Survey background
The purpose of the survey is to obtain feedback about the quality of care and services provided through home and community care. The feedback collected will help identify opportunities to improve services and support more Albertans to remain independent and supported at home.
This is the fourth time we have done this survey. The first survey was conducted in 2015 and the most recent in 2024. The survey questions closely align with those used in 2024, allowing for historical comparisons that are critical for ongoing system monitoring and quality improvement.
Who can participate?
People who have received home and community care services in Alberta in the last six months (since January 2026) may be invited to complete the survey.
To participate, clients must:
- be 18 years and older
- be cognitively well
- have received home and community care services in the last six months
- be an acute, long-term supportive, maintenance, rehabilitation or wellness home care client
- be receiving home and community care services in any setting except continuing care homes, designated supportive living, and hospice
How to complete the survey?
- If you receive an invitation, you can complete the survey in one of three ways:
- Online: Use the survey link and access code included in your mailed invitation.
- By mail: Complete the paper survey and return it using the prepaid envelope provided.
- By phone: Call the toll-free survey line at 1-888-877-6744 to complete the survey by telephone.
What happens to the survey results?
A provincial report summarizing the findings of the survey will be publicly reported on our website at www.hqa.ca. This will be similar to the 2024 digital report, that is available at: homecare.hqa.ca. Contracted providers of home and community care services and Assisted Living Alberta home care offices or teams will receive a detailed report with their provider-specific results.
Why your feedback matters
Your experiences provide valuable insights into the quality of home and community care services in Alberta. Survey results help identify areas where services are performing well and where improvements may be needed. The goal is to help strengthen care services and support Albertans in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
What types of services are included in home and community care in Alberta?
Home and community care in Alberta provides professional and personal healthcare services to help people of all ages live safely and independently in their own homes or community settings. Home and community care services may be provided:
- in your home
- at a community clinic
- through programs such as adult day services
Examples of care and support may include:
- nursing care
- wound care
- physiotherapy
- occupational therapy
- assistance with daily activities such as dressing, eating, or bathing
- help with medications
- access to medical supplies, equipment, or technology
- support from healthcare aides, social workers, and other care providers
Is participation required?
No. Participation is completely voluntary. You may choose to answer only the questions you are comfortable answering.
How long does the survey take?
The survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Will my care be affected if I do not participate?
No. Your care and services will not be affected in any way whether you choose to participate or not. All results will be anonymized and are always kept confidential.
What does “anonymous and confidential” mean?
Individual survey responses are not shared publicly. Results are combined with feedback from other participants and reported in aggregate form. This means no individual person’s answers are identified in published results.
Why is Health Quality Alberta doing this survey?
We engage with Albertans on their experiences and perspectives. We work with our health system partners who can take action on our findings and improve the experiences, outcomes, and value for patients and families. Health Quality Alberta leads this survey with partners involved in home and community care, including Assisted Living Alberta and the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services.
Who is Prairie Research Associates (PRA)?
We have contracted Prairie Research Associates (PRA) to help conduct the survey on our behalf.