{"id":8248,"date":"2026-04-13T14:01:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/?p=8248"},"modified":"2026-04-13T14:01:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T18:01:41","slug":"type-a-vs-type-b-in-alberta-supportive-living-long-term-care-and-secure-space-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/type-a-vs-type-b-in-alberta-supportive-living-long-term-care-and-secure-space-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Type A VS Type B in Alberta: Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, and &#8220;Secure Space&#8221; Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<article style=\"max-width: 980px;margin: clamp(12px,3vw,24px) auto;background: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 16px;font-family: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #17212f;font-size: 18px;line-height: 1.75\">\n<p><!-- FEATURE IMAGE --><\/p>\n<figure style=\"margin: 0\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%;height: auto;display: block;border-top-left-radius: 16px;border-top-right-radius: 16px\" src=\"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/392\/2025\/09\/tv5662_5700-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A family in Calgary learning about continuing care options in Alberta.\" \/><br \/>\n<\/figure>\n<p><!-- HEADER --><\/p>\n<header style=\"padding: clamp(16px,3.5vw,22px) clamp(16px,3.5vw,22px) 12px clamp(16px,3.5vw,22px)\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: 13px;color: #5b6473;text-transform: uppercase;letter-spacing: 0.12em;font-weight: 900\">CONTINUING CARE \u2022 TYPE A VS TYPE B \u2022 SECURE SPACE \u2022 CALGARY, ALBERTA<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: clamp(28px,5.5vw,38px);line-height: 1.12;font-weight: 950;letter-spacing: -0.4px;text-transform: uppercase\">\n    TYPE A VS TYPE B IN ALBERTA: SUPPORTIVE LIVING, LONG-TERM CARE, AND \u201cSECURE SPACE\u201d EXPLAINED<br \/>\n  <\/h1>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0;font-size: 18px;color: #3b4454;max-width: 900px\">\n    If you\u2019re in Calgary trying to choose care, the terminology can feel like a different language. This guide explains what Alberta means by <strong>Type A<\/strong>, <strong>Type B<\/strong>, and <strong>Type B Secure Space<\/strong>, how these labels connect to older terms like long-term care and designated supportive living, and what families should look for when comparing options.\n  <\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;font-size: 14px;color: #5b6473\"><strong>Updated:<\/strong> <time datetime=\"2026-04-13\">April 13, 2026<\/time> \u2022 <strong>Location:<\/strong> Calgary, Alberta<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<hr style=\"border: none;border-top: 1px solid #eef1f7;margin: 0\" \/>\n<p><!-- BODY --><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: clamp(16px,3.5vw,18px) clamp(16px,3.5vw,22px) 28px clamp(16px,3.5vw,22px);text-align:left\">\n<p>  <!-- INTRO --><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0\">\n    Most families are not confused because they are unprepared. They\u2019re confused because Alberta has changed terminology, and different providers still use older words.\n  <\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 18px 0\">\n    You might hear \u201cassisted living,\u201d \u201csupportive living,\u201d \u201cDSL,\u201d \u201cmemory care,\u201d \u201cLTC,\u201d and then suddenly someone says \u201cType A\u201d and \u201cType B.\u201d Alberta Health Services notes that some continuing care pages may still include older language because the Continuing Care Act updated terms effective April 1, 2024.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[4]<\/sup>\n  <\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 18px 0;font-size: 15px;color: #5b6473\">\n    <strong>Medical note:<\/strong> This is educational only. We do not give medical advice or determine eligibility. For urgent concerns, call 911. For guidance in Alberta, call Health Link 811.\n  <\/p>\n<p>  <!-- TOP LAYOUT: TOC + RIGHT BOXES --><\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex;flex-wrap: wrap;gap: 26px;align-items: flex-start;justify-content: flex-start;width: 100%;margin: 0 0 18px 0\">\n<p>    <!-- TOC --><\/p>\n<aside style=\"flex: 0 0 260px;max-width: 260px;width: 100%\">\n<div style=\"border: 3px solid #c7b7ff;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 14px 10px 14px;background: #ffffff;text-align:left\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 13px;color: #17212f;text-transform: uppercase;letter-spacing: 0.12em;font-weight: 950;margin: 0 0 10px 0\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/div>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 18px;padding: 0;text-align:left\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#quick\">QUICK TAKEAWAY<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#language\">THE WORDS FAMILIES HEAR<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#type-a\">TYPE A: LONG-TERM CARE<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#type-b\">TYPE B: SUPPORTIVE LIVING<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#secure\">TYPE B SECURE SPACE: DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY, SECURED ENVIRONMENT<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#fit\">HOW TO TELL WHAT FITS<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#tours\">QUESTIONS TO ASK ON TOURS<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#public-private\">PUBLIC VS PRIVATE IN ALBERTA<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#where-start\">WHERE TO START IN CALGARY<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\"><a style=\"color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;font-weight: 800\" href=\"#how-we-help\">HOW WE HELP<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>    <!-- RIGHT SIDE --><\/p>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 420px;min-width: 280px;width: 100%;text-align:left\">\n<p>      <!-- QUICK TAKEAWAY --><\/p>\n<div id=\"quick\" style=\"background: #f1f6ff;border: 1px solid #d7e4ff;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;margin: 0 0 14px 0;text-align:left\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">\n          <strong>Quick takeaway:<\/strong> In Alberta\u2019s continuing care system, <strong>Type A<\/strong> refers to settings formerly known as long-term care (nursing homes and similar), and <strong>Type B<\/strong> refers to settings formerly known as designated supportive living (DSL).