About the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative
Common questions about ASLI grant applications
Updated: February 12, 2013 – See new Q&As at bottom of page1. Will applications for renovations of existing housing be accepted?
Applications for renovations of existing facilities will be accepted; however, the renovated facilities must meet the design guidelines and intent of the ASLI program, including meeting the requirements of the Alberta Safety Codes for a B2 major occupancy classification.
2. Will funding be provided for projects that have previously received a grant under the Seniors Supportive Housing Incentive Program (SSHIP), Healthy Aging Partnership Initiative (HAPI), Rural Affordable Supportive Living (RASL), Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI), Lodge Modernization and Improvement (LMI), or another provincial capital development program?
Yes, any project that previously received funding under a provincial capital grant program may apply to cover the costs for increasing the number of units and the associated common areas of the facility. The intent of this program is to increase the capacity of supportive living in Alberta.
3. Will funding be provided for supportive living projects that are already under construction or completed?
Yes, however, funding would only be provided for enhancements that allow for accommodation of residents with high personal and health care needs. Projects under construction would be required to demonstrate that the grant funding would enable the project to provide affordable supportive living spaces and meet current design guidelines.
4. Are mixed facilities (e.g., lodge, designated supportive living) eligible, where a portion of the facility does not meet the mandate of the program?
Mixed facilities are encouraged; however, only those elements of the grant application that meet the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative criteria will be considered for funding. Funding and sustainability for the non-eligible parts of the project will have to be demonstrated through the grant application.
5. Are private sector organizations eligible to apply for this program?
Yes, however, a private household wishing to develop a project to house themselves and/or a family member with a disability would not be eligible.
6. What conditions will be placed on the funds provided through this program?
The following are some, but not all, of the conditions that are included in a grant funding agreement:
- Grant amount
- Use of the grant
- Timing regarding the use of the grant
- Annual reporting on the progress of the project
- Final report on the use of the grant
- Default provisions
- Conditions requiring repayment of all or a portion of the grant
- Term of the agreement (e.g., 32 years), and
- Annual reporting requirements
7. How soon does the grant have to be spent?
If successful applicants have not signed the grant agreement within six (6) months after receiving the approval letter, the grant approval may be cancelled outright. The project must be completed by March 31, 2015. Ministerial approval must be sought for any extension. If there is insufficient evidence of a project moving forward, the Minister may also demand that the grant be returned.
8. What would not be funded under the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative?
Spaces geared to higher income seniors, long-term care spaces and health care spaces (e.g., palliative, transitional, or emergency) built as part of an applicant's overall project, as well as project capital costs that cannot be completely attributed to the development of a supportive living project, are not eligible for funding.
9. What is the difference between "eligible" and "ineligible" spaces?
An “eligible” space must be charged out at the basic rate for a studio or one-bedroom suite (includes three meals a day, housekeeping, linen laundry service, and an activities program), and must not exceed the regulated maximum private room rate for a long-term care facility.
An “ineligible” space is one whose rate exceeds the basic rate or that does not receive the basic supportive living services (includes three meals a day, housekeeping, linen laundry service, and an activities program).
10. What is Designated Supportive Living?
“Designated Supportive Living” (DSL) serves residents with health needs, but who do not need the level of care provided in a long-term care facility. There may be more professional staff on site, and special physical design features may be needed.
To address residents’ care needs, designated supportive living operators assume responsibility for supervising client safety, protecting clients, and providing personal care services. These responsibilities are provided through a contractual arrangement with Alberta Health Services.
Alberta Health Services conducts individual assessments to determine the eligibility of a person to be placed in or be discharged from a designated supportive living setting.
11. How were the target communities selected?
The 7 communities in the North, Central, and Calgary zones were identified by Alberta Health Services as having need for additional access to affordable supportive living accommodations and services.
Additional questions
Update: December 20, 2012
1. Do the 250 units allocated for Calgary include the surrounding communities within a 50 km radius (Cochrane, Airdrie, etc)?
No, the 250 units are part of the plan to address capacity needs within the City of Calgary proper, and eligible proposals must be for projects within the city limits.
2. Are there specific quadrants in Calgary that are of higher priority for ASLI units?
No, all project proposals within the City of Calgary will be considered regardless of quadrant.
3. In the ASLI Grant funding process documentation, is there a staff / funding template?
No, a staff / funding template will not be provided by Alberta Health Services. ASLI applicants should develop a profitability model that reflects their proposed care model, as these models will be reviewed as part of the ASLI selection process for financial viability. Please note that 24/7 HCA coverage is required for Supportive Living Level 3, and 24/7 LPN coverage is required for Supportive Living Level 4.
Update: February 12, 2013
1. Some municipalities are enforcing the HVAC Z317 Standard of the Alberta Building Code for supportive living projects; that is, making it applicable to Class B Health Care Facilities (“facilities in which residents, as a result of physical or mental disabilities, are unable to function independently”). There is a concern that application of this standard will increase the cost of construction for supportive living facilities in Alberta. How should these costs be addressed?
It is the responsibility of the municipality and its agents to enforce the Alberta Building Code and associated standards. Assisted living facilities are identified as one type of facility that falls under the HVAC Z317 standard. The costs associated with meeting this standard should be incorporated into the anticipated costs of the development of affordable supportive living units in proposals responding to the ASLI grant funding process for 2012–2013.
