Why the delay?

Unlicensed, unregulated, unmonitored.

Seniors need to be aware of the reality of this housing.

June 2, 2009