Seniors Programs and Services

SENIORS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Seniors programs and services INFORMATION GUIDE

2015 – 2016 For more information about seniors programs and services, please call: Alberta Supports Contact Centre Toll‑free anywhere in Alberta: 1-877-644-9992 Edmonton: 780-644-9992 Website: www.seniors.alberta.ca

Deaf or hearing impaired with TDD/TTY units: Toll‑free anywhere in Alberta: 1-800-232-7215 Edmonton: 780-427-9999

The information provided is subject to the provisions of the pertinent Government Acts and Regulations. Changes to programs, services, and office locations may occur after the publication of this booklet.

Permission is granted to reprint this document.

Published by: Alberta Seniors

September 2015

ISBN: 978 0 7785 6820 9 Table of contents

Income support programs . . . 4 Continuing care services ...... 27 Provincial Government programs . . . . 4 Alberta Health Services ...... 29 Federal Government programs . . . . . 7 Private health insurers ...... 31

Housing ...... 10 Community agencies . . . . . 32 Provincial Government programs . . . .10 Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta . . .32 Finding accommodation ...... 11 Funding opportunities ...... 32 Government contacts . . . . 13 Family and Community Support Alberta Supports ...... 13 Services (FCSS) ...... 33 Seniors Information Services Offices . . 14 Meals on Wheels ...... 33 Government of Alberta Contact Centre . .14 Money Mentors ...... 33 Service Alberta Contact Centre . . . . .15 Government of Canada – Protecting you and Service Canada ...... 15 your information . . . . . 34 Contacting your MLA ...... 15 Privacy legislation ...... 34 Alberta Ombudsman ...... 15 Elder abuse ...... 34 Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee 16 Office of the Alberta Health Advocates Protection for Persons in Care . . . . .35 (Seniors Advocate) ...... 18 Continuing Care Health Advanced Care Planning ...... 19 Service Standards ...... 36 Utilities Consumer Advocate ...... 19 Supportive living and long-term care accommodation standards . . . . . 36 Health services ...... 20 Alberta Human Rights Commission . . .37 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan . . .20 Dental and Optical Assistance Service Alberta ...... 38 for Seniors ...... 22 Alberta Securities Commission . . . . .38 Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) . . . 23 Alberta Blue Cross – Coverage for Seniors ...... 25

© 2015 Government of Alberta 1 Transportation ...... 39 Lawyer referral service ...... 43 Bus passes ...... 39 Local information and referral centres ...... 43 Seniors driving services ...... 39 Taxes ...... 45 Alberta Transportation ...... 39 Veterans ...... 46 Alberta Motor Association: Driving Angel Program ...... 40 Power of attorney ...... 46 Funeral planning ...... 47 Parking placards for persons with disabilities ...... 40 Last will and testament ...... 48

Congratulatory messages Recreation and leisure . . . . 49 for seniors ...... 41 Alberta 55 Plus Winter and Summer Games ...... 49 Message from the Queen ...... 41 Historic sites and cultural facilities . . . 49 Message from the Governor General of Canada ...... 41 Provincial parks ...... 49 Fishing licences ...... 49 Message from the Prime Minister of Canada ...... 42 Seniors’ View of the Alberta Legislature ...... 50 Message from the Premier of Alberta . . 42 Quick reference list . . . . . 51 General information . . . . . 43 Birth, marriage and death certificates . . 43 Index ...... 54

Provincial Government • have lived in Alberta for at least three Programs months immediately before applying;

and Seniors financial assistance programs • are a Canadian citizen, or have been The Government of Alberta offers the admitted into Canada for permanent following financial assistance programs for residence (landed or sponsored seniors: immigrant) • Alberta Seniors Benefit If you meet all of the above eligibility • Special Needs Assistance for Seniors requirements, your level of assistance will • Dental and Optical Assistance for be determined based upon the specific Seniors criteria for each program. • Seniors Property Tax Deferral program Income To apply for Alberta Seniors Benefit, The following Seniors Financial Assistance Special Needs Assistance for Seniors, and programs are income based: Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors, you must complete a Seniors Financial • Alberta Seniors Benefit Assistance application form. You need • Dental and Optical Assistance for only apply once. Seniors To apply for the Seniors Property Tax • Special Needs Assistance for Seniors Deferral program, you must complete a Your applicable income information Seniors Property Tax Deferral application is obtained directly from the Canada and agreement form. Revenue Agency, with your consent, and used to determine your eligibility for General eligibility assistance. You are eligible to apply for the seniors financial assistance programs, if you: The Seniors Property Tax Deferral program is not income based. • are 65 years of age or older;

4 © 2015 Government of Alberta Alberta Seniors Benefit Available assistance The Alberta Seniors Benefit program Assistance is available for allowable provides a monthly income supplement to special needs such as appliances, federal income sources including Old Age personal and some health expenses. Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). General eligibility To be considered for the Special Needs Eligibility for a benefit is determined by: Assistance for Seniors program, you must • the type of accommodation you live in; have applied to the Alberta Seniors Benefit • your marital/cohabitation status; program, or submit a Seniors Financial Assistance application. A single senior • your income (combined with your spouse/ with a total combined annual income of partner’s income if applicable); and $26,400 or less, or a senior couple with a • having lived in Canada for 10 years and total combined annual income of $43,000 receiving the federal OAS pension. or less may receive assistance.

General eligibility Dental and Optical Assistance In general, a single senior with an annual for Seniors income of $26,400 or less, and senior The Dental Assistance for Seniors program couples with a combined annual income provides basic dental coverage, according of $43,000 or less, are eligible for a to an approved benefit schedule, to a cash benefit. These income levels are maximum of $5,000 every five years. guidelines only, and are for seniors whose The Optical Assistance for Seniors income includes a full OAS pension. program provides assistance, to a maximum of $230, towards the purchase Special Needs Assistance of prescription eyeglasses every three for Seniors years. The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program provides a lump-sum payment to Seniors who receive the Alberta Seniors eligible low-income seniors. This program Benefit are automatically enrolled. The provides assistance with allowable amount of coverage you receive is based extraordinary personal expenses. A senior’s on your total annual income. total annual income and the expense requested are used to determine the amount funded. The maximum assistance available is $5,000 in a benefit year.

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1-877-644-9992 5 General eligibility For information about dental claims, To be considered for the Dental and contact: Optical Assistance programs, you must Alberta Dental Service Corporation complete the Seniors Financial Assistance Edmonton area: 780-426-7526 application form. A single senior with a Toll-free: 1-800-232-1997 total annual income of $31,675 or less, Fax: 780-426-7581 or a senior couple with a total combined Website: www.albertadentalservicecorp.com income of $63,350 or less, may receive assistance. Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program How it works The Seniors Property Tax Deferral program Some service providers will direct bill allows eligible senior homeowners to our benefit administrators for the amount defer all or part of their annual residential covered by the program, while some property taxes through a low-interest home service providers may require you to pay equity loan with the Alberta Government. the full bill, and then submit a claim to the benefit administrator for reimbursement. General eligibility To find out how much of your dental/ To qualify, your home must be your optical work is covered, and/or to submit primary residence, where you live most of a claim, you or your service provider may the time, and you must have a minimum of contact the benefit administrator. 25% equity in your home. This means all charges registered against your home in a For information about optical claims, or to Land Titles Office cannot exceed 75% of download a claim form, contact: your home’s assessed value, as shown on Alberta Blue Cross your municipal assessment. 10009 – 108 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5J 3C5 Interest Edmonton area-780-498-8000 Interest charges start from the date the Calgary area-403-234-9666 program pays your residential property Toll-free 1-800-661-6995 taxes on your behalf to your municipality Website: www.ab.bluecross.ca/index.php and end when your loan has been repaid in full. The interest rate is variable and is reviewed every six months in April and October.

6 © 2015 Government of Alberta How to apply Alberta Supports Contact Centre To apply for the Seniors Property Tax Toll-free anywhere in Alberta: Deferral program, you must complete a 1-877-644-9992 Seniors Property Tax Deferral application Edmonton: 780-644-9992 and agreement form. You may apply at Website: www.albertasupports.ca any time, however, to avoid late penalties, Federal Government Programs senior homeowners are encouraged to apply as early as possible before The Government of Canada administers their residential property taxes are due. the Old Age Security Program, Guaranteed All registered owners must sign the Income Supplement, the Allowance and application form. the Canada Pension Plan.

For more information on provincial Call toll-free from Canada and the government financial assistance programs United States: for seniors, or to request a Seniors Financial Assistance application, contact: English: 1-800-277-9914 French: 1-800-277-9915 Alberta Seniors TTY: 1-800-255-4786 Box 3100 Hours of Operation: Edmonton, AB T5J 4W3 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Toll-free anywhere in Alberta: Website: www.servicecanada.gc.ca 1-877-644-9992 Edmonton: 780-644-9992 Old Age Security Pension Website: www.seniors.alberta.ca To be eligible for the federal Old Age Security pension (OAS), you must: Income support for non-seniors • be at least age 65 (you do not need to The Government of Alberta provides be retired); income support for non-seniors through • be a legal resident of Canada; and programs such as Alberta Works and • have lived a minimum of 10 years in the Assured Income for the Severely Canada after the age of 18. Handicapped (AISH) programs. You must apply for this pension. If For more information, contact: possible, send in your application six months before your 65th birthday.

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© 2015 Government of Alberta 7 If you are 65 or older and are not covered Allowance/Allowance for by the conditions above, you may still the Survivor qualify for a pension since Canada has The allowance is paid to the spouse social security agreements with many or common-law partner of a senior countries. Call Service Canada for receiving GIS. information. The Allowance for the Survivor is available to widowed spouses or surviving common- Guaranteed Income Supplement law partners who have little or no other The Guaranteed Income Supplement income and who are between the ages of (GIS) is available to seniors who receive 60 and 64. the OAS pension and have little or no other income. To be eligible you must: To be eligible for this supplement, you • be age 60 through 64, must be a resident of Canada. The • have lived in Canada a minimum of amount of the supplement that you receive 10 years after the age of 18, depends on: • not be voluntarily separated or divorced • marital status, and from your spouse or common-law • total family income in the previous partner, and calendar year. If you are married or • meet legal residence requirements. living common-law, the income of your The amount of the Allowance depends spouse or common-law partner is on a couple’s combined income in the included. previous calendar year.

