Alberta’s Client Directed Home Care Program: Eligibility, Services, and How to Get Started

Alberta’s home care system left families with little control and few options. The caregiver might change every few days. Calls go unanswered. And you’re left hoping things improve without knowing how to improve them.

But that’s changing. The Client Directed Home Care Program puts the power back in your hands, allowing you to choose a provider that truly meets your needs. Whether you’re navigating support for a parent, spouse, or planning for your own future, understanding how this program works could make all the difference.

What is Alberta’s Client Directed Home Care Model?

If you’ve ever felt like your home care options came with more red tape than real answers, you’re not alone. Alberta’s publicly funded home care operated on a one-size-fits-all model: you got the provider AHS assigned, and that was that. 

Enter the Client Directed Home Care Program—a much-needed shift in how Alberta delivers reliable, safe home care services. Instead of being matched with a provider randomly, you choose who provides care in your home.

This program is made possible through a partnership between Alberta Health Services (AHS), Alberta Blue Cross, and approved home care agencies like our Always Best Care team. 

Once AHS assesses your needs and determines that you’re eligible, your provider of choice bills Blue Cross directly, so there’s no financial paperwork for you to wade through. It’s a system that blends public funding with personal choice!.

Flexibility and Choice in Home Care

Instead of revolving-door caregivers and unpredictable schedules, this program allows families to choose a home care provider that meets their expectations. Want someone who speaks your language? Prefer a smaller agency with a more hands-on approach? Need care that fits around your work schedule or a loved one’s recovery timeline? This model gives you the flexibility to make those preferences a reality.

Even better, the plan isn’t static. As your needs shift, maybe your mom recovers faster than expected, or your dad needs more help around the house, you can adjust the care plan in coordination with your case manager and provider. No long waits. No frustrating back-and-forths. Just responsive care that adapts as life does.

Who is Eligible for the Program?

One of the most common questions families ask is: “Can we even apply?” Thankfully, eligibility for Alberta’s Client Directed Home Care Program is relatively straightforward.

To qualify, you must:

• Be a resident of Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card.
• Require a predictable level of care, as determined by Alberta Health Services (AHS).
• Complete an assessment with an AHS case manager, who will evaluate your needs and develop a care plan.

That’s it. No age minimum. No income testing. Just a focus on whether home care can safely support your health and independence at home.

Once you’re in the program, you’ll be given a monthly allocation of care hours. From there, the choice is yours: select a qualified provider to deliver that care, and they’ll bill Alberta Blue Cross for the covered portion. No upfront payments, no reimbursement hassles.

What Services are Included?

The beauty of this program isn’t just in who provides the care—it’s in what’s actually available to support you or your loved one. Services are customized to meet the specific needs identified in your AHS assessment, but here’s a look at what’s commonly included:

• Personal care: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting help with the essentials that keep daily life moving with dignity.
• Support with activities of daily living (ADLs): Mobility assistance, medication reminders, meal preparation, transport and more.
• Housekeeping: Light cleaning, laundry, and organizing to maintain a safe, comfortable home environment.
• Respite care: Temporary support so family caregivers can rest, run errands, or simply catch their breath.
• Post-surgical or transitional support: Short-term care for those recovering from procedures or navigating a health setback.
• Specialized care: For those with dementia, chronic conditions, or end-of-life needs, tailored services are available.

Care hours are flexible and can be scheduled during the day, evening, or even overnight, depending on your approved plan. Unlike some systems, where you cross your fingers and hope the same caregiver shows up twice, we prioritize consistency, building trust and routine into every visit.

The Application Process: Step by Step

Getting started with Alberta’s Client Directed Home Care Program might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a refreshingly simple process. Just four clear steps that lead you to care that fit your family’s life, values, and schedule.

Step 1: Call 811 to Connect With an AHS Case Manager

The journey begins with a phone call. 

Dial 811. You’ll be connected with Alberta Health Services, and they’ll assign a case manager to help assess your situation.

It’s helpful to have a clear idea of what kind of support you or your loved one needs. Are you looking for help with bathing? Are you worried about fall risks or medication management? The more context you can share, the better your care plan will reflect your needs, not just a generic checklist.

Step 2: Complete Your Home Care Assessment

Your assigned case manager will schedule a home care assessment, usually conducted in your home. During this visit, they’ll evaluate your daily needs, living environment, and any medical or cognitive conditions that should be factored into your care plan.

The outcome? A tailored care plan that includes the number of approved care hours per month, along with a breakdown of the services you’re eligible to receive.

Step 3: Choose a Qualified Provider

Once your hours are approved, you’re given the freedom to choose from a list of qualified home care providers. You don’t have to settle for whoever is next in line. You can choose a provider like Always Best Care. We’re known for reliability, caregiver consistency, and genuine compassion.

This is your chance to find a team that understands your routine, values your time, and treats you like more than a number on a spreadsheet.

Step 4: Start Receiving Reliable, Compassionate In-Home Care

Once your provider is chosen and the care plan is confirmed, services can begin, often without a long wait. Your provider will bill Alberta Blue Cross directly for the covered portion of your care, so there’s no need to pay out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement later.

And as your needs evolve? Your care plan can, too. You’ll continue working with your case manager and provider to adjust as needed.

Why Choose a Provider Like Always Best Care?

When it comes to home care, we believe trust isn’t optional; it’s everything. 

That’s why so many families choose Always Best Care through Alberta’s Client Directed Home Care Program. We’re not just ticking boxes or rotating caregivers through your front door. We’re consistently showing up, staying focused on your needs, and delivering care with heart.

Consistency, Compassion, and Accountability

With Always Best Care, consistency isn’t a perk; it’s the baseline. 

We match you with caregivers who not only have the right skills but also the right personality fit. We stay on top of schedules, communicate clearly, and show up when we say we will. It’s how we foster companionship and how we support health over the long term. 

And because you’ve chosen us, we’re accountable to you. If something isn’t right, we fix it. 

Direct Billing and Support With Navigating the System

We know navigating any publicly funded care system can feel overwhelming. That’s why we don’t just provide care, we guide you through the process from start to finish.

We work directly with Alberta Blue Cross to handle the billing, so you’re not stuck chasing down reimbursements or sorting out confusing paperwork. Our team stays connected with your AHS case manager and updates your care plan as your needs evolve.

And if you’re ever unsure about what’s next, what’s covered, or how to adjust your services, we’re just a phone call away. 

Take Control of Your Care—Get Started With Alberta’s Client Directed Program!

If you’re ready for care that’s consistent, compassionate, and completely centred on you or your loved one, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Contact Always Best Care of Calgary SW at (403) 768-4454 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.