A Guide to Home Care with No Out of Pocket Cost
In Alberta, the number of seniors is growing rapidly. Between 2013 and 2023, the proportion of seniors (aged 65 and older) increased from 12% to 16% of the total population. By 2051, it’s projected that 1 in 5 Albertans will be a senior. As more seniors choose to age in place, many are seeking ways to receive care at home without incurring out-of-pocket expenses. Fortunately, Alberta offers several funding options to help make this possible. Learn how you can get fully funded home care.
Funding Options
Seniors in Alberta have several options to receive funding for care at home, helping them remain independent and comfortable in their own space. Through Alberta Health Services’ Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) Program, eligible seniors can choose their preferred care provider from an approved list, with AHS covering the cost directly—meaning no out-of-pocket expenses. For seniors with developmental disabilities, Alberta Health’s Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program offers funding for home care support tailored to their unique needs. In addition, veterans may qualify for Veterans Affairs Canada’s Veterans Independence Program (VIP), which provides tax-free financial assistance for services such as personal care, housekeeping, and more, helping them maintain a safe and healthy home environment. These programs empower seniors to access high-quality, personalized care without financial strain.
Accessing CHDCI
Seniors in Alberta can receive home care funding through the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) program, a flexible option offered by Alberta Health Services (AHS). This program allows eligible individuals to choose a registered service provider from Alberta Blue Cross’s approved list and receive care services—such as personal care, homemaking related to health needs, and respite for caregivers—at no out-of-pocket cost within approved limits. Funding covers a set number of pre-approved care hours per month, based on an AHS assessment, and the service provider bills Alberta Blue Cross directly. This model empowers clients to direct their own care, making it easier to stay at home safely and comfortably. The CDHCI program is ideal for seniors who want more control over their care and the flexibility to choose providers that best suit their needs—all while having services funded through the province.
What CDHCI Covers:
Personal Care: Help with hygiene, dressing, medication, mobility, and meals.
Homemaking: Health-related tasks like cleaning medical equipment, incontinence laundry, and garbage removal (not general housecleaning).
Respite Care: Short-term relief for informal caregivers when you can’t be left alone.
How to Access CDHCI Funding (Step-by-Step):
Assessment: Contact Alberta Health Services to request a home care assessment by phoning 403-943-1920. An AHS Case Manager will evaluate your needs and determine if CDHCI is suitable.
Eligibility Confirmation: Ensure you have a valid Alberta Health Care card, live in a community setting, and can manage or assign someone to manage your care.
Consent & Agreement: Complete a Consent to Disclose Information form and a CDHCI Letter of Agreement. If a third party is involved, provide legal documentation as required.
Approval: Once approved, you’ll receive a letter from Alberta Blue Cross with your authorized hours, start date, and customer number.
Select Provider: Choose a service provider agency from the Alberta Blue Cross registered vendor list.
Care Planning: Work with your provider to deliver care as outlined in your AHS-approved Care Plan.
Monitor & Report: You or your CDHCI manager must coordinate care, have a backup plan, and notify AHS and Alberta Blue Cross of any changes in condition, contact details, or service needs.
Accessing VIP
The Veterans Independence Program (VIP) is administered by Veterans Affairs Canada. It offers annual, tax-free funding to help veterans and certain survivors maintain their independence at home. This program provides financial assistance for services such as housekeeping, grounds maintenance, personal care, meal preparation, and professional health support. VIP is designed to complement other federal, provincial, or municipal programs and not replace them.
How to Access VIP Funding (Step-by-Step):
Determine Eligibility: to qualify, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a veteran who has qualified for a disability benefit, the War Veterans Allowance, or Prisoner of War Compensation.
- Be a veteran eligible for, but unable to access, a Contract Bed (Priority Access Bed) in a long term care facility.
- Be a primary caregiver or survivor of a veteran who meets the above criteria.
Apply for VIP:
- Online: The fastest way to apply is through My VAC Account.
- By Mail or In Person: Download the application form from the VAC website, complete it, and submit it to a VAC office or any Service Canada office.
Application Assistance: If you need help with your application, VAC staff are available to assist you. You can contact them at 1-866-522-2122 or visit your local VAC office.
Service Delivery: Once approved, you can access VIP services through providers of your choice. Services are reimbursed based on claims submitted by you or your chosen provider. Annual grants for services like housekeeping and grounds maintenance are paid in two instalments.
Accessing PDD
The Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program in Alberta offers funding to support adults with developmental disabilities, enabling them to live as independently as possible in their communities. This program provides various services, including home living supports, community access, employment assistance, and specialized supports tailored to individual needs.
How to Access PDD Funding (Step-by-Step):
Determine Eligibility: to qualify, the applicant must be:
- 16 years or older to apply and 18 when services commence.
- Have a developmental disability with an IQ of 70 or below, as confirmed by a psychological assessment.
- Reside in Alberta and plan to receive services within the province.
- Be a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident.
Complete the Application: Submit an application through the myAlberta Supports portal. Assistance is available by contacting Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992.
Provide Required Documentation: This includes:
- Proof of age and citizenship.
- Psychological assessment report confirming the developmental disability.
- Documentation of involvement in other programs like AISH or FSCD, if applicable.
Assessment and Planning: A PDD worker will review your application and if eligible, collaborate with you and your support team to create an Outcome Plan and Individual Support Plan, outlining the services and supports you will receive.
Choose a Service Delivery Option: select between:
- Agency based services where you receive support from community agencies specializing in services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Family managed services where you directly hire and manage your own staff to provide supports, offering greater flexibility and control over your services.
Accessing Insurance Funding
Many insurance policies offer funding options that can cover the cost of home care services, providing support for individuals who wish to each in or require assistance due to illness or disability. These funding options are typically available through long term care insurance, extended health benefits, or critical illness insurance.