The GIS is added to the federal OAS People who may be eligible for the payment each month. An application must Allowance should apply six months before be submitted to receive this benefit. their 60th birthday. It may be applied for To continue receiving GIS benefits each any time between ages 60 and 64 and can year, you must submit a renewal form continue until the age of 65. or file an income tax return by April 30. Couples must file separate income tax returns.

8 © 2015 Government of Alberta To continue receiving the Allowance or A spouse, or common-law partner can Allowance for the Survivor, you must file apply to share CPP retirement pension an income tax return by April 30 each payments if both are aged 60 or more. year. If you continue to be eligible, your Even if only one of you has been a Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor contributor to the CPP, that pension can will automatically be renewed. If you do still be shared. Pension sharing can result not file your return, you must complete a in income tax savings. renewal form. Survivor benefits Canada Pension Plan There are three types of survivor benefits. The federal government administers • The CPP death benefit is a one-time the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). You payment to, or on behalf of, the estate contribute to the CPP through employment of a deceased CPP contributor. or self-employment. There are different • The survivor pension is a monthly types of CPP benefits. Application forms are available at any Service Canada pension paid to the surviving spouse Centre by calling 1-800-277-9914, or on or common-law partner of a deceased the website at www.servicecanada.gc.ca. contributor. • The surviving child’s benefit is a The most applicable CPP benefits for monthly benefit for dependent children seniors are: of a deceased contributor. Children must be younger than 18, or if 18 to 25, Retirement pension must be in school full time. You may be eligible for a retirement pension if you worked and have made at For information on other CPP benefits, call least one valid contribution to the CPP. Service Canada toll-free at The pension may start at age 65 or, as 1-800-277-9914, or visit th early as the month following your 60 www.servicecanada.gc.ca birthday, at a reduced rate. For the most up-to-date information, For details about these changes, please please visit the Service Canada website. visit the Service Canada website at www.servicecanada.gc.ca, or call 1-800-277-9914.

Provincial Government Local housing management bodies Programs administer lodges and set the accommodation rates. To assist lower- Seniors Property Tax Deferral income residents, each eligible resident The Seniors Property Tax Deferral program must be left with at least $315 per allows eligible senior homeowners to month in disposable income after lodge defer all or part of their annual residential accommodation costs. property taxes through a low-interest home For more information about the Seniors equity loan with the Alberta Government. Lodge program, contact: The program is not based on income. Please see pages 6-7 for program details. Alberta Seniors, Housing Division 44 Capital Boulevard Seniors Lodge Program 10044 – 108 Street NW Lodge accommodation offers single or Edmonton, AB T5J 5E6 double bedrooms, meals, housekeeping, Edmonton: 780-422-0122 recreational opportunities and other Website: services to seniors. www.seniors.alberta.ca/housing/ Seniors whose incomes fall within In all other areas of the province, call the allowable limits, as determined by the Government of Alberta Contact Centre local housing management body, and at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. who are functionally independent, with Your local housing management body or without the help of existing community has detailed information about lodges based services, may wish to apply for this and senior self-contained living in your program. Eligible applicants are prioritized area. For assistance contacting a housing on the basis of need and available units. management body, contact: Community residency requirements may Alberta Supports Contact Centre be in place. Toll-free anywhere in Alberta: 1-877-644-9992 Edmonton: 780-644-9992 Website: www.albertasupports.ca

10 © 2015 Government of Alberta Seniors Self-Contained Housing For more information contact: Local housing management bodies RAMP provide affordable apartment style 12th Floor Milner Building accommodations for low-income seniors 10040 – 104 Street NW who cannot afford private sector housing. Edmonton, AB T5J 0Z2 Seniors whose income falls within Phone: 1-877-427-5760 allowable limits and are functionally Email: [email protected] independent, with or without the help of Finding accommodation existing community-based services, may wish to apply for this program through their Seniors housing registries local housing management body. Eligible applicants are prioritized on the basis of Provincial Seniors Housing Registry The Alberta Senior Citizens’ Housing need and unit availability. Rent is based Association (ASCHA) has a free online on 30 per cent of a household’s adjusted provincial housing registry which allows for income. searches by location, organization, project, A searchable list of management support services and application criteria. bodies is available at For more information http://housing.alberta.ca/522.cfm Phone: For more information about the Seniors 780-439-6473 Website: Self-Contained Housing program, contact: www.ascha.com

Alberta Seniors Local registries Edmonton: 780-422-0122 Housing registries have lists of senior citizens apartments, lodges and In all other areas of the province, call the management bodies. They can also help Government of Alberta Contact Centre you find private accommodation. Housing at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. registries for seniors are located at:

Residential Access Modification Calgary Program (RAMP) Kerby Centre Homeowners and tenants (if the landlord 1133 7 Avenue SW agrees) who use a wheelchair (or if 65+, a Calgary, AB T2P 1B2 wheelchair or 4-wheel walker) on an ongoing Phone: 403-705-3230 basis may apply to receive a provincial Website: www.kerbycentre.com government grant to assist with modifications that improve wheelchair access into and within their personal residences. Continued next page…

© 2015 Government of Alberta 11 Edmonton Supportive living and long-term care SAGE – Seniors Association public reporting information of Greater Edmonton To locate information about supportive 15 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW living and long-term care accommodations, Edmonton, AB T5J 2E5 learn about facilities’ compliance with Phone: 780-423-5510 provincial accommodation standards, E-mail: [email protected] compare accommodations, and view Website: www.mysage.ca verified complaints, visit http://standardsandlicensing.alberta.ca/ Edmonton Aboriginal Senior Centre or contact the Standards Compliance and Cottage E Licensing Branch at 780-644-8428. 10107 134 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5E 1J2 For information on long-term care and Phone: 780-476-6595 supportive living, please see pages 25-26 and 35-36. If a housing registry is not available in your area, contact: Landlord and tenant information • your local information centre, listed on The Residential Tenancies Act identifies pages 43-44; how a landlord or tenant may end a • a Family and Community Support tenancy, how and when rent can be increased, remedies available to landlords Services Office, listed in your telephone and tenants, and security deposit directory; or requirements. For more information or to • the Alberta Supports Contact Centre, obtain a copy of the tipsheet Information listed on page 13. for Landlords and Information for Tenants, contact Service Alberta at:

Toll-free: 1-877-427-4088 Edmonton: 780-427-4088 Website: www.servicealberta.ca

Alberta Supports Click: www.albertasupports.ca Alberta Supports helps make it easier for general information on provincial for Albertans to find information about programs and supports provincial social based assistance programs, access the services and Come in: supports they need, and transition between Office hours are 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. programs. Monday through Friday, closed statutory holidays. Information is provided on Seniors Financial Assistance and other social Calgary based assistance programs such as 100, Fisher Park Alberta Works, Assured Income for the 6712 Fisher Street SE Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Alberta Calgary, AB T2H 1X3 Aids to Daily Living (AADL). Edmonton There are three ways to access Alberta Argyll Centre Supports: 6325 Gateway Boulevard NW Edmonton, AB T6H 5H6 Call: Alberta Supports Contact Centre City Centre (Opening August 2015) Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992 10242 105 St NW Edmonton and area: 780-644-9992 Edmonton, AB T5J 3L5 TDD/TTY Toll-free: 1-800-232-7215 Fort McMurray Edmonton and area: 780-427-9999 1st Floor, Provincial Building Fax: 780-422-5954 9915 Franklin Avenue Office hours are 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4 Monday through Friday. Alberta Supports offices are closed on statutory holidays. Please have your personal health number ready when calling.

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© 2015 Government of Alberta 13 Lethbridge Whitecourt 1st Floor, Provincial Building 202 Floor, Midtown Mall 200 - 5 Avenue South 5115 49 Street Lethbridge, AB T1J 4L1 Whitecourt, AB T7S 1N7 *office is closed noon – 1:00pm Medicine Hat 1st Floor, Provincial Building Seniors Information Services 346 - 3 Street SE Offices Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0G7 *office is closed noon – 1:00pm A walk-in office is located in Edmonton at:

Peace River Main Floor, Standard Life Centre 1st Floor Midwest Building 10405 Jasper Avenue NW 9715 100 Street Edmonton, AB T5J 4R7 Peace River, AB T8S 1T4 Government of Alberta Contact *office is closed noon – 1:00pm Centre Toll-free 310-0000

Red Deer You can reach any provincial government 2nd Floor, First Red Deer Place program toll-free by calling the 4911 - 51 Street Government of Alberta Contact Centre. Red Deer, AB T4N 4V4 Staff are available to answer your questions and direct your calls Monday to Slave Lake Block 70, Suite 108 Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To use this 1st Floor service anywhere in Alberta, dial 310-0000 Slave Lake Government Centre and enter the 10 digit provincial telephone and Library number for the program you wish to 101 - 3 Street SW contact, or dial zero, or stay on the line for assistance. Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 *office is closed noon – 1:00pm Example: If you are calling Alberta Health from outside the Edmonton area, dial toll- St. Paul 1st Floor, Provincial Building free 310-0000, and then 780-427-1432. (In 5025 - 49 Avenue Edmonton, dial 780-427-1432 directly.) St. Paul, AB T0A 3A4 For toll-free, province wide access from a *office is closed noon – 1:00pm cellular telephone, enter #310 (Telus/Bell) or *310 (for Rogers Wireless).

