What information would I have to disclose if or when I decide to move into a retirement home?

There are many standards and laws that govern over any retirement home in Alberta. One of these standards is that a retirement home must follow all applicable laws and legislations to ensure that all resident confidential information that is shared, stored, transferred and or disposed of, is done so in a manner that maintains the residents right to have their personal and health-related information kept private and confidential. These standards were developed to strike a balance between the public’s right to know and the resident’s right to privacy.

Information is only to be collected for the need to provide safe care or services and is to be collected directly from the resident whenever possible. Retirement homes are only to disclose or share information if it is deemed essential to promote safety and or perform their job duties and to only be passed on to those with a need to know bases.

Any other information shared by a resident or family member will be done so if you deem it to be important to know in case of an emergency.

We all have very different comfort levels as to what we want others to know about us. If at any time you feel uncomfortable passing on information when asked, do ask why it is needed and refuse to give it if you feel the information is not needed to be known to promote your safety and or provide a service.