Key Project Goals
- Inform the co-development of a distinctions-based long-term and continuing care framework for Métis Albertans.
- Inform decisions about the future of long-term and continuing care services, health, and social services for Métis Albertans.
- Support conversations leading to a tripartite Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Indigenous (FPTI) Memoranda of Understanding, clarify existing funding relationships and build governance capacity.
- Help all levels of government to understand the challenges and gaps in providing long-term and continuing care services.
Key Engagement Activities
To identify the LTCC priorities of Métis Albertans, the MNA used multiple methods to engage with Métis Albertans.
- Annual General Assembly (AGA) Engagement in August 2023
- Community Survey in November 2023
- Interviews in November 2023
- Community Gathering in May 2024
Key Findings
LTCC is crucial for Métis Albertans to ensure they receive the support needed to live with dignity, maintain cultural connections, and improve their quality of life. The engagement activities highlighted several key themes and priorities, underscoring the importance of LTCC:
Aging at Home
More than 90% of survey respondents emphasized the importance of remaining at home while they age regardless of whether they lived in cities, towns or rural/remote areas. Métis Albertans are concerned about isolation, adequate home care, mobility at home and access to care close to home.
“We need more affordable in-home care with Indigenous or Métis staff. I feel judged and honestly fearful that someone will report me for something even though we are good parents, engaged caregivers, sober and working.” – LTCC engagement participant
Costs
A lack of affordable care is a key challenge for Métis Albertans. Rising costs, inadequate funding and financial burden on families make it difficult to access necessary care. There is a need for full coverage for LTCC costs, financial support for basic needs, grants for home modifications and comprehensive onsite services such as mental health and cultural activities.
Location
Métis Albertans want to access LTCC services close to home, and they want to be able to get there easily. For some, that means care homes that are in rural/remote areas. For others, it means homes and services on good transport routes in the cities.
“Are you going to be able to get a long-term care bed that is close to home, sovereign lands, and to cultural connections? Likely not, at least not immediately.” – LTCC engagement participant
Facilities and Spaces
Facilities should feel more like home, integrating cultural elements such as Métis artwork, traditional healing practices and culturally relevant activities. There is a strong desire for fresh, nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, with residence having the agency to choose what and when to eat.
Staff
Insufficient staffing levels lead to burnout, stress, and dissatisfaction among workers. There is a strong call for hiring more Métis staff and supporting more Métis Albertans in LTCC roles, emphasizing cultural awareness training, better pay, and benefits.
“They’re rushed, the workload is horrendous, they don’t take the time to even say good morning or acknowledge the residents in any way.” – LTCC engagement participant
Navigating Healthcare
Information about LTCC, including referrals, should be clear, available and easily accessible. There is a need for trauma-informed care, comprehensive caregiver education, and better system navigation support to ensure continuous care that adapts to changing health needs over time.
“It would be great to have a handbook that outlines what needs to be done by whom, including resources and contact information.” – LTCC engagement participant
To ensure Métis Albertans receive culturally safe and high-quality care, developing a care system responsive to their unique needs and values is essential. This includes not-for-profit, Métis-led facilities accountable to the Métis community, comprehensive support and training for staff, multi-disciplinary care teams, and strong community connections.
To learn more, please click here to watch five videos of Métis Albertans sharing LTCC experiences, stories, and insights that may be helpful to others navigating LTCC.
This project was funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).