14 © 2015 Government of Alberta Hearing impaired callers only (requires Service Canada Centres TTY unit): The federal government has offices Toll-free anywhere in Alberta: throughout the province that you can visit 1-800-232-7215 to obtain information about OAS, GIS Edmonton: 780-427-9999 and CPP benefits. For information about the location nearest you or to book an Service Alberta Contact Centre appointment to see a Service Delivery The Service Alberta Contact Centre Agent, call the Service Canada Call Centre. provides information to consumers about Contacting your MLA their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace. It also provides information An online listing of MLAs and contact and advice about consumer complaints. information is located at http://streetkey.elections.ab.ca/ Consumer tipsheets are available, at no charge, by calling the Service Alberta Alberta Ombudsman Contact Centre or visiting the department’s website. For more information, contact: The Alberta Ombudsman determines administrative fairness. The Office Toll-free anywhere in Alberta: responds to complaints of unfair treatment 1-877-427-4088 by Alberta government departments, Edmonton: 780-427-4088 agencies, professional organizations and Website: www.servicealberta.ca the patient concerns resolution processes Government of Canada of health authorities. The Ombudsman: Service Canada Call Centre • is independent from the government; For information regarding Old Age Security • is impartial; (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement • focuses on fairness; (GIS) or Canada Pension Plan (CPP) • is approachable and responsive; benefits, contact the Service Canada Call • provides services free of charge; and Centre: • is not an advocacy service. English: 1-800-277-9914 French: 1-800- 277-9915 TTY: 1-800-255-4786 Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Website: www.servicecanada.gc.ca Continued next page…

© 2015 Government of Alberta 15 An online complaint form is available at: Supported Decision Making www.ombudsman.ab.ca, or contact by Authorization phone at: • Adults with capacity can authorize a trusted person(s) to assist them with Edmonton: 780-427-2756 finding information, making decisions, Calgary: 403-297-6185 and communicating their decisions. Toll-Free: 1-888-455-2756 • May be helpful for people who face Office of the Public Guardian complex decisions or have difficulty and Trustee communicating their decisions to others. The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) offers information and Co-Decision Making Order services about substitute decision making • The adult has some capacity limitations for adults that lack mental capacity, but could make personal decisions with including planning for the future with a guidance and support from someone personal directive and enduring power else. attorney. The OPGT may act as guardian • A co-decision making order may be and/or trustee for adults who lack the appropriate if the assisted adult has a capacity to make their own personal and/or trusting, cooperative relationship with financial decisions when there is no other their co-decision maker(s). person able, willing, or suitable to take on the role. The OPGT may also administer Guardianship and Trusteeship estates when someone has died and there Orders is no one else to do so. In addition, the • Court-appointed substitute decision OPGT protects the assets of minors (under makers for adults who no longer have 18 years) where required by law or where the capacity to make personal and/or a minor is a beneficiary but there is no financial decisions on their own. trustee named. You can contact the OPGT Personal Directive for more information and help with the A personal directive is a legal document decision making options listed below. that allows you to choose someone you trust to make personal decisions on your behalf if, in the future, you lose your ability to do so because of illness or injury. If you prepare this document, there is no need for your family to apply to be your guardian in the event you lose capacity.

16 © 2015 Government of Alberta For more information, or to download a Lloydminster, AB T9V 0M3 personal directive form, visit http://www. Phone: 780-871-6490 humanservices.alberta.ca/guardianship- trusteeship/personal-directives-how-it- St. Paul Office 318 Provincial Building works.html 5025 49 Avenue Enduring Power of Attorney St. Paul, AB T0A 3A4 An Enduring Power of Attorney is a Phone: 780-645-6278 legal document you can use to appoint Edmonton Office (Public Guardian) someone to make financial and legal 4th Floor, 108th Street Building decisions on your behalf. A Power of 9942 108 Street NW Attorney is “enduring” if it states its power Edmonton, AB T5K 2J5 continues after mental incapacity or it Phone: 780-427-0017 can be written to only take effect when mental capacity is lost. If you prepare this Edmonton Office (Public Trustee) document, there is no need for your family 4th Floor, Brownlee Building to apply to be your trustee in the event you 10365 97 Street NW lose capacity. Edmonton, AB T5J 3Z8 Phone: 780-427-2744 For more information on the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, visit the Central Alberta website http://www.humanservices. Red Deer Office alberta.ca/guardianship-trusteeship/ Room 203, Provincial Building personal-directives-how-it-works. 4920 51 Street html , or contact the Office of the Public Red Deer, AB T4N 6K8 Guardian and Trustee at: Phone: 403-340-5165

Northern Alberta Calgary Grande Prairie Office 900 Barclay Centre 1501 Provincial Building 444 7 Avenue SW 10320 99 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6J4 Phone: 780-833-4319

Lloydminster Office Main Floor Provincial Building 5124 50 Street

© 2015 Government of Alberta 17 Calgary, AB T2P 0X8 • Request inspections and investigations Phone: 403-297-3364 related to care in seniors’ facilities. • Provide public education on the rights Southern Alberta and interests of seniors. Lethbridge Office The Health Advocate will: 500 Provincial Building 740 4 Avenue S • Build awareness about the Health Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9 Charter and what people can expect Phone: 403-381-5648 from the health system, and their responsibilities. Medicine Hat Office • Help people navigate the health Room 107, Professional Building system. 346 3 Street SE Medicine Hat AB T1A 0G7 • Look into situations where people Phone: 403-529-3744 believe their interactions with the health system haven’t been consistent with the In all other areas of the province, call the Health Charter. Government of Alberta Contact Centre • Redirect complaints to existing at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. resolution mechanisms where Office of the Alberta Health appropriate. Advocates For more information or to contact the Office of the Health Advocates: As part of the Office of the Alberta Health Advocates, the Seniors’ Advocate helps Website: seniors, their families, and their caregivers www.albertahealthadvocates.ca navigate the health care and continuing Edmonton area: 780-422-1812 care systems and provides information on support programs and services for seniors. Toll-free anywhere in Alberta: It also receives concerns and complaints Dial 310-0000 and then the number about these systems and services, and makes referrals to the appropriate channels for resolution. The Seniors’ Advocate will:

• Help seniors and their families understand and access the growing number of seniors’ services.

18 © 2015 Government of Alberta Advanced Care Planning physician or nurse practitioner and is recognized by all healthcare services. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a way to help you think about, talk about and For more information about Advanced Care document your wishes for health care. It Planning, talk to your healthcare provider is a process that can assist you in making or visit www.conversationsmatter.ca healthcare decisions now and for in the Utilities Consumer Advocate future. If there is a time when you are unable to speak for yourself, it is important The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) that your loved ones and your healthcare represents the interests of Alberta’s team understand your wishes for health residential, farm, and small business care. It is important to begin Advance Care electricity and natural gas consumers. The Planning conversations before you face a UCA works to ensure consumers have the crisis or become seriously ill. information, representation, and protection they need to help them make informed In Alberta, your ACP is documented choices in Alberta’s deregulated electricity on a legal document called a Personal and natural gas markets. Directive. In a Personal Directive you choose an alternate decision maker to be The UCA’s mediation team is available to your agent – this person can collaborate answer consumer’s questions and provide with your healthcare team if you are detailed advice and information about unable to do so. Your agent makes the electricity and natural gas industry. healthcare decisions on your behalf, in Common topics include contracts, billing, keeping with your wishes. and distribution fees to name a few. When consumers have exhausted known Goals of Care Designations are used by avenues of issue resolution, the UCA will your healthcare providers to describe investigate and mediate concerns with the general aims of your health care and utility companies. the preferred location of that care. In a medical emergency, your Goals of Care Contact the UCA: Designation guides your healthcare team In Alberta: 310-4UCA (310-4822) to provide timely care that best reflects Outside of Alberta: 780-644-5130 your health condition, the treatments that Email: [email protected] will be of benefit to you, and your own Address: Suite 1701, TD Tower, wishes and values. The Goals of Care 10088-102 Avenue NW Designation order is documented on an Edmonton, AB T5J 2Z1 Alberta Health Services form by your

Alberta Health Care Basic coverage includes: Insurance Plan • full coverage for medically necessary insured services provided by physicians Eligibility according to the Schedule of Medical You must be registered for Alberta Health Benefits; Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) coverage • medically necessary oral and to receive insured hospital and physician maxillofacial surgical procedures services. and some specific dental procedures Coverage is provided to eligible residents performed by an oral surgeon or dentist of Alberta who meet the following criteria: according to the Schedule of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Benefits; • Legally entitled to be or to remain in • some foot care services if provided in Canada and makes his/her permanent Alberta by a podiatrist. Benefits are home in Alberta; limited for each service and payable • Committed to being physically present according to the Schedule of Podiatry in Alberta for at least 183 days in a 12 Benefits to a maximum payable per month period; benefit year* of $250 (check with • Not claiming residency or obtaining podiatrist prior to treatment); benefits under a claim of residency in • a podiatric surgery program that another province, territory or country; provides full coverage for medically • Any other person deemed by the necessary services provided by a regulations to be a resident not podiatric surgeon in an Alberta hospital including a tourist, transient or visitor to or non‑hospital surgical facility under Alberta. contract with Alberta Health Services Detailed information on applying for AHCIP according to the Schedule of Podiatric coverage is available on the Alberta Health Surgery Benefits; website at www.health.alberta.ca • some optometry services, if provided in Alberta. Benefits are limited to one complete exam, one partial exam and

20 © 2015 Government of Alberta one diagnostic procedure per benefit by your physician before the service is year*; provided. • an operator’s license medical • The AHCIP is not a dental plan and as examination for people 74.5 years of such it does not cover services such age and over; as office visits, x‑rays, splints, models, • Some publicly funded physiotherapy orthodontic treatments, dentures and services are provided through Alberta other dental services. Health Services (AHS) Ambulatory • Podiatrists may bill residents an amount Community Physiotherapy program. in addition to the amount payable by The physiotherapist determines the AHCIP. the number of treatments to be • Patients are also responsible for the publicly funded based on the client’s full cost of any uninsured services, presenting condition or injury. For more including medical and surgical information, please contact Alberta appliances, supplies and facility fees Health Services through Health Link: when provided in a podiatrist’s clinic. Edmonton: 780-408-5465 Some services not covered by the AHCIP Calgary: 403-943-5465 may be covered by other government Toll‑free for anywhere in Alberta: sponsored or private supplementary health 1-866-408-5465. insurance. * The benefit year for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan is from July 1 to Hospital services June 30. Alberta Health provides funding to Alberta Health Services for in‑patient For details on basic coverage and services and outpatient hospital services. These covered outside Alberta, contact Alberta services are not funded if obtained in a Health. private facility. When you are admitted to an acute care hospital in Alberta for Uninsured Services insured services, you will receive standard The AHCIP provides full coverage for ward care, meals, nursing and other medically necessary insured services services while you are a patient in the provided by physicians. However, hospital. uninsured services, such as the copying and transfer of medical records from one If you request a private or semi‑private physician to another, are not covered. You hospital room, a room charge may be can expect to pay the full fee for uninsured applied by the hospital, unless a physician services and must be informed of this Continued next page…

© 2015 Government of Alberta 21 indicates it is medically required. You may Please see the Health Coverage be able to purchase coverage for these Outside Alberta Brochure, available at charges from some private insurers. See www.health.alberta.ca for more details on page 31 for information on private insurers. coverage and claim guidelines.

