Special Care Homes in Saskatchewan

Special Care Homes in Saskatchewan

 

In Saskatchewan, publicly-funded long-term care is provided in Special-care Homes. As with other provincial nursing homes, admission to a home is for those whose care needs can no longer be met in the community or whose care needs are too great for a retirement/assisted living setting. Special-care Homes are either run by the Saskatchewan Health Authority or by an alternate provider who is contracted by the Health Authority. The legislative authority governing long-term care is The Regional Health Services Act. The standards for Special-care Homes are contained in the Program Guidelines for Special-care Homes as per the Facility Designation Regulations[1]; it is the responsibility of the Health Authority to ensure that all regulations are met. Application for admission to a Special-care Home is made through the local Health Authority who will have a Client Care Coordinator assess needs and determine eligibility.   There are several parameters that encompass the assessment and will contribute to the determination of both need and urgency. This includes physical and mental status, abilities, formal and informal supports, current living environment and others. Priority is given to those with the highest needs and at greatest risk in the community.  The cost residents pay is based on their reported income (Tax Return line 150). Personal assets are not included in this determination. Rates are usually adjusted annually.

As of July 1, 2019, the minimum charge is $1,129.00/month (for those with a monthly income of $1,550.00/month) and the maximum is $2,800.00/month (for those with an income of $4,457.00/month and up). A special formula for those with a monthly income between $1,550.00 and $4,457.00 is applied to ensure affordability. In addition, there are other fees for some supplies and personal care items that are not included in the monthly room and board rate[2]. For additional information on how resident fees are calculated call 1 (800) 667-4884 (Income Assessment Operations Unit) or visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/care-at-home-and-outside-the-hospital/special-care-homes#special-care-home-charges.

 

[2] Information obtained and quoted from: www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/care-at-home-and-outside-the-hospital/special-care-homes#types-of-special-care-homes (August 2019).


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59 other articles by Esther Goldstein, B.Sc., B.S.W., RSW

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