As seniors get older, naturally they are going to need an increasing amount of help. Many seniors care operators have "a la carte" menus for extra services, like linen changes or escorting residents to meals. If the resident and their family are not aware, these charges can quickly add up.

Every senior who goes into Alberta's continuing care system is assessed to determine how much care they need and then placed in one of five levels. As they get older and more frail or their medical conditions deteriorate, they move to a higher level. To the uninitiated, it can be a confusing and intimidating system. To help you out, here is a primer of the five levels of care.