For more information about coverage for For details on temporary absence and hospital services, contact Alberta Health extensions of coverage and services Services through Health Link: covered outside of Alberta, contact Alberta Health: Edmonton: 780-408-5465 Calgary: 403-943-5465 By mail: Toll‑free for anywhere in Alberta: Alberta Health 1-866-408-5465 Box 1360 Stn Main Edmonton, AB T5J 2N3 Temporary absence from Alberta By telephone: Individuals must be physically present in Edmonton: 780-427-1432 Alberta for at least 183 days in a 12‑month period to remain eligible for coverage from Outside the Edmonton area, call the the AHCIP. Government of Alberta Contact Centre at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. Recurring absence from Alberta You may remain eligible for AHCIP Website: www.health.alberta.ca coverage if, on a recurring basis, you are Dental and Optical Assistance absent from Alberta for up to 212 days for Seniors in a 12-month period for the purpose of vacation. Dental Assistance for Seniors • Contact Alberta Health before you leave The Dental Assistance for Seniors program to ensure your coverage under the provides basic dental coverage to a AHCIP remains current. maximum of $5,000 per eligible senior, every five years. Alberta Health covers only some limited physician and hospital expenses outside Optical Assistance for Seniors Alberta. It is strongly recommended The Optical Assistance for Seniors that Alberta residents carry private program provides assistance of up to $230 supplementary insurance when travelling per eligible senior, towards the purchase of outside of Alberta to cover unforeseen prescription eyeglasses every three years. emergency care and transportation, as Please see pages 5-6 for program details. these costs may be significant.

The Government of Alberta offers the How does the program work? Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) AADL is a cost-share program. You pay program which assists Albertans with 25 per cent of the cost of program benefits a long-term disability, chronic illness to a maximum of $500 per individual/ or terminal illness in maintaining family, per benefit year (July 1 to June 30). independence in their communities through If you choose an upgraded item, you are the provision of basic medical equipment also responsible for paying any additional and supplies to meet their clinically amount. assessed needs. Low-income Albertans, below qualifying You may be eligible for AADL benefits income thresholds, are exempt from if you meet the following criteria: cost-sharing. Your authorizer or local • are an Alberta resident; community health care centre will have a • have a valid Alberta Personal Health Cost-Sharing Exemption Application for Number; and you to complete and submit to the address • requires benefits due to a long-term on the form. disability, chronic illness or terminal If you are exempt from cost-sharing, your illness. Long-term and chronic are authorizer and vendor will be notified defined as six months or longer. through the AADL system. If you choose an upgraded item, you are responsible for An assessment by an AADL authorizer paying any additional costs regardless of or specialty assessor determines the cost-share status. clinical need for medical equipment and supplies that an Albertan may be eligible What is covered? for through this program. This may be a Only certain medical equipment and nurse, physical therapist, occupational supplies are provided. You must be therapist, respiratory therapist, audiologist assessed and authorized for AADL or other health care professional who may benefits before you receive them. AADL work in a community health care centre, cannot refund clients who purchase their hospital, long-term care centre, home care own medical equipment and supplies program or private practice. Please contact before being assessed and authorized for Alberta Health Services to locate an AADL equipment and supplies. Equipment and authorizer and consult the vendor lists on the AADL website to locate an AADL specialty assessor. Continued next page…

© 2015 Government of Alberta 23 supplies must be purchased from an AADL • Replacement of batteries is at your approved vendor within the province of own cost. Alberta, unless otherwise specified. • AADL will assist with the invoice cost of factory repairs for the hearing aid The program does not provide coverage once per benefit year after the original for canes, reachers, foot orthotics, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, dental care purchase warranty expires. or dentures. • Minor servicing and additional fees charged by the hearing aid practitioner Hearing aids are at your own cost. Hearing aids are provided to seniors and Medical/surgical supplies, their dependants through AADL registered prosthetics, orthotics, footwear, suppliers only, and cost-sharing applies. mobility and respiratory equipment When visiting a hearing aid supplier, An AADL authorizer or specialty supplier please ensure that they are registered with must assess your need for equipment and AADL as a vendor. supplies and complete an authorization For more information about registered form. Some items may require a vendors, contact: physician’s prescription.

Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program authorizers or specialty suppliers Toll-free anywhere in Alberta: have complete lists of all items provided 1-877-644-9992 through AADL. A maximum number of Edmonton: 780-644-9992 benefits are available each year. For Website: http://www.health.alberta.ca/ details on specific supplies and equipment, services/aids-to-daily-living.html covered by AADL, contact Alberta Health Services or: Benefit information: • If you are a cost-share client, AADL Alberta Aids to Daily Living contributes $900 towards one hearing 10th Floor, Milner Building aid only. If you are exempt from cost 10040 104 Street Edmonton AB T5J 0Z2 sharing, AADL will contribute up to Toll-free anywhere in Alberta: $1,200 per affected ear. This does not 1-877-644-9992 include upgrades. If a more expensive Edmonton: 780-644-9992 hearing aid is purchased, you are Website: http://www.health.alberta.ca/ responsible for the difference. services/aids-to-daily-living.html • With prior approval, AADL will provide a personal listening device instead of a hearing aid.

24 © 2015 Government of Alberta Alberta Blue Cross Prescription drugs Alberta Health covers 70 per cent of the Coverage for Seniors cost of prescription drugs listed in the Alberta Health provides premium-free Alberta Drug Benefit List. You pay the coverage for health-related services other 30 per cent, up to a maximum of $25 not covered by the Alberta Health Care per prescription or refill. The pharmacy bills Insurance Plan through Alberta Blue Cross Alberta Blue Cross directly. Coverage for Seniors. This coverage is Note: If an interchangeable (i.e. generic) available to all Albertans 65 years of age drug product is available, Coverage and older and their eligible dependants. for Seniors will pay the least-cost Coverage for Seniors starts the first month alternative price. after you turn 65. Purchase only the medicine you need, Once you are registered with Alberta in quantities you will use. The maximum Health and your date of birth has been prescription quantity is a 100-day supply. validated, you will be sent an Alberta Blue It is best to be stabilized on the drug dose Cross card. To receive services, you must before getting this quantity. A pharmacist show your card. cannot dispense a larger quantity without Coverage for Seniors uses the same pre-authorization from Alberta Blue Cross. benefit year as Alberta Health – July 1 to If you plan to travel outside Alberta and June 30. need medication for more than 100 days, talk to your pharmacist at least two weeks Ambulance services before your departure. This will give Ambulance services refer to transportation your pharmacist enough time to obtain to or from a public or general, active authorization. treatment hospital. You must be ill or Coverage for Seniors also provides injured and transported in a ground vehicle coverage for services received in other licensed under the Ambulance Services parts of Canada or outside the country. Act. Coverage for Seniors will pay up to You may be asked to pay for these the maximum rate set by Alberta Health. services at the time they are provided. To Note: Inter -facility transfers are not be reimbursed, send Alberta Blue Cross a covered under Alberta Blue Cross completed and signed Alberta Blue Cross Coverage for Seniors. Inter-facility health claim form, with receipts attached. transfers are covered by Alberta Benefits for services received out-of-country Health Services. are paid in Canadian funds according to approved Alberta benefit rates. Continued next page…

© 2015 Government of Alberta 25 Diabetic Supplies Alberta Blue Cross Offices Coverage for Seniors provides diabetic Calgary supplies for insulin-treated diabetics only, Main Floor up to a maximum of $600 per eligible 715 5 Avenue SW person each benefit year for diabetic Calgary, AB T2P 2X6 supplies purchased from a licensed Phone: 403-234-9666 pharmacy. Diabetic supplies include Edmonton needles, syringes, lancets and blood Blue Cross Place glucose and urine testing strips. 10009 108 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5J 3C5 Chiropractic Services Phone: 780-498-8000 Up to $25, per visit to a maximum of $200, per person each benefit year, for services Grande Prairie provided by a chiropractor who is lawfully 108, 10126 120 Avenue entitled to practice. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8H9 Phone: 780-532-3505 Clinical Psychological Services Up to $60 per visit, to a maximum of Lethbridge $300 per family each benefit year, for 470 Chancery Court treatment of mental or emotional illness by 220 4 Street S a registered chartered psychologist. Lethbridge, AB T1J 4J7 Phone: 403-328-1785 Home Nursing Care Medicine Hat Coverage up to $200, per family each 95 Carry Drive Plaza benefit year, for nursing care provided in 105 Carry Drive SE the patient’s home by written order of a Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3M6 physician. Home nursing care must be Phone: 403-529-5553 provided by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse who is not a relative of the Red Deer patient. 103 Elements at Rivers Edge 5002 55 Street For more information about Alberta Red Deer, AB T4N 7A4 Blue Cross, visit their website at Phone: 403-343-7009 www.ab.bluecross.ca or contact your nearest Alberta Blue Cross Office. People living outside these areas can call toll-free: 1-800-661-6995 (Customer services) 1-800-394-1965 (Individual plans)

26 © 2015 Government of Alberta Continuing care services unmet needs of individuals, of all ages who have varying degrees of short and long- Alberta’s continuing care system provides term illness and/or disability. Albertans with the health, personal care Individuals can access home care services and accommodation services they need to through self-referral or a referral made by support their independence and quality of friends, family, health care providers or life. Continuing care services are provided other community agencies acting on their in three streams: behalf. • home living; • supportive living; and Assessed home care services provided • facility living. at no charge include professional case management, professional health care, Each stream can provide clients with a personal care, caregiver support and broad range of health and personal care, respite care. Client charges may apply accommodation and hospitality services. to the provision of assessed home and In addition, Alberta Health Services community support services. may be able to offer various models of care within these streams. This may Supportive living include: group homes; special centres for Supportive living combines individuals with dementia; transitional living accommodation services with other settings; and various types of seniors’ supports and care. Supportive living day programs. Individuals who receive services are designed to assist individuals publicly-funded health services through in maintaining a level of independence. Alberta Health Services will undergo a Supportive living is not intended for needs assessment to determine their care individuals who have complex health care and service needs. needs. In addition to providing a place to Home living/home care services live, services in supportive living The home living stream is designed to accommodations can include meals, support individuals living in their own housekeeping and social activities. homes, apartments, condominiums or Supportive living residents may receive other independent living options that home care services. require care.