<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[1]<\/sup><br \/>\n          <strong>Type B Secure Space<\/strong> is Type B with a secure space for residents who need specialized dementia care in a secured environment.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[2]<\/sup>\n        <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>      <!-- FAST DECODE --><\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;background: #ffffff;margin: 0 0 14px 0;text-align:left\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0\">\n          <span style=\"display:inline-block;background:#17212f;color:#fff;padding:4px 10px;border-radius:999px;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:0.08em;font-weight:900;text-transform:uppercase\">FAST DECODE<\/span>\n        <\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 18px;padding: 0;text-align:left\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><strong>Type A:<\/strong> higher, more complex needs, 24\/7 RN or RPN on-site care and assessment.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[3]<\/sup><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><strong>Type B:<\/strong> supportive living level of on-site health and personal care, formerly DSL.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[2]<\/sup><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><strong>Type B Secure Space:<\/strong> Type B with a secure space designed for specialized dementia care.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[1]<\/sup><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\"><strong>Plain English:<\/strong> the label helps describe the care setting, but what matters most is fit: needs, safety, staffing, and how care changes if needs increase.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<p>      <!-- RELATED GUIDES --><\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;background: #ffffff;text-align:left\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0\">\n          <span style=\"display:inline-block;background:#fff7ed;color:#9a3412;padding:4px 10px;border-radius:999px;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:0.08em;font-weight:900;text-transform:uppercase\">RELATED CALGARY GUIDES<\/span>\n        <\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 18px;padding: 0;text-align:left\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none;font-weight:900\" href=\"PASTE-LINK\">SENIOR LIVING TOUR CHECKLIST: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN TOURING A FACILITY<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none;font-weight:900\" href=\"PASTE-LINK\">IS MEMORY CARE RIGHT FOR MY PARENT? WHAT CALGARY FAMILIES SHOULD KNOW<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\"><a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none;font-weight:900\" href=\"PASTE-LINK\">ASSISTED LIVING VS MEMORY CARE IN CALGARY: HOW PRICING WORKS AND HOW TO COMPARE QUOTES<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;font-size: 13px;color:#5b6473\">Tip: Use this page to translate the terms, then use your tour checklist to compare operations and fit.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <!-- FULL WIDTH CONTENT --><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 100%;max-width: 100%;text-align:left\">\n<p>    <!-- LANGUAGE --><\/p>\n<section id=\"language\" style=\"margin: 0 0 22px 0\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: clamp(22px,3.2vw,26px);line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">THE WORDS FAMILIES HEAR<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        In Calgary, you will still hear older terms all the time. Alberta\u2019s newer language is meant to standardize the system, but many communities, providers, and families still use what they have always used.\n      <\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;background: #ffffff\">\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size: 15px\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">YOU MAY HEAR<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">ALBERTA MAY CALL IT<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">WHY IT MATTERS<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">LONG-TERM CARE (LTC), NURSING HOME<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\"><strong>TYPE A<\/strong><sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[1]<\/sup><\/td>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">Higher, more complex needs, with 24\/7 RN or RPN on-site care and assessment.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[3]<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">DESIGNATED SUPPORTIVE LIVING (DSL)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\"><strong>TYPE B<\/strong><sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[2]<\/sup><\/td>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">Supportive living with on-site health and personal care. The specific services vary by site.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px 8px\">MEMORY CARE, SECURE MEMORY CARE, DSL DEMENTIA (DSL4D)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px 8px\"><strong>TYPE B SECURE SPACE<\/strong><sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[1]<\/sup><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px 8px\">A secured space designed for specialized dementia care. Ask what \u201csecure\u201d means at that specific site.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin: 12px 0 0 0;font-size: 15px;color:#5b6473\">\n        Note: Alberta Health Services states some continuing care references may still show older terms due to the updated language in the Continuing Care Act.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[4]<\/sup>\n      <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<hr style=\"border: none;border-top: 1px solid #eef1f7;margin: 18px 0\" \/>\n<p>    <!-- TYPE A --><\/p>\n<section id=\"type-a\" style=\"margin: 0 0 22px 0\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: clamp(22px,3.2vw,26px);line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">TYPE A: LONG-TERM CARE<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        Alberta Health Services describes Type A as a setting formerly known as long-term care, including nursing homes and auxiliary hospitals, with on-site registered nurse and\/or registered psychiatric nurse care, assessment, and\/or treatment available 24 hours a day.