Understanding Your Right to Choose Your Home Care Provider in Alberta
When it comes to caring for your loved ones, choice matters. Alberta families receiving publicly funded home care had little control over who entered their homes and how that care was delivered. But thanks to Alberta’s Client-Directed Home Care Program, that’s changing.
No more rotating strangers, missed appointments, or one-size-fits-all care. Now, you have the right to decide who supports you, and how.
We’ll walk you through what the CDHCI Program is, who’s eligible, what services it includes, and how you can take full advantage of your right to choose compassionate, consistent, and personalized home care.
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What is the Client-Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) Program?
The Client-Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) Program is a home care model introduced by Alberta Health Services to give individuals and families more control over their government-funded home care.
Instead of being automatically assigned to a care provider by Alberta Health Services (AHS), eligible clients can now choose their preferred, qualified provider from a list of approved agencies, including Always Best Care of Calgary SW.
Once you’re approved for this program, your selected provider will work with you to deliver the care you need. The provider then bills Alberta Blue Cross directly for the subsidized portion of your services, so you don’t have to manage the paperwork or payments yourself.
An Overview of Alberta’s Updated Home Care Model
Before CDHCI, Alberta families often had to navigate a rigid system where AHS made all the decisions, right down to which caregivers arrived at your door. This often resulted in:
- Inconsistent caregivers.
- Delayed care starts.
- Missed or rushed appointments.
- Lack of personal connection or accountability.
The CDHCI program was introduced to eliminate these frustrations and put the client back at the centre of the care experience. It reflects a growing understanding that personalized, reliable home care starts with choice, trust, and flexibility.
Under this model, clients are:
- Assessed by AHS to determine eligibility and care needs.
- Given a set number of approved hours per month.
- Empowered to select their own care provider.
- Supported by a system that values both care quality and consistency.
Who Is Eligible for the Program?
The Client-Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) Program is designed to support Albertans who need home care but want more control over how it’s delivered. If you or a loved one are exploring your options, the first step is to understand if you qualify.
Basic Criteria for Participation
You may be eligible for CDHCI if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a resident of Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card.
- You live at home or in a community setting (not in a long-term care or supportive living facility).
- You have been assessed by an Alberta Health Services (AHS) Case Manager as needing home care.
- Your care needs are stable and predictable, making them suitable for this model.
If these apply to you or your family member, you may be approved to receive a set number of funded care hours each month through the program.
How to Get Assessed by Alberta Health Services
The assessment process begins with a simple phone call:
- Call Health Link at 811 to speak with an AHS Case Manager.
- A Case Manager will schedule a time to assess your health status, daily care needs, and overall situation.
- If you qualify for home care services, they will determine whether the CDHCI model is a good fit.
- Once approved, you’ll receive an allocation of funded care hours per month, and you’ll be able to choose your preferred provider from the list of Alberta Blue Cross–registered agencies.
Always Best Care of Calgary SW is proud to be one of those approved providers, and we’re happy to walk you through the process step by step.
What Services Can Be Covered Under CDHCI?
The services available through the Client-Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) Program are based on your individual care assessment conducted by Alberta Health Services. These services are designed to help you or your loved one live safely and comfortably at home, with support tailored to real-life needs.
- Personal Care: Dignity in Daily Living
One of the most common types of support is personal care. This includes help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, safe mobility, and taking medications on time. For many families, this type of care preserves not only health but also dignity, ensuring loved ones feel supported rather than dependent.
- Homemaking Support for Health and Safety
Homemaking services may also be included in your care plan. These are focused on maintaining a healthy living environment and might involve essential tasks like cleaning bathrooms used for personal care, doing laundry related to incontinence, or cleaning mobility aids and medical equipment. These practical supports help reduce the risk of illness or injury and make day-to-day living more manageable.
- Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Another essential offering is respite care. A temporary break for family caregivers who may be providing round-the-clock support. If your loved one cannot be safely left alone, a professional caregiver can step in for a few hours, giving family members a chance to rest, run errands, or tend to their own well-being without worry.
How the Program Works: Step-by-Step
If you’re approved, the Case Manager will allocate a specific number of funded care hours per month. At this stage, you’re free to choose your care provider from Alberta Blue Cross’s list of approved agencies.
Always Best Care of Calgary SW is one of those trusted providers, known for delivering compassionate and reliable in-home care.
Once your provider is selected, there’s no need to worry about paperwork or complex billing. Your chosen agency will bill Alberta Blue Cross directly for the subsidized portion of care. That means you get the help you need, without financial guesswork or delays.
This model is designed to make home care more accessible, more personal, and more aligned with your family’s schedule and values.
Why Families are Choosing Always Best Care of Calgary SW
At Always Best Care, we prioritize consistency and reliability. You’ll see familiar faces, caregivers who understand your needs, respect your time, and show up when they say they will. Our goal is to provide care that feels dependable and comfortable, not disruptive.
Compassionate Caregivers, Thoughtfully Matched
We believe the caregiver-client relationship is central to great care. That’s why we don’t send just anyone; we carefully match you with a caregiver whose personality, training, and experience align with your needs. Whether it’s support with mobility, a warm conversation over tea, or simply having someone nearby who truly listens, our caregivers bring empathy, professionalism, and heart into every visit. They’re not just caregivers, they’re companions and trusted allies in your daily life.
Personalized Support and Dedicated Management
From your first phone call, you’ll have a dedicated Care Manager who acts as your main point of contact, someone who knows your situation and is there to answer questions, coordinate services, and make adjustments as your needs evolve. We handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters most: living comfortably and confidently at home.
Let Us Help You Navigate This Program
Choosing and setting up home care can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make it easier. If you want to learn more about the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program or see if you qualify, we’re happy to help you understand the process and get started.
Contact Always Best Care of Calgary SW Today!
Contact Always Best Care of Calgary SW at (403) 800-7255 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.
