Community Access for People in Continuing Care (CAPCC) is an Alberta-wide program for adults who are under the age of 65 and living in long term care.
The program addresses isolation and helps remove barriers by assisting persons with disabilities access their communities and recreation/leisure activities of their choice.
The CAPCC initiative was created in response to a recommendation of the 2005 MLA Task Force on Continuing Care Health Service and Accommodation Standards. This task force revealed that while some facilities have recreational and leisure programming, it is not always age appropriate.
Furthermore, individualized support for those who wish to attend community activities or programs on their own is limited. As a result, individuals not interested in group activities/outings remain isolated within the facility, often in their rooms for most of the day. Many of these individuals struggle with social isolation and loneliness.
The Government of Alberta, Alberta Human Services is responsible for funding the CAPCC initiative and provides contract funding to organizations, like Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, across the province to deliver the CAPCC program.
Who is eligible?
Participants between the age of 18 to 65 who live in long-term care facilities and who are able to actively participate in activities in the community.
Services
To participate in the community based activities, some participants require supports and services from our Community Access Coordinators (CACs) such as:
- Deciding what their interests are
- Finding a compatible companion
- Finding out what events and activities are available in their community
- Providing assistance with any necessary paperwork
CACs work with residents in long-term care facilities, facility staff, and other stakeholders (family members, guardians, etc.) to help residents rediscover their interests, set goals, and participate in activities in the community. Companions are not intended to replace health supports provided in facilities and are not intended to be used as “paid friends”. Family members and friends cannot be paid companions. Activities can include:
- Connecting with family and friends
- Volunteering
- Art classes
- Fitness classes
- Church or other spiritual activities
- Movies
- Sporting events