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[3]<\/sup>\n      <\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px;margin:0 0 14px 0\">\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 280px;border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;background: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0\"><strong>WHAT FAMILIES TEND TO NOTICE<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 18px;padding: 0\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">Care needs are complex and unpredictable<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">Frequent clinical monitoring is part of daily life<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\">The setting is built for higher medical and nursing needs<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 280px;border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;background: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0\"><strong>WHAT TO ASK ON TOUR<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 18px;padding: 0\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">Who is on-site evenings and overnight<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">How care changes when needs increase<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\">How families are updated and who the main contact is<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#f1f6ff;border:1px solid #d7e4ff;border-radius:14px;padding:14px 16px\">\n<p style=\"margin:0\"><strong>Local trust move:<\/strong> Health Quality Alberta publishes reporting about continuing care homes, including Type A, based on family experience and quality indicators. You can use that alongside tours to get a fuller picture.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[6]<\/sup><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<hr style=\"border: none;border-top: 1px solid #eef1f7;margin: 18px 0\" \/>\n<p>    <!-- TYPE B --><\/p>\n<section id=\"type-b\" style=\"margin: 0 0 22px 0\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: clamp(22px,3.2vw,26px);line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">TYPE B: SUPPORTIVE LIVING<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        Alberta Health Services describes Type B as a continuing care home formerly known as designated supportive living (DSL). It provides on-site registered nurse and\/or registered psychiatric nurse care, assessment and\/or treatment 24 hours a day.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[2]<\/sup>\n      <\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        In real life, families often experience Type B as the middle space. More support than a retirement home that offers private-pay services, less clinically intensive than Type A, and highly dependent on the specific community\u2019s staffing, scope, and routines.\n      <\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;background: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0\"><strong>WHAT TO GET IN WRITING<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 18px;padding: 0\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">What health and personal care supports are included<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">What costs are add-ons and what triggers a rate change<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\">How they handle increasing needs and reassessments<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin: 12px 0 0 0;font-size: 15px;color:#5b6473\">\n        Alberta also publishes accommodation and health service standards for continuing care that describe minimum expectations for accommodation services and health services in the province.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[5]<\/sup>\n      <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<hr style=\"border: none;border-top: 1px solid #eef1f7;margin: 18px 0\" \/>\n<p>    <!-- SECURE SPACE --><\/p>\n<section id=\"secure\" style=\"margin: 0 0 22px 0\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: clamp(22px,3.2vw,26px);line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">TYPE B SECURE SPACE: DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY, SECURED ENVIRONMENT<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        Alberta Health Services describes Type B Secure Space as Type B with a secure space for residents, formerly referred to as designated supportive living for dementia (often seen as DSL4D).<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[7]<\/sup>\n      <\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px;margin:0 0 14px 0\">\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 280px;border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;background: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0\"><strong>WHAT \u201cSECURE\u201d USUALLY MEANS<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 18px;padding: 0\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">Controlled access and safety features designed to reduce wandering risk<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">Specialized dementia routines and cues in the environment<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\">Staffing and programming designed for cognitive support<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 280px;border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;background: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0\"><strong>WHAT TO ASK SPECIFICALLY<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 18px;padding: 0\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">How do you manage exits, wandering, and unsafe leaving<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">What staffing looks like evenings and overnight<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\">How they respond when behaviours escalate, and how families are updated<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#fff7ed;border:1px solid #fed7aa;border-radius:14px;padding:14px 16px\">\n<p style=\"margin:0\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> \u201cSecure\u201d is not a single universal package. Ask what is secured, how it is staffed, and how the day is structured. Write it down.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<hr style=\"border: none;border-top: 1px solid #eef1f7;margin: 18px 0\" \/>\n<p>    <!