Long Term Care Insurance
This type of policy is specifically designed to cover the cost associated with home care, assisted living, or nursing facilities. Depending on the plan, it may reimburse or directly pay for services like personal care, nursing, homemaking, and respite support. These policies often kick in once the policyholder is assessed as needing help with two or more activities of daily, living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating.
Extended Health Benefits
Some employer-sponsored or individual extended health plans may include home care coverage. This can range from short-term nursing and rehabilitation services to more general support. Coverage amount and duration vary widely between providers and plans so it is essential to review your policy details.
Critical Illness Insurance
If a policyholder is diagnosed with a covered condition such as cancer, stroke, or heart attack, this insurance provides a lump sum payment. These funds can be used flexibly, including to pay for homecare services during recovery or long-term support if the condition results in disability.
How to Access Insurance Funding (Step-by-Step):
Review your policy: Read through your insurance documents or consult your insurance advisor to understand what types of home care services are covered, any exclusions, and how much funding is available.
Get a Medical Assessment: Most insurers require a medical assessment or physician’s report to confirm the need for home care services, especially for long term care claims.
Submit a Claim: Contact your insurance provider to initiate the claims process. You’ll typically need to complete a claims form and submit supporting documentation such as medical assessments, receipts, and care plans.
Coordinate with Your Care Provider: Work with a licensed home care provider who can issue detailed invoices and care documentation that meets your insurance company’s requirements.
Receive Reimbursement or Direct Payment: Depending on your policy, the insurer may reimburse you directly for care expenses or pay the provider on your behalf.
Choosing the Right Home Care Service Provider
When it comes to home care, choosing the right provider can make all the difference in your quality of life, peace of mind, and the value you get from available funding. TotalCare Concierge stands out as a top-tier provider since we can access all of the above funding models and because of our personalized approach, dedication to excellence, and commitment to going above and beyond what is expected. Here are other reasons why TotalCare Concierge is the best choice for your home care services:
Care Planning – Are You in The Driver’s Seat?
At TotalCare Concierge, you remain in control of your care. From day one, your preferences, lifestyle, and personal goals are placed at the center of your care plan. Whether you want to keep your routines intact or adjust services as your needs evolve, we ensure you’re actively involved in every decision. This client-directed model promotes independence, builds trust, and fosters a partnership that respects your voice and choices.
The Right Staffing Model
The right care experience depends heavily on the right people. TotalCare Concierge emphasizes caregiver-client compatibility, ensuring that each caregiver is not only professionally skilled but also a good personality match for the client. We also prioritize staff consistency so you see familiar faces reducing stress and increasing comfort. We invest heavily in caregiver engagement and satisfaction which reduces turnover and creates a more stable, high quality care providers for your clients.
Maximizing Your Funding
At TotalCare Concierge, we understand how important it is to get the most value out of your available funding. We commit to working with you so you do not have to pay out of pocket for premiums on top of your funding. We help you stretch your funding – getting you more hours and better outcomes. We also offer client status benefits that provides no cost health reviews and extra care hours giving you more support, more time, and more peace of mind.
Meeting Both Your Wants and Needs
Excellent care does not stop at clinical needs, it also includes your personal wants and lifestyle preferences. We take the time to understand what matters most to you and implement that into your care plan. We tailor your care to ensure that it aligns with your personality, habits, and aspirations – not jut a generic checklist.
Exceeding Standards and Legislations
While we are not governed by Continuing Care Health Service Standards (CCHSS), we practice as if we are. At TotalCare Concierge, we go above and beyond wherever we can. For example, your loved ones can expect a report of how your visits went. With our Registered Nurse led team, all visits are reviewed by Registered Nurses to ensure that your needs and wants are sufficiently met and concerns are brought forth timely. We also provide suggestions and resources on how to address those concerns. We stick to ethical practices and do not exploit the law. For example, Alberta Labor Law requires a minimum of 3 hours of pay if an employee is called to work however that minimum is reduced to 2 hours per shift for home care caregivers. Unlike other providers who still require a 3 hour minimum, we work with our clients to see how we can meet the 2 hour minimum while minimizing staff downtime in not having anything to do.
Are You Properly Covered?
We carry a robust insurance package to ensure that you are fully covered when receiving our services. Other than the usual general liability and fidelity insurance, we carry extra coverage to protect not only your health but also your personal and private information.
How About Extras?
At TotalCare Concierge, our service does not end when the scheduled visits end. We offer all our clients extra services at no additional cost! You are assigned a Registered Nurse Care Concierge which will ensure that your health and condition are reviewed regularly. All your visits are reviewed to ensure they continually meet your care needs and wants. We treat you with respect and as a member of our family including remembering and celebrating your birthday! We also have an extensive referral network for whatever you may need. With TotalCare Concierge, you get more than what you pay for. The added services aren’t just perks, they are a testament to our commitment to treating each client like a valued member of our family, not just a number in our accounting books.
Conclusion
As Alberta’s population of seniors continues to grow, more individuals and families are seeking reliable, high quality home care solutions that are fully funded and accessible. Fortunately, a variety of government programs like CDHCI, PDD, VIP, and private insurance options make it possible to receive excellent care at home with little to no out of pocket costs.
But choosing the right service provider is just as important as securing the funding. That’s why TotalCare Concierge stands out as the trusted partner in your home care journey. From empowering you to direct your own care and providing a consistent, well matched care team, to maximizing your funding and offering meaningful extras at no additional cost, TotalCare Concierge goes above and beyond. We exceed industry standards, protect your safety and privacy, and treat every client like family.
With TotalCare Concierge, you’re not just getting a care provider – you are gaining a care partner that’s deeply committed to your well-being, independence and quality of life. Let us help you get the care you deserve, in the place you love most – your home.
