Funding Options for Home Care in Alberta
1. Public Funding Programs
- Alberta Health Services (AHS): Offers subsidized in-home care for eligible individuals, covering basic medical and personal care needs.
- Client-Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI): Enables you to select approved private care providers, with billing handled by AHS.
- Self-Managed Care (SMC): Provides funding to hire and manage caregivers directly, offering greater flexibility.
How to Access: Call 811 to schedule an assessment with an AHS case manager.
2. Private Healthcare Providers
Private providers offer additional care services not covered by AHS, such as:
- Longer caregiving sessions.
- Custom schedules and consistent caregivers.
- Services like companionship, housekeeping, and transportation.
Private care is ideal for families seeking more personalized and flexible support.
3. Private Insurance
Some private insurance plans cover specific home care services. Coverage depends on your policy and may include:
- Medical care is provided by licensed professionals.
- Personal care, if deemed medically necessary.
Check with your insurance provider for eligibility and pre-approval requirements.
4. Self-Pay Options
Families can also pay for home care services out of pocket. Common methods include:
- Using savings or retirement funds.
- Using home equity through loans or reverse mortgages.
Plan your budget carefully and explore available discounts or payment plans.
5. Veteran Benefits
Eligible veterans can access home care support through Veterans Affairs Canada, which may include:
- Homemaking services.
- Health and personal care assistance.
Contact Veterans Affairs Canada to learn more about available programs.
How Do I Access Home Care In Alberta?
To access home care, designated supportive living or long-term care, follow the steps as mentioned below:
Keep important information ready before making the call:
- Your Alberta Health Care Card.
- Details of current challenges and needs.
Client Directed Home Care Invoicing
Have you heard of Client Directed Home Care Invoicing? Previously, your only option for having your choice of home care services paid for was to submit invoices to Alberta Health Services (AHS) to have them reimbursed through the Self Managed Care program. Now individuals receiving AHS Public Home Care, including Self Managed Care (SMC), will be given the option to choose who they want to provide these essential services, including respite and homemaking services.
With Client Directed Home Care Invoicing, you can choose where and who to provide your care from a list of AHS approved providers. Not only will your approved homecare provider (that’s us, at Saige Homecare!) do all the billing on your behalf directly through the Blue Cross of Alberta, we will also be able to better accommodate your unique care requirements and preferences, as well as offer personalized home care services not offered through AHS. Learn more here.
How Do I Qualify for Home Care in Alberta?
To qualify for home care, a professional assessment is required to determine if you have an “unmet need for care.” This assessment evaluates specific criteria to ensure you or your loved one receives the appropriate support.
You may qualify if you meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Age: 65 years or older.
- Mobility Challenges: Difficulty moving around safely or independently.
- Functional Independence Issues: Trouble managing daily activities like cooking, cleaning, or personal hygiene.
- Medical Instability: Conditions that require regular monitoring or care.
In some cases, factors like your income level and smoking status may also be considered during the assessment process.
Is Public Or Private Home Care Better?
The public or private debate is a common one among seniors and their families. Many people think that private care is better because it’s tailored to their needs and provides more individualized attention. While this may be true for some, public Alberta Health Services care provides a valuable resource to many older adults who can’t necessarily afford private care.
However, now you can have the best of both worlds. With CDHCI you can hire an approved agency who will tend to your family needs as a private home care provider would, but with public funding to offset the vast majority of the cost.
A private home care agency will often have longer visits and continuity with the same caregivers. This is essential in building trust and relationships, improving socialization, building positive routines, and further overcoming any reluctance to have care in place.
There are many care related services that a private agency will do, but public home care will not:
- Companionship and socialization (longer visits, building relationships)
- Transportation and accompaniment on errands
- Homemaking and light housekeeping
- Direct communication and updates to family members
- Specific schedules and times that work for you
Public home care in Alberta can be accessed by individuals who need assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication management. This is an important resource for many seniors who are living at home alone or with family members who are not able to provide the care needed due to work, school or other commitments. If you are currently receiving AHS home care, you can speak with your case manager about switching to the CDHCI program so you can choose your own provider.
Private home care like Saige Homecare offers similar services but with a more personalized approach with registered nurse management and oversight, than the public system can provide. We understand the importance of treating each client as an individual and providing customized care plans that meet their specific needs while respecting their wishes whenever possible.
Contact Saige Homecare to speak to a home care expert to help you learn about public funding options and how to get started.