-- FIT --><\/p>\n<section id=\"fit\" style=\"margin: 0 0 22px 0\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: clamp(22px,3.2vw,26px);line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">HOW TO TELL WHAT FITS<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        Families make better decisions when they separate three things: <strong>care needs<\/strong>, <strong>safety risks<\/strong>, and <strong>caregiver capacity<\/strong>. The label helps, but your decision lives in the details.\n      <\/p>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;background: #ffffff\">\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size: 15px\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">IF YOU\u2019RE WORRIED ABOUT<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">YOU MAY BE LOOKING AT<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">WHAT TO VERIFY ON TOUR<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">Wandering risk, unsafe leaving, dementia-related safety<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\"><strong>TYPE B SECURE SPACE<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">Exit management, routines, staffing coverage, behaviour response<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">Daily living support with health and personal care on-site<\/td>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\"><strong>TYPE B<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eef1f7;padding:10px 8px\">What\u2019s included, add-ons, reassessment triggers, who is on-site overnight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px 8px\">High, complex, unpredictable needs requiring 24\/7 RN assessment<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px 8px\"><strong>TYPE A<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px 8px\">Clinical coverage, care planning, family communication, escalation processes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin: 12px 0 0 0;font-size: 15px;color:#5b6473\">\n        If you want help matching your parent\u2019s real needs to the right level, we do that every day. We also help families avoid choosing a setting that looks good on paper but falls apart in daily life.\n      <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<hr style=\"border: none;border-top: 1px solid #eef1f7;margin: 18px 0\" \/>\n<p>    <!-- TOURS --><\/p>\n<section id=\"tours\" style=\"margin: 0 0 22px 0\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: clamp(22px,3.2vw,26px);line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">QUESTIONS TO ASK ON TOURS<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        These questions pull a tour out of marketing mode and into operational reality.\n      <\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 16px 20px;padding: 0\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><strong>Coverage:<\/strong> Who is on-site evenings and overnight, and what does response look like after hours?<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><strong>Care changes:<\/strong> What triggers a reassessment, and what changes when needs increase?<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><strong>Secure space specifics:<\/strong> If this is secure, how do exits work, and how do you prevent unsafe leaving?<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\"><strong>Behaviour response:<\/strong> What is your process when agitation or resistance escalates, and how do you communicate with family?<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\"><strong>Pricing clarity:<\/strong> What is included, what is an add-on, and what causes a rate change?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;background: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\"><strong>Tour move that changes everything:<\/strong> Ask for the pricing and add-ons in writing, and ask for an example of a real reassessment that changed costs or care level.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<hr style=\"border: none;border-top: 1px solid #eef1f7;margin: 18px 0\" \/>\n<p>    <!-- PUBLIC VS PRIVATE --><\/p>\n<section id=\"public-private\" style=\"margin: 0 0 22px 0\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: clamp(22px,3.2vw,26px);line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">PUBLIC VS PRIVATE IN ALBERTA<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        One reason families feel blindsided is that \u201csupportive living\u201d can mean different things depending on whether it is publicly funded continuing care, private-pay housing with services, or a blended model.\n      <\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        Alberta sets provincial expectations for continuing care through accommodation and health service standards, including minimum standards around meals, security, housekeeping, quality of life supports, and individualized health service expectations based on assessed needs.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[5]<\/sup>\n      <\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#f1f6ff;border:1px solid #d7e4ff;border-radius:14px;padding:14px 16px\">\n<p style=\"margin:0\"><strong>Practical takeaway:<\/strong> Ask two separate questions: (1) what care is included and funded, (2) what is considered an add-on or private-pay service at this site. Get it in writing.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<hr style=\"border: none;border-top: 1px solid #eef1f7;margin: 18px 0\" \/>\n<p>    <!-- WHERE TO START --><\/p>\n<section id=\"where-start\" style=\"margin: 0 0 22px 0\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: clamp(22px,3.2vw,26px);line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">WHERE TO START IN CALGARY<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0\">\n        If you are trying to figure out which level fits, start with a clear picture of today\u2019s needs, then make a shortlist that is realistic for urgency, budget, location, and safety.\n      <\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0 0 16px 20px;padding: 0\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">Write down the daily risks you are worried about, not just the diagnosis.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">Tour at least twice if you can, at different times of day.<\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\">Use Alberta\u2019s definitions to ask cleaner questions during tours.<sup style=\"font-size:12px;color:#5b6473\">[1]<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 14px 16px;background: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\"><strong>If you want help:<\/strong> We can translate these terms, build a shortlist, and help you compare options apples to apples based on needs, budget, and urgency.