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© 2015 Government of Alberta 27 In order to access some supportive living All long-term care facilities across Alberta options, individuals may need to undergo are operated by or under contract to an assessment by Alberta Health Services Alberta Health Services. Some may be staff. stand alone buildings; some may be in sites where a range of services are More information on supportive provided. living is available online at Health services provided in long-term care Website: www.health.alberta.ca facilities are publicly funded under the Outside the Edmonton area, call the following conditions: Government of Alberta Contact Centre • you must be eligible for registration with at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan; Alberta Senior Citizens’ Housing • you must have lived in Alberta for Association (ASCHA) three consecutive years at any time Phone: 780-439-6473 previously; or Website: www.ascha.com • you must have lived in Alberta for one year immediately prior to applying; and Calgary Kerby Centre • you must have been a resident of Phone: 403-265-0661 Canada for 10 years or more. Website: www.kerbycentre.com Residents of long-term care facilities do Edmonton not pay for: Seniors Association of Greater • prescription drugs as prescribed by a Edmonton (SAGE) physician or ambulance services when Phone: 780-423-5510 the transfer is to or from a hospital. Website: www.mysage.ca Individuals living in long-term care facilities Facility living/long-term care centres are responsible for paying accommodation Long-term care facilities provide support charges for housing and hospitality to individuals who require 24/7 nursing services. Charges may vary according support to meet medical needs associated to the type of room. Charges change with chronic disease or frailty. As part of periodically. The rates as of July 1, 2015 the continuing care system, long-term care are: facility living provides room and board in a secure living arrangement along with personal care and support with activities of daily living.

28 © 2015 Government of Alberta • $51.10/day for standard Alberta Health Services accommodation (three or four beds in one room) For information on the locations and the • $53.85/day for semi-private range of programs and services available, accommodation (two individuals in one contact Alberta Health Services. room) South Zone • $62.25/day for private accommodation 110 200 4 Avenue SW, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4E1 Low-income seniors may be eligible for 403-388-6009 or 403-388-6391 financial assistance through the Alberta Seniors Benefit program. Or For information, call 1-877-644-9992 or 666 5 Street SW visit www.seniors.alberta.ca. Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6 A person’s need for long-term care facility 403-529-8000 services is assessed by a healthcare Calgary Zone professional from Alberta Health 10101 Southport Road SW Services (AHS). Anyone can request an Calgary, AB T2W 3N2 assessment. Once a request is made, 403-943-1111 an AHS Case Manager will meet with the person and discuss the situation. If Central Zone a long-term care facility is determined to 43 Michener Bend be the best support to meet the identified Red Deer, AB T4P 0H6 needs, AHS staff will work with the 403-341-8622 Case Manager, the individual and family Toll Free 1-800-752-8957 to find the site that would best meet client’s needs. AHS’ goal is to make sure Edmonton Zone individuals get the right services in the 1J2 Walter Mackenzie Centre right place in a timely manner. 8440 112 Street NW Edmonton, AB T4V 1Y8 For more information about long-term care 780-407-8822 accommodations, contact Alberta Health Services. North Zone 9732 100 Avenue Westlock, AB T7P 2G3 780-349-8705

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© 2015 Government of Alberta 29 Health Link Alberta Mental health services Health Link Alberta is a toll-free telephone A variety of mental health services are advice and health information service available to Albertans of all ages. These answered by registered nurses, 24 hours include mental health information and a day, seven days a week. You can call education, assessment, counselling, Health Link from anywhere in the province treatment and follow-up services. by dialing 811 or 1-866-408-LINK (5465). For more information, contact Alberta Health Services or the Alberta Mental Day support programs Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642. and day hospitals Day support programs are group programs that individuals may attend on a daily Public health services Public health services are available to all basis. They are intended as an alternative Albertans through Alberta Health Services. to admission to an acute care hospital These may include: or long-term care facility for people who are frail and/or disabled, and those who • immunization against diseases such as need health maintenance, rehabilitation influenza; and social or recreational activities. • health education and counselling; The programs take place in a variety of • nutrition education; settings. • dental hygiene education; • sexual health education and To find out if there is a day support counselling; and program or a day hospital in your • speech-language pathology services. community, contact Alberta Health Services. Information, phone numbers and addresses for public health services in Geriatric assessment and your area are available by contacting rehabilitation programs Alberta Health Services (page 29). Specialized geriatric assessment and rehabilitation programs are offered in several communities. For information, contact Alberta Health Services. See page 29 for contact information.

Private health insurance companies offer health benefit plans to complement existing seniors health benefits sponsored by the Government of Alberta. These insurance plans offer a range of benefits. For more information, contact the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association toll-free at 1-800-268-8099 or visit their website at https://www.clhia.ca.

Seniors Advisory Council help to make a positive difference for for Alberta many people. The Alberta Lottery Fund enhances quality of life by reinvesting The Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta is gaming revenues in communities to a government appointed body made up of support volunteer organizations and their representatives from across the province. community initiatives. The Government of Alberta has several grant programs and Members of the Seniors Advisory Council foundations that assist these groups in for Alberta consult with seniors and their efforts. seniors’ organizations to gather Albertans’ suggestions and feedback. Through these Funding may be available through: interactions, the Council provides advice to the government on legislation and policies Community Initiatives Program affecting seniors and the coordination of Toll-free: 1-800-642-3855 programs and services for seniors. Community Facility Enhancement To share your comments or to meet with Program Council members, contact: Toll-free: 1-800-642-3855 Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta Phone: 780-422-2321 Alberta Historical Resources Fax: 780-422-8762 Foundation E-mail: [email protected] Edmonton: 780-431-2305 Website: www.seniors.ab.ca Alberta Foundation for the Arts In all other areas of the province, call Edmonton: 780-427-9968 the Government of Alberta Contact Centre at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. Alberta Sport Connection Funding opportunities Edmonton: 780-415-1167 For more information about these and Provincial Grants other available grant programs, go to: Every day, non-profit Alberta Lottery Fund and charitable organizations in Alberta www. culture.alberta.ca/grantprograms

32 © 2015 Government of Alberta In other areas of the province, call the In some communities, FCSS assists Government of Alberta Contact Centre seniors by offering home support services, at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. information and referral, and outreach programs. For information, contact the Federal grants FCSS or Community Services office listed in your local telephone directory. New Horizons for Seniors Program The New Horizons for Seniors Program Meals on Wheels (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports Meals on Wheels is a non-profit projects led or inspired by seniors who organization that provides home delivered, want to make a difference in the lives of low-cost meals to seniors, shut-ins and others and in their communities. For more those with mental or physical disabilities. information, contact: These services are available in many areas of Alberta. For information about English: 1-800-277-9914 Meals on Wheels, refer to your local French: 1-800-277-9915 telephone directory or contact Alberta TTY: 1-800-255-4786 Health Link by dialling 811 or Website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca 1-866-408-LINK (5465). For questions on New Horizons for Seniors, select “0” to speak with an agent. Money Mentors

Family and Community Support Money Mentors is the only Alberta-based, Services (FCSS) not-for-profit credit counselling agency. Through a number of services, help is Under FCSS, communities design and provided to families and individuals to deliver social programs that promote and recover from financial crisis and move enhance well-being among individuals, forward. Services offered include credit families and communities. These counselling, money coaching, retirement provincial/municipal/Métis Settlement planning and financial literacy. programs are available in most parts of Alberta and provide information, funding To learn more or to book your free and assistance with the development Financial Needs Assessment, please call of community-based preventive social 1-888-294-0076 or visit the website at programs, including services for senior www.moneymentors.ca citizens.

