Alberta’s home care system provides essential support for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others needing assistance with daily living activities or medical care.
This system allows individuals to remain in their homes, receiving personalized services tailored to their unique needs.
Here’s an overview of how the home care system works in Alberta, and how private providers like Compassion Network Home Care fit into the landscape.
1. How the Public Home Care System Works in Alberta
Alberta Health Services (AHS) oversees the publicly funded home care system, offering services to those who meet eligibility criteria. AHS provides a variety of supports, including:
- Health assessments
- Nursing care
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Personal care services (e.g., bathing, dressing, and grooming assistance)
- Respite services to provide caregivers with breaks
Care recipients typically receive an assessment from a health professional, who then develops a care plan that outlines the services needed.
Albertans can self refer to Home & Community Care by contacting AHS based on their zone:
- North 1-855-371-4122
- Edmonton 780-496-1300
- Central 1-855-371-4122
- Calgary 403-943-1920 (or) 1-888-943-1920
- South
- Bow Island 403-545-2296
- Brooks 403-501-3244
- Lethbridge and Area 403-388-6380 or 1-866-388-6380
- Medicine Hat 403-581-5750
- Oyen 403-664-3651
The publicly funded system covers many services at no cost or subsidized rates. However, public care may be limited by availability, and the extent of services may not meet the full range of a person’s needs, especially if additional hours or specialized care are required.
2. Challenges in the Public System
While Alberta’s public home care system is a valuable resource, it has certain limitations. The demand for services has grown significantly due to an aging population. This often leads to waiting lists, and public resources can be stretched thin, providing only the most essential services.
Furthermore, clients seeking more control over their care schedules or requiring additional services (such as housekeeping or companionship) may find that the public system does not fully cover all their needs. This is where private home care providers come in to fill the gap.
3. The Role of Private Home Care Providers
Private home care providers like Compassion Network Home Care offer an alternative or complement to the public system. These services are paid for directly by clients or through programs like the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI), where clients can choose to receive additional care from private providers.
Here’s how private providers enhance Alberta’s home care system:
- Personalized, Flexible Care: Private providers allow clients to tailor their care schedules and services based on their specific needs and preferences. Clients can increase the hours of care, choose caregivers they’re comfortable with, and opt for specialized services like dementia care or palliative care, which may not be fully available through the public system.
- Additional Services: In addition to medical and personal care, private providers often offer services that aren’t covered by AHS, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship, and transportation assistance.
- Immediate Availability: Private care providers can often start services quickly, without the long waiting periods that may be encountered in the public system. This is especially beneficial for individuals who need immediate or increased care.
- Continuity of Care: One of the major advantages of private home care is the continuity of caregivers. Clients are often able to develop strong, long-term relationships with the same caregivers, which enhances comfort and trust over time.
4. How Compassion Network Home Care Fits In
Compassion Network Home Care stands out as a leader among private home care providers in Alberta. Here’s why:
- Accreditation: Compassion Network Home Care is accredited by Accreditation Canada, which ensures that we meet the highest standards of care, safety, and transparency.
- Flexible Care Plans: We offer customized care plans to match your needs, whether it’s a few hours a week or around-the-clock care. Our services range from medical care to non-medical support, ensuring a holistic approach to your well-being.
- Experienced Caregivers: Our caregivers are trained, compassionate, and selected based on their ability to provide empathetic, professional care.
- 24/7 Availability: Compassion Network Home Care is available at all hours, ensuring that care is always accessible when you need it.
- Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) Program: Compassion Network Home Care participates in the CDHCI program, allowing clients more control and flexibility in choosing the services and providers they prefer.
5. Combining Public and Private Care
Many clients in Alberta choose to combine public and private care to ensure they receive comprehensive support. For example, a client might receive nursing and therapy services from AHS while contracting a private provider like Compassion Network for additional personal care, housekeeping, or companionship. This blended approach offers the best of both worlds: essential medical services from the public system and enhanced, personalized care from private providers.
The home care system in Alberta is robust, offering essential services to those in need. However, private providers like Compassion Network Home Care play a crucial role in filling the gaps left by the public system. By offering personalized, flexible care, immediate service, and a broader range of supports, we ensure that individuals receive the high-quality care they need to thrive in their homes.
If you or your loved one are looking for home care options, Compassion Network Home Care provides accredited, compassionate services that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether as a standalone service or a complement to AHS support, we are here to help you live comfortably and independently.
Contact us today.