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>    <!-- CTA --><\/p>\n<section id=\"how-we-help\" style=\"margin: 0 0 22px 0\">\n<div style=\"background: #1d4ed8;border-radius: 16px;padding: 18px;color: #fff\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: 22px;text-transform: uppercase;line-height: 1.25;color: #fff\">WANT HELP MATCHING NEEDS TO THE RIGHT LEVEL OF CARE?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 14px 0;color: #fff\">\n          We help Calgary families understand what Type A, Type B, and Secure Space mean in real life, then compare communities based on fit, safety, staffing, and budget. Clear options, clean next steps.\n        <\/p>\n<p>        <a style=\"display: inline-block;background: #ffffff;color: #1d4ed8;text-decoration: none;padding: 12px 16px;border-radius: 14px;font-weight: 900\" href=\"PASTE-YOUR-CONTACT-URL-HERE\">TALK WITH A CARE ADVISOR<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<hr style=\"border: none;border-top: 1px solid #eef1f7;margin: 18px 0\" \/>\n<p>    <!-- HOW WRITTEN --><\/p>\n<section id=\"how-written\" style=\"margin: 0 0 18px 0\" aria-label=\"How this article was written\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: 22px;line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">HOW THIS WAS PUT TOGETHER<\/h2>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0\">This post uses publicly available Alberta Health Services definitions for Types of Care and the terminology notes tied to the Continuing Care Act, plus provincial standards documents that define minimum expectations in continuing care.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">We stay in an educational lane. We do not provide medical advice, determine eligibility, or replace clinical assessment.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p>    <!-- SOURCES --><\/p>\n<section id=\"sources\" style=\"margin: 0 0 18px 0\" aria-label=\"Sources\">\n<h2 style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: 18px;line-height: 1.2;font-weight: 950;text-transform: uppercase\">SOURCES<\/h2>\n<div style=\"border: 1px solid #e6ebf5;border-radius: 14px;padding: 12px 14px;background: #ffffff\">\n<ol style=\"margin: 0 0 0 18px;padding: 0;font-size: 14px;color: #5b6473\">\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">[1] Alberta Health Services. Types of Care (Type A, Type B, Type B Secure Spaces). <a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none\" href=\"https:\/\/www.albertahealthservices.ca\/cc\/Page17907.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View resource<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">[2] Alberta Health Services. Continuing Care Home Type B &amp; Type B Secure Space. <a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none\" href=\"https:\/\/www.albertahealthservices.ca\/cc\/Page15490.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View resource<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">[3] Alberta Health Services. Continuing Care Home Type A. <a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none\" href=\"https:\/\/www.albertahealthservices.ca\/cc\/Page15491.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View resource<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">[4] Alberta Health Services. Continuing Care terminology note (Continuing Care Act effective April 1, 2024). <a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none\" href=\"https:\/\/www.albertahealthservices.ca\/cc\/Page15328.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View resource<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">[5] Government of Alberta. Continuing Care Standards overview (Accommodation and Health Service standards fact sheet). <a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alberta.ca\/system\/files\/hlth-continuing-care-standards-operators-providers-fact-sheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View resource<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0\">[6] Health Quality Alberta. Continuing care homes Type A and Type B reporting (family experience and quality). <a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none\" href=\"https:\/\/focus.hqa.ca\/healthcare-areas\/continuing-care-homes-type-a\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Type A<\/a> \u2022 <a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none\" href=\"https:\/\/focus.hqa.ca\/healthcare-areas\/continuing-care-homes-type-b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Type B<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin: 0\">[7] Alberta Health Services. What is Continuing Care (includes Type B Secure Space note). <a style=\"color:#1d4ed8;text-decoration:none\" href=\"https:\/\/www.albertahealthservices.ca\/cc\/Page15502.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View resource<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 0;font-size: 13px;color: #5b6473\">Note: Educational only. Not medical advice.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section style=\"margin: 0\" aria-label=\"Article authorship\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;font-size: 14px;color: #5b6473\"><strong>Written by:<\/strong> Shar Gray-Asemota, CPCA\u00ae (CarePatrol of Calgary)<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;font-size: 14px;color: #5b6473\"><strong>Medical note:<\/strong> Educational only and not medical advice. For urgent concerns, call 911. For guidance, call Health Link 811.<\/p>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CONTINUING CARE \u2022 TYPE A VS TYPE B \u2022 SECURE SPACE \u2022 CALGARY, ALBERTA TYPE A VS TYPE B IN ALBERTA: SUPPORTIVE LIVING, LONG-TERM CARE, AND \u201cSECURE SPACE\u201d EXPLAINED If you\u2019re in Calgary trying to choose care, the terminology can feel like a different language. This guide explains what Alberta means by Type A, Type&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":241,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/241"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8248"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8248\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8249,"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8248\/revisions\/8249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carepatrol.ca\/calgary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}