Privacy legislation website at www.oipc.ab.ca, or by calling 780-427-8089. Personal information that you provide to the Government of Alberta, or any public Elder abuse body, is protected under the Freedom Elder abuse is any action or inaction of Information and Protection of Privacy by self or others that jeopardizes the (FOIP) Act. health or well-being of any older adult. The FOIP act aims to strike a balance It is divided into six categories: physical, between the public’s right to know and the emotional, financial, sexual, medication individual’s right to privacy, as those rights abuse or neglect. It may include the relate to information held by public bodies infliction of physical injury, restraint, in Alberta. exploitation, threats, ridicule, humiliation, forced isolation, or forced change in living The FOIP act gives you the right to arrangements. It may also include neglect; access information about you. If you that is, the refusal or failure to care for want to make a request for a copy of an older person whether intentional or your personal information, you must fill unintentional. out a FOIP request form from www.servicealberta.ca/foip/making- The following is a list of resources you can a-foip-request.cfm and submit it to the call if you are a senior experiencing abuse public body holding your information. or you know a senior that may be being abused. For more information, you can contact the FOIP office at 780-422-5111. NOTE: If you suspect a crime has been committed or that someone is in immediate The Health Information Act protects danger call your local police or RCMP. health information held by custodians and the Personal Information Protection Alberta Family Violence Info Line Act protects personal information 24 hours Toll-free 310-1818 held by private sector organizations. Service provided in more than 170 More information may be found at the languages. Information and Privacy Commissioner’s

34 © 2015 Government of Alberta Calgary Elder Abuse Resource Line Health Link Alberta Phone: 403-705-3250 (24 hours) Dial 811 or 1-866-408-5465 (24 hours) Provides telephone advice and information Edmonton Seniors Abuse Help Line on health related topics. Phone: 780-454-8888 (24 hours) Protection for Persons in Care Grande Prairie-Seniors Outreach Information and Resources The Protection for Persons in Care Phone: 780-539-6255 office addresses reports of abuse and administers the Protection for Persons in Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Care Act. This act promotes the safety and Network well-being of adult Albertans who receive Phone: 403-320-2222 (ext 25) care or support services from publicly Medicine Hat Community Response to funded service providers. The act requires Abuse and Neglect of Elders (CRANE) that all service providers protect clients Phone: 403-529-4798 (24 hours) from abuse and maintain a reasonable level of safety. The act also requires Red Deer Helping Elder Abuse that all abuse be reported. A complaints Reduction (H.E.A.R.) officer reviews every allegation reported to 24-Hour Seniors Abuse Resource Protection for Persons in Care. Information Line Phone: 403-346-6076 (local) The Protection for Persons in Care office Toll-free 1-877-454-2580 responds to reports of abuse of adults receiving care or support services from Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness publicly funded service providers. This Network (AEAAN) includes: hospitals, seniors’ lodges, nursing The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness homes, mental health facilities, shelters Network is a province-wide network of and other supportive living settings. professionals dedicated to preventing elder abuse by increasing community awareness To report abuse, call the Information around elder abuse and the resources and Reporting Line at 1-888-357-9339 available to address it. 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

More information about the Alberta Elder For more information, Abuse Awareness Network is available on call the number above or visit the website at www.albertaelderabuse.ca http://www.health.alberta.ca/services/ or www.seniors.alberta.ca protection-persons-care.html

The Continuing Care Health Services The Government of Alberta ensures Standards apply to all publicly-funded that supportive living and long-term care continuing care health services regardless facilities meet accommodation standards of whether they are provided directly by, or set by the government. These standards under contract to, Alberta Health Services. cover services like meals, housekeeping and building maintenance. They help Alberta Health is responsible for ensuring ensure that quality accommodation and that health service standards are met. related services are being provided to These standards apply where publicly- residents throughout the province. This funded health care is provided, namely by is done by licensing supportive living home care providers and facility operators. accommodations and monitoring long-term If you have concerns about the quality of care facilities for their compliance with the health services provided through home standards. care or in a publicly funded long-term care facility, raise them first with the provider Supportive living and and Alberta Health Services. See page 29 long-term care public reporting for contact information. The Government of Alberta has an online public reporting site for Albertans to use For more information on the health service to see how individual supportive living and standards and their enforcement, contact: long-term care accommodations comply with the accommodation standards. Alberta Health Attn: Standards Compliance and Licensing The public reporting site provides easy Branch access to up-to-date information on each PO 1360, Station Main supportive living and long-term care Edmonton AB T5J 2N3 accommodation, including: Phone: 780-644-8428 • location and contact details; In all other areas, call the Government of • compliance with accommodation Alberta Contact Centre at 310-0000 to be standards; connected toll-free. • supportive living licence status – Website: www.health.alberta.ca accommodations with a full licence E-mail: [email protected] have complied with all accommodation standards. Accommodations with a conditional licence have a compliance

36 © 2015 Government of Alberta action plan in place to meet all Alberta Human Rights accommodation standards by a Commission specified date; and • verified complaints listed for three The Alberta Human Rights Commission months after have they have been administers the Alberta Human Rights resolved. Act, which protects people in Alberta from discrimination. The Commission provides For more information about the public free, confidential information, a complaint reporting site or the supportive living resolution service, and education programs accommodation standards and licensing, and services that educate and engage contact: Albertans and Alberta organizations on human rights, diversity, and rights and Standards Compliance responsibilities under Alberta’s human and Licensing Branch rights law. For more information, contact: Standards Compliance and Licensing Branch Alberta Human Rights Commission PO 1360, Station Main Edmonton Confidential Edmonton AB T5J 2N3 Inquiry Line: 780-427-7661 Phone: 780-644-8428 Calgary Confidential E-mail: [email protected] Inquiry Line: 403-297-6571 Website: www.health.alberta.ca To call toll-free within Alberta, Public reporting site: dial 310-0000 and then enter the area http://standardsandlicensing.alberta.ca code and phone number. In all other areas, call the Government of E-mail: [email protected] Alberta Contact Centre at 310-0000 to be Website: www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca connected toll-free. TDD/TTY Service If you have concerns about the quality of Edmonton: 780-427-1597 accommodations in supportive living or Calgary: 403-297-5639 long-term care facility, raise them first with Toll-free: 1-800-232-7215 the provider. If you are not satisfied, you can contact the accommodation complaint line toll-free at 1-888-357-9339.

If you have a question or concern about the fairness of how your complaint was addressed, you can contact the Alberta Ombudsman — see page 15. Continued next page…

© 2015 Government of Alberta 37 Service Alberta approached with an investment opportunity that may be fraudulent. You can also Service Alberta provides advice, tipsheets request free information on the following and information about a wide range of topics and more: topics including • Investments • Fraud awareness • Recognizing frauds and scams • Consumer information • Cold calls/ Boiler room scams • Landlord and tenants • Internet scams • Driving and vehicles • Investing basics • Birth/death /marriage certificates • Investment ads • Land titles • Investment seminars • Choosing and working with a financial For more information, visit the website advisor www.servicealberta.ca or call For more information, contact the ASC: Service Alberta Contact Centre Edmonton: 780-427-4088 Alberta Securities Commission Toll-free: 1-877-427-4088 Toll-free: 1-877-355-4488 Alberta Securities Commission Email: [email protected] www.albertasecurities.com or The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) www.checkfirst.ca provides free, impartial information on investing and how to help you protect your money from investment fraud. You can call the ASC or visit the website to check out an individual or firm offering you an investment (e.g.; whether they are registered and if they have any disciplinary history), or to make a complaint against an individual or company if you think you have been a victim of investment fraud, or

Bus passes Alberta Transportation

Communities may offer people who are The Driver Fitness and Monitoring Section 65 years of age and over a bus pass at of Alberta Transportation is responsible a reduced cost. You must supply proof of for making decisions relating to a person’s age when applying and may be asked to medical and/or physical fitness to drive. supply income information. Medical reports are required upon renewal of an operator’s licence at age 75, 80 and For information about public transportation every two years thereafter. The Alberta and bus passes, contact your municipality. Health Care Insurance Plan will pay for Seniors driving services medical exams for motor vehicle operators who are 74 years and six months of age Many communities offer driving services and over. for seniors. Volunteers will drive seniors to For more information about transportation destinations such as doctor appointments, items of interest contact: shopping centres, or social outings. There is often a minimal fee. Private services are Alberta Transportation also often available. For more information Driver Fitness and Monitoring about seniors driving services, contact Main Floor, 4999 – 98 Avenue NW your local information centre (see pages Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3 43-44) or the Family and Community Phone: 780-427-8230 Support Services office listed in your Website: www.transportation.alberta.ca telephone directory. In all other areas of the province, call the Government of Alberta Call Centre at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free.

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The Alberta Motor Association’s Driving Persons who cannot walk 50 metres can Angel program partners with communities apply for a parking placard or a disabled to recognize and thank volunteer drivers. license plate. This service is provided These volunteers provide transportation to through Alberta Registry Agents. For seniors who may otherwise have difficulty information about applying for a placard, getting to appointments, to buy groceries or check your Yellow Pages under License to visit a friend. and Registry Services or online at www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca. This program also recognizes excellent customer service to seniors by other For more information, contact a motor transportation providers such as taxi or vehicle specialist at the Government bus drivers and other driving services. of Alberta Contact Centre by dialing 310-0000 and entering 780-427-7013. For more information on this program or to nominate a Driving Angel, visit www.ama.ab.ca/AgingDrivers.

