FAQ

Home care is a lot broader than most people think it is. It is much more than personal care, which typically includes the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Home care assistance is about supporting families to help them thrive and enjoy this time. Every moment matters!

A lot of daughters and sons tell us that having some additional support allows them to become daughters and sons again. They aren’t just showing up to complete the laundry and clean up, they can come and have a cup of tea with their loved ones and have quality time.

For sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews that live in a different province or even country, we look at home care as providing peace of mind. It means someone is regularly checking in on their loved one and ensuring that their home is safe and comfortable for them.

The Client Directed Home Care invoicing (CDHCI) program is a new provincial initiative in Alberta launched in January 2023 and provides funding for Alberta residents to receive affordable and consistent home care. Eligible individuals can select their own preferred and approved home care service provider for the CDHCI program and have the cost largely subsidized by Alberta Health Services (AHS). Just Like Family Home Care Calgary is an approved provider for the CDHCI program. Once you are approved for the CDHCI program, we’ll manage everything from matching the right caregiver for you to scheduling, designing a personalized care plan, and invoicing Blue Cross for reimbursement of approved expenses, so you don’t have to.

The CDHCI program allows new or current AHS Community Home Care clients to choose an approved home care provider to deliver authorized services. You have the freedom and flexibility to choose the home care service provider that is right for you. You have more control over the service schedule and caregiver replacement if caregivers are ill. You won’t have to self-manage your care but you do have more say in directing care. Just Like Family works with you in selecting the right caregiver and we match caregivers with cultural and language compatibility.

– Anyone living in Alberta with a valid healthcare card
– Complete a home care assessment by AHS
– Have a predictable and consistent level of need for home care services
– Responsible for any cost difference between the AHS funded rate and the home care provider’s hourly rate, additional services beyond the approved AHS Care Plan, G.S.T, overtime, and statutory holiday rates.

If you already have home care or Self-Managed Care call us and we will help you through the process. Or, contact your AHS Case Manager to discuss your eligibility for the CDHCI program. You can also contact the AHS Community Home Care Intake line (811) to self-refer. They will arrange for a Case Manager to visit your home, assess your needs, and allocate hours. Once approved, they will provide you with a Care Plan showing the designated hours and breakdown of care support for each month.

An approved home care provider list is available on the Blue Cross website
(https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/resources/government-programs/client-directed-home-care.php). Choose a provider – Just Like Family Home Care Calgary – call us at (403) 879-1424 to arrange a complimentary consultation to discuss our approach to home care and your care needs. We’re here to answer any questions you may have. Sign the no-term Service Agreement between yourself and Just Like Family Home Care, and notify your Case Manager of your home care provider selection.
Complete the AHS documentation including the Consent to Disclose Information form and the Letter of Agreement outlining the terms and responsibilities, provided by your Case Manager.
Blue Cross will also mail you an approval letter. Forwarded the letter to Just Like Family Home Care so that we can set up your direct billing account.
AHS will provide you with a Care Plan with the allocated approved services. Please forward a copy to Just Like Family Home Care. We will work with you to create an individualized care plan and caregiver schedule.
Maintain ongoing communication with AHS and Alberta Blue Cross: Keep your AHS Case Manager informed of any changes to your condition, care needs, or care provider status. Also, notify AHS and Alberta Blue Cross of any changes to your address or contact information.

Additional services are available via private billing: These include added hours beyond the approved limit or overtime including time and a half on statutory holidays or additional services not included in the approved service plan.

We complete a thorough hiring process so you can be confident that the right caregiver, with the right training, experience, schedule, and personality will be matched as your caregiver.

Required Documentation:
Police background check (ALL)
Reference check (ALL)
Current First Aid/CPR certification (ALL)
Health Care Aide certificate (HCAs)
Alberta Health Care Aide Directory listing (HCAs)
Caregiver drivers provide proof of vehicle insurance
All caregivers have access to 390 training modules covering a wide range of care areas