As our parents get older, we must consider different factors we can provide for them. Naturally, as their health deteriorates, there comes a time when they need a little extra help with day-to-day tasks. As every child does, we want to help our parents maintain their quality of life and their independence for as long as possible. Yet, we constantly worry and hope they can cope without us. But what happens when they cannot live alone anymore and we face the burdensome decision of moving them into our own homes from out of province?

Many of us face this difficult decision, and caring for our parents only becomes more challenging as they age. The following blog post aims to outline the possible challenges we face in Alberta when relocating our aging parents.

When moving from one province to another, you will be subject to a waiting period before you qualify for health care in your new home province (Source 1). Many Albertans have faced this difficulty when moving their out of province parent to Alberta. According to legislation, it “states that anyone moving from out of province must live in Alberta for 12 months before being eligible for any kind of continuing care subsidy.” (SOURCE 1 ). This unfortunate health policy limits families and can pose extreme financial challenges to children caring for their parents. “Ironically, it wouldn’t be a problem if the family was moving from Alberta to Ontario, as Ontario Health only requires people to live there for three months before joining the province’s insurance plan. That waiting period is waived for those who move directly move into a long term care facility.” (Source 2) Unfortunately, in the Alberta Health Care policy is a lot trickier than other provinces. Alberta’s eligibility for healthcare coverage is the following:

• legally entitled to be or to remain in Canada and make your permanent home in Alberta

• committed to being physically present in Alberta for at least 183 days in a 12-month period

• not claiming residency or obtaining benefits under a claim of residency in another province, territory or country

• any other person deemed by the regulations to be a resident or temporary resident, not including a tourist, transient or visitor to Alberta

• When you move to Alberta from another province or country, there may be a waiting period before you become eligible for coverage under the AHCIP.

• If you move to Alberta from another country and have an immigration document from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, you may be eligible for AHCIP coverage. (Source 3)

For more information on Alberta Health Coverage, please visit the Alberta Health Website: https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-eligibility.aspx

These eligibilities are the unfortunate reality of our healthcare system in Alberta. Please share this article to help facilitate change in our healthcare coverage.  It is our right as Canadian Citizens to benefit from healthcare nationwide, and we hope that all Albertans and future Alberta residents facing health difficulties, or illnesses due to aging can benefit from healthcare coverage.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3