Alberta Motor Association Aging Drivers and Senior’s Transportation Advocacy and Community Services Phone: 780-430-4856 Website: www.ama.ab.ca/AgingDrivers

Message from the Queen Message from the Governor General of Canada On request, messages may be arranged for 60th wedding anniversaries and On request, messages may be arranged 100th birthdays and then every five years for 50th wedding anniversaries and 90th thereafter. If no message was previously birthdays, and then every five years received, one may be sent for a 61st thereafter. If no message was previously anniversary or a 101st birthday. A copy received, one may be sent for a 51st of a marriage certificate, birth certificate anniversary or a 91st birthday. or other supporting document must Ensure your request is provided to the accompany each request. Supporting Governor General’s office at least eight documents include your Old Age Security weeks before the occasion. For more number, a dated newspaper clipping information contact: acknowledging a previous anniversary (50th), or a letter from a parish minister, Your Member of Parliament (MP) rabbi or priest certifying the date of the wedding or birth. Or

For contact information, see Message from Office of the Secretary to the the Governor General of Canada. Governor General Anniversaries Section Rideau Hall 1 Sussex Drive Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1 Phone: 1-613-993-2913 Fax: 1-613-990-7636 Email: [email protected] Website: http://archive.gg.ca/gg/02/index_e.asp

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On request, the Prime Minister sends A scroll may be requested for a 75th congratulatory letters and certificates birthday and every five years thereafter to Canadians celebrating a significant to age 95; and may be requested yearly birthday or wedding anniversary. thereafter. A scroll may be requested for a 25th wedding anniversary and every five Congratulatory letters are available for: years thereafter, and every year after the • 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th and 45th wedding 65th wedding anniversary. anniversaries • 65th and 70th birthdays To request a scroll or letter from the Premier, ensure your request is provided Congratulatory certificates are available to the Premier’s office at least five weeks for: before the special birthday or anniversary. • 50th wedding anniversaries and up For more information, contact: • 75th birthdays and up Your Member of the Legislative To request a certificate or letter from the Assembly (MLA) Prime Minister, ensure your request is provided to the Prime Minister’s office at Or least six weeks prior to the special date. Office of the Premier of Alberta For more information contact: Room 307, Legislature Building Congratulatory Messages 10800 – 97 Avenue NW Office of the Prime Minister Edmonton, AB T5K 2B7 Room 105, Langevin Block Phone: 780-427-2251 Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2 Fax: 780-427-1349 Phone: 1-613-941-6880 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 1-613-941-6901 Website: E-mail: [email protected] http://alberta.ca/premierscrolls.cfm Website: http://pm.gc.ca/

Birth, marriage and death Local information and certificates referral centres

If you require a birth, marriage or death Many communities have local seniors’ certificate, you may apply through a information centres. registry agent. You will be required to present identification and prove you are Calgary eligible to make the application. Kerby Centre 1133 7 Avenue SW For a list of registry agents in your area, Calgary, AB T2P 1B2 refer to your Yellow Pages under License Phone: 403-265-0661 and Registry Services or telephone: Fax: 403-705-3211 Edmonton: 780-427-7013 E-mail: [email protected] In all other areas, call the Government of Website: www.kerbycentre.com Alberta Contact Centre at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society Website: www.servicealberta.ca 3639 26 Street NE Calgary, AB T1Y 5E1 Lawyer referral service Phone: 403-266-6200 Fax: 403-269-5183 If you can afford to pay for a lawyer, but Website: do not know of one who can help you, www.calgaryseniors.org the Lawyer Referral Service of the Law Society of Alberta can provide you with the Camrose Service Options for Seniors names of three lawyers. You receive the 102, 4909A 48 Street first half hour of discussion free of charge. Camrose, AB T4V 1L7 During that time, you can discuss fees and Phone: 780-672-4131 decide whether you want to use the lawyer Fax: 780-679-0194 you have contacted. Toll free: 1-866-672-4131 For information, contact: E-mail: [email protected] Lawyer Referral Service Office Website: www.camroseseniorsinfo.ca Toll-free: 1-800-661-1095 Calgary: 403-228-1722 Continued next page…

© 2015 Government of Alberta 43 Edmonton Lethbridge SAGE — Seniors Association of Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization Greater Edmonton 500 11 Street S 15 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW Lethbridge, AB T1J 4G7 Edmonton, AB T5J 2E5 Phone: 403-320-2222 Phone: 780-423-5510 Fax: 403-320-2762 Fax: 780-426-5175 Website: www.lethseniors.com E-mail: [email protected] Nord-Bridge Senior Citizens Website: www.mysage.ca Association The Support Network — Edmonton’s 1904 13 Avenue N Crisis and Information Centre Lethbridge, AB T1H 4W9 400, 10025 106 Street NW Phone: 403-329-3222 Edmonton, AB T5J 1G4 Fax: 403-329-8824 Phone: 211 or 780-482-INFO (4636) E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 780-488-1495 Website: www.nordbridgeseniors.com Website: www.thesupportnetwork.com Medicine Hat Grande Prairie Strathcona Centre Grande Prairie and Area Council on 1150 5 Street SE Aging Seniors Outreach Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8C7 102, 9905 101 Avenue Phone: 403-529-8307 Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0X7 Fax: 403-529-8369 Phone: 780-539-6255 Veiner Centre Fax: 780-538-1115 225 Woodman Avenue SE Website: www.gpcouncilonaging.com Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3H2 Phone: 403-529-8383 Lacombe Fax: 403-529-8382 Family and Community Email: [email protected] Support Services Website: www.medicinehat.ca/veiner 201, 5214 50 Avenue Lacombe, AB T4L 0B6 Phone: 403-782-6637 Fax: 403-782-6639 Website: www.lacombefcss.net

44 © 2015 Government of Alberta Red Deer Contact information for many local seniors Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre centres can be found in the Directory 4620 47A Avenue of Seniors’ Centres in Alberta. This Red Deer, AB T4N 6C3 publication is available on the website at Phone: 403-343-6074 www.seniors.ab.ca. Fax: 403-343-7977 E-mail: [email protected] Taxes Website: www.goldencircle.ca General information Sherwood Park Most types of income are taxable Strathcona County Seniors Referral & (including amounts paid to deceased Information Line individuals). Seniors may qualify for 100 Ordze Avenue several federal and/or provincial tax credits Sherwood Park, AB T8B 1M6 within the tax system. Seniors eligible for Phone: 780-464-4265 the disability tax credit may also be eligible Fax: 780-449-1354 to claim additional medical expenses such E-mail: [email protected] as certain attendant care expenses. For Website: www.ivcstrathcona.org more specific information for seniors on taxes, visit the Canada Revenue Agency St. Albert website at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club seniors/ or phone the general inquiry line 7 Tache Street at 1-800-959-8281. St. Albert, AB T8N 2S3 Phone: 780-459-0433 GST credit Fax: 780-459-9588 The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit E-mail: [email protected] is designed to offset the cost of the GST Website: www.stalbertseniorsclub.org for individuals and families up to a certain income level. Wainwright Wainwright & District To apply, you must file a tax return and Support Services complete the GST information section. If 902 5 Avenue you are eligible, you will receive payments Wainwright, AB T9W 1C7 on the 5th of July, October, January and Phone: 780-842-2555 April. The credit is based on your net Fax: 780-842-5783 family income and if eligible, is paid to Website: www.wdfcs.ca either you or your spouse/common law spouse, but not both. Continued next page…

© 2015 Government of Alberta 45 For information about the GST Credit, Last Post Fund contact the Canada Revenue Agency at: The Last Post Fund is dedicated to ensuring that no war veteran, military Toll-free: 1-800-959-1953 disability pensioner or civilian who meets Website: www.cra.gc.ca wartime service eligibility criteria is denied a dignified funeral and burial due to lack Veterans of sufficient funds. The Last Post Fund also provides headstones for war veteran Veterans Affairs Canada graves that have been unmarked for more Canada offers a range of services and than five years. benefits to qualified veterans and certain civilians, as well as their dependants For more information, contact: or survivors. Veterans Affairs Canada Last Post Fund provides disability pensions for service 401-505 René-Lévesque W related injuries and economic support Montreal QC H2Z 1Y7 allowances. Additional benefits in the areas Toll-free: 1-888-465-7113 of health care, home help services, funeral Website: www.lastpostfund.ca and burial assistance, and commemoration are also available. Power of Attorney

For more information, contact: Granting Power of Attorney gives another individual (called your attorney) the power Calgary to make decisions and act on your behalf. Veterans Affairs Canada Power of Attorney is voluntary and limited Bantrel Tower to matters of property and finance. It does 700-6 Avenue SW not allow someone to make personal Calgary T2P 0T8 or health decisions on your behalf. For information on guardianship or personal Edmonton Veterans Affairs Canada directives, see pages 15-18. 940 Canada Place 9700 Jasper Avenue NW Limited versus general Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3 Power of Attorney A limited Power of Attorney gives your Toll-free: 1-866-522-2122 attorney the power to handle certain Website: www.veterans.gc.ca financial affairs only; for example, your affairs at a particular bank.

46 © 2015 Government of Alberta A general Power of Attorney gives Funeral planning your attorney the power to handle all financial affairs, including applying for Saying Farewell: A guide to assist you and administering federal and provincial through the death and dying process is benefits. a booklet which provides information on funeral planning, who to contact when Power of Attorney/Enduring Power someone dies and settling affairs. To of Attorney obtain a copy, contact: The following is a brief description of the Alberta Supports Contact Centre differences between a Power of Attorney Edmonton: 780-644-9992 and an Enduring Power of Attorney. Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992 For more detailed information, visit the or print your own copy at: Alberta Justice and Attorney General www.seniors.alberta.ca website at http://justice.alberta.ca, and refer to Financial property protection and Information on funeral planning is also administration. available through the Alberta Funeral Service Association. For more information, contact: Power of Attorney • you must be mentally competent to Alberta Funeral Service Association Phone: appoint an attorney; 403-342-2460 Fax: 403-342-2495 • it takes effect immediately; and Website: www.afsa.ca • ends if you become mentally incapable of managing your affairs. Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board Enduring Power of Attorney The Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory • specifically states that the Power of Board licenses and investigates complaints Attorney remains in effect should about funeral businesses, funeral directors, you become mentally incapable of embalmers and funeral salespeople. They managing your affairs; and also have information on funeral planning • can contain conditions, such as and prearranging a funeral in Alberta. requiring a written statement from a physician indicating that a specific event has occurred.

Although not mandatory, you may wish to consult a lawyer for assistance in drafting your Power of Attorney document. Continued next page…

© 2015 Government of Alberta 47 For more information, contact: If you require a lawyer or would like more information on wills or executors, Alberta Funeral Services contact the Lawyer Referral Service at Regulatory Board 1-800-661-1095. See page 43 for more 11810 Kingsway Avenue NW information. Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5 Phone: 1-800-563-4652 What happens if you die Fax: 780-452-6085 without a will? E-mail: [email protected] If you die without a will, your property Website: www.afsrb.ab.ca will be distributed according to the Last will and testament provisions of the Intestate Succession Act. Information about this act is available in A will is a written document that allows the Saying Farewell handbook. you to set out how your property is to be To request a copy of Saying Farewell, distributed after you die. A will allows you contact: to name a person to act as your executor after your death and to make certain that Alberta Supports Contact Centre your property is distributed according to Edmonton: 780-644-9992 your wishes. A will does not have any legal Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992 force or effect until after you die.

There are three different types of wills: • formal will: prepared for you by a lawyer; • holograph will: prepared by you and done in your handwriting; and • will kit: forms obtained from stationery stores that you complete yourself.

Alberta 55 Plus Winter Culture and Tourism and Summer Games Heritage and Museums Edmonton: 780-431-2300 This association promotes, develops and Website: www.history.alberta.ca organizes activities leading to the Alberta 55 Plus Winter and Summer Games In all other areas of the province, call the and the qualifiers for the Canada Senior Government of Alberta Contact Centre Games. Participants take part in playoffs at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. in eight zones across the province to Provincial parks qualify for the games, which are held every two years. Membership fees apply. For Some provincial parks and recreation information, contact: areas offer camping fee discounts to Albertans 65 years of age or older. For Alberta 55 Plus more information or to request the Explore Percy Page Centre Alberta Parks magazine contact: 11759 Groat Road Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6 Parks Information Phone: 403-803-9852 Toll-free: 1-866-427-3582 Fax: 403-800-5599 Website: www.albertaparks.ca E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.alberta55plus.ca Fishing licences Historic sites and cultural Fishing licenses are not required if you are facilities 65 or over and a resident of Alberta. You must carry proof of your age and you must An admission discount is provided to all comply with all sport fishing regulations. seniors visiting Alberta’s heritage facilities. A free guide outlining Alberta’s museums Note: This policy does not apply to fishing and historic sites is available by calling in national parks in Alberta. 1-800-252 3782. For more information, contact:

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Alberta Environment and Parks Edmonton: 780-944-0313 Toll-free: 1-877-944-0313 Website: http://esrd.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/ default.aspx

In all other areas of the province, call the Government of Alberta Contact Centre at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free. Seniors’ View of the Alberta Legislature

The Seniors’ View offers guided tours for groups of seniors, along with the opportunity to attend Question Period in the Legislative Assembly and participate in mock legislature debates. For more information, contact:

Seniors’ View Visitor Services, Pedway Mall Edmonton: 780-427-7362 Fax: 780-427-0980 Website: www.assembly.ab.ca/visitor

In all other areas of the province, call the Government of Alberta Contact Centre at 310-0000 to be connected toll-free.

Accommodation Standards Alberta Seniors Benefit Program Complaint Line Toll-free...... 1-877-644-9992 Toll-free...... 1-888-357-9339 Edmonton...... 780-644-9992

Alberta Aids to Daily Living Alberta Supports Contact Centre Toll-free anywhere Toll-free...... 1-877-644-9992 in Alberta...... 1-877-644-9992 Edmonton...... 780-644-9992 Edmonton...... 780-644-9992 Assured Income for the Severely Alberta Blue Cross™ Handicapped (AISH) Toll-free...... 1-800-661-6995 Toll-free...... 1-866-477-8589 Edmonton...... 780-644-1364 Alberta Health Services Dial 811 Canada Revenue Agency Toll-free...... 1-800-408-5465 (LINK) Community Volunteer Income Tax Long/Short-Term Care Program Meals on Wheels Toll-free...... 1-800-959-8281 Mental Health Services TTY...... 1-800-665-0354 Home Care Services Public Health Services Service Alberta Contact Centre Toll-free...... 1-877-427-4088 Day Support Programs Dental Assistance for Seniors Alberta Health Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Program Toll-free...... 1-877-644-9992 Call 310-0000 to be connected Edmonton...... 780-644-9992 toll-free...... 780-427-1432

Alberta Registries (Vital Statistics) Call 310-0000 to be connected toll-free...... 780-427-7013

© 2015 Government of Alberta 51 Elder Abuse Handicapped parking placard Calgary Kerby Rotary Shelter Call 310-0000 to be connected (24 hr)...... 403-705-3250 Toll-free...... 780-427-7013 Edmonton Seniors Abuse Help Line (24 hr)...... 780-454-8888 Health Link Alberta Dial 811 Grande Prairie-Seniors Outreach Toll-free...... 1-866-408-5465 ...... 780-539-6255 Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Housing programs Network...... 403-394-0306 Seniors Lodge Program Medicine Hat CRANE Edmonton...... 780-422-0122 (24 hr)...... 403-529-4798 Red Deer Helping Elder Abuse Seniors Self-Contained Reduction (H.E.A.R.) ...... 403-346-6076 Housing Program...... 780-422-0122 or toll free...... 1-877-454-2580 Residential Access Modification Program Family and Community Support Toll-free anywhere Services in Alberta...... 1-877-427-5760 For information, contact the Family and Housing registries Community Support Services office listed Calgary in your local telephone directory. Kerby Centre...... 403-705-3230 Geriatric Assessment and Rehabilitation Edmonton Programs Edmonton Aboriginal Contact Alberta Health Services. Senior Centre...... 780-476-6595 Please see page 29. SAGE — Seniors Association of Greater Government of Alberta Contact Centre Edmonton...... 780-423-5510 Toll-free...... 310-0000 Income Support Program for GST Credit Non-Seniors Toll-free...... 1-800-959-1953 Alberta Supports Contact Centre Toll-free...... 1-877-644-9992 Edmonton...... 780-644-9992

52 © 2015 Government of Alberta Landlord and tenant information and Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta consumer information Call 310-0000 to be connected Toll-free...... 1-877-427-4088 Toll-free...... 780-422-2321

Money Mentors Service Canada Call Centre Toll Free...... 1-888-294-0076 (Government of Canada) Old Age Security Office of the Public Guardian Guaranteed Income and Trustee Supplement/Allowance Calgary...... 403-297-3364 Canada Pension Plan Edmonton...... 780-427-0017 English...... 1-800-277-9914 Grande Prairie...... 780-833-4319 French...... 1-800-277-9915 Lethbridge...... 403-381-5648 TTY...... 1-800-255-4786 Lloydminster...... 780-871-6490 Medicine Hat...... 403-529-3744 Special Needs Assistance Red Deer...... 403-340-5165 for Seniors Program St. Paul...... 780-645-6278 Toll-free...... 1-877-644-9992 Edmonton...... 780-644-9992 Optical Assistance for Seniors Toll-free...... 1-877-644-9992 Veterans Affairs Edmonton...... 780-644-9992 Toll-free...... 1-866-522-2122

Protection for Persons in Care Act Toll-free...... 1-888-357-9339

Provincial Parks Toll-free...... 1-866-427-3582

Abuse...... 34 Allowance...... 8

Advanced Care Planning...... 19 Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)...... 7, 13 Alberta 55 Plus Winter and Summer Games...... 49 Birth Certificate...... 43

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) Bus passes...... 39 program...... 13, 23 Canada Pension Plan (CPP)...... 9 Alberta Blue Cross — Coverage for Seniors...... 25 Chiropractic Services...... 26

Alberta Health Advocate...... 18 Clinical Psychological Services...... 26 Alberta Health Care Congratulatory letters and certificates..... 41 Insurance Plan...... 20

Consumer Information...... 38 Alberta Health Services...... 29

Alberta Human Rights Commission...... 37 Contacting your MLA...... 15

Alberta Motor Association: Driving Angel Continuing care...... 27 program...... 40 Continuing care health Alberta Ombudsman...... 15 services standards...... 36

Alberta Senior Citizens’ Housing Day support programs...... 30 Association (ASCHA)...... 11, 28 Death certificate...... 43 Alberta Seniors Benefit...... 5 Dental and Optical Assistance Alberta Supports Contact Centre...... 13 for Seniors...... 5, 22

Driving services for seniors...... 39 Hearing aids...... 24

Edmonton Aboriginal Senior Centre...... 12 Historic sites...... 49

Elder abuse...... 34 Home care...... 27

Enduring Power of Attorney...... 47 Home Nursing Care...... 26

Facility living...... 28 Housing...... 10

Family and Community Support Housing registries...... 11 Services (FCSS)...... 33 Income support...... 4, 7 Federal Government Programs...... 7 Income tax...... 45 Fishing licences...... 49 Kerby Centre...... 11, 28, 43 Freedom of Information and Landlord and tenant information...... 12 Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act...... 34 Last Post Fund...... 46 Funeral planning...... 47 Last will and testament...... 48 Geriatric assessment and rehabilitation programs...... 30 Lawyer referral service...... 43

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit.... 45 Long-term care...... 12, 28, 36

Government of Alberta Contact Centre... 14 Marriage certificate...... 43

Grants...... 32 Meals on Wheels...... 33

GST...... 45 Medical supplies...... 24

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)...... 8 Mental health services...... 30

Health...... 20, 29 Money Mentors...... 33

New Horizons for Seniors...... 33 Seniors Information Services Offices...... 14

Office of the Public Guardian Seniors Lodge Program...... 10 and Trustee...... 16 Seniors Property Tax Old Age Security Pension...... 7 Deferral Program...... 6

Optical and Dental Assistance Seniors Self-Contained Housing...... 11 for Seniors...... 5, 22 Seniors’ View of the Parking placard or a disabled Alberta Legislature...... 50 license plate...... 40 Service Alberta Contact Centre...... 15 Pensions...... 9 Service Canada Call Centre...... 15 Personal Directive...... 16 Service Canada Centres...... 15 Power of Attorney...... 47 Special Needs Assistance Prescription medications...... 25 for Seniors...... 5

Protection for Persons in Care...... 35 Supportive living...... 12, 27, 36

Provincial parks...... 49 Supportive living and long-term care accommodation standards...... 36 Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP)...... 11 Supportive living and long-term care public reporting information...... 12 Respiratory equipment...... 24 Surgical supplies...... 24 SAGE – Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton...... 12, 28, 44 Taxes...... 45

Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta...... 32 Utilities Consumer Advocate...... 19

Seniors Centres...... 43 Veterans Affairs Canada...... 46

Wills...... 48

Alberta Supports Contact Centre Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992 Edmonton and area: 780-644-9992 www.seniors.alberta.ca

Seniors Programs and Services Information Guide Alberta Seniors Box 3100 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3

SCS1071 (2015/08)