If you’re like many families in Calgary, navigating the complexities of senior care can be both daunting and emotionally charged. Perhaps you’ve recently discovered that your aging parent or loved one requires additional support. Maybe you’re exploring various options and feeling overwhelmed by the terminology, programs, and caregiving decisions involved. If so, you’re not alone. One program Calgary families are increasingly turning to is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) system. In this guide, we’ll clearly explain what CDHCI is, why it’s beneficial, and how it works specifically within the context of senior home care.
Whether you’ve already heard the term “CDHCI” from your case manager at Alberta Health Services (AHS) or are just encountering it now, this article will clarify everything you need to know—written in plain, human language without any jargon or confusing explanations.
What Exactly is CDHCI?
CDHCI stands for Client Directed Home Care Invoicing. It’s a program administered through Alberta Health Services (AHS) that gives seniors and their families more control over home care services. Rather than simply accepting care providers assigned by AHS, families enrolled in CDHCI are empowered to choose their own professional caregivers or home care agencies—like Compassion Senior Care.
This means your family can directly manage who provides care, when they provide it, and how they deliver the services. With CDHCI, your loved one can receive consistent, high-quality care from trusted caregivers who truly get to know them.
Why CDHCI Matters for Calgary Seniors and Families
The primary advantage of the CDHCI model is choice. Under traditional senior home care programs, caregivers might change frequently, schedules may not align well with your family’s needs, and care can feel impersonal. CDHCI addresses these issues head-on, offering:
- Personalized Care: Choose caregivers who match your loved one’s personality, preferences, and specific care needs.
- Consistency and Reliability: Build meaningful relationships with caregivers who visit regularly, rather than constantly adjusting to new faces.
- Flexibility: Adjust the care schedule as needs evolve, ensuring your loved one always has the right level of support.
- Transparency: Clearly track and manage expenses through invoicing processes, reducing confusion or unexpected costs.
What Services Can CDHCI Include?
CDHCI can cover a wide range of home care services, from basic companionship and housekeeping to specialized care for conditions like dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Commonly covered services include:
- Personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing assistance)
- Medication reminders and assistance
- Meal preparation and feeding support
- Companionship and emotional support
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Mobility support and safety monitoring
At Compassion Senior Care, we ensure each of these services is delivered with warmth, empathy, and genuine care.
Who Qualifies for CDHCI in Calgary?
To qualify for CDHCI, your loved one must first undergo an assessment by Alberta Health Services. Typically, this assessment evaluates the senior’s daily needs and determines eligibility based on their health, mobility, and personal care requirements.
Families eligible for CDHCI usually include those:
- Needing more direct control over caregiving decisions.
- Wanting consistent care from familiar caregivers.
- Seeking flexibility and customization in senior home care services.
The best first step is contacting your local AHS case manager and expressing interest in the CDHCI program.
How CDHCI Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how families in Calgary can navigate the CDHCI process with ease:
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Your loved one will be assessed by AHS to determine eligibility for home care services.
Step 2: Choosing Your Care Provider
Once approved, select a care provider or agency that aligns with your family’s values and needs, such as Compassion Senior Care.
Step 3: Creating Your Care Plan
Your chosen provider helps design a personalized care plan specifying exactly what services your loved one requires.
Step 4: Managing Care and Invoicing
You receive regular invoices detailing services provided. These invoices are then submitted to AHS through the CDHCI system for reimbursement.
Step 5: Adjusting Your Plan
As your loved one’s needs change, you have the freedom to adjust services to always provide optimal care.
How Compassion Senior Care Supports Calgary Families Using CDHCI
At Compassion Senior Care, we deeply understand the intricacies of CDHCI. Our professional team ensures that navigating the invoicing process is straightforward, transparent, and stress-free. Here’s how we make it easy:
- Expert Guidance: We walk you through every step, from initial assessments to submitting invoices.
- Professional Caregivers: All our caregivers are thoroughly vetted, highly trained, and deeply compassionate.
- Transparent Billing: Clear, detailed invoices that align seamlessly with AHS requirements, ensuring smooth reimbursement.
- Flexible Scheduling: Easily adjust care schedules to match your loved one’s evolving needs.
We believe caregiving is a partnership, and we’re committed to empowering families every step of the way.
CDHCI vs. Traditional Senior Home Care
Many families ask, “Why choose CDHCI over traditional home care?” Here’s a quick comparison:
Traditional Home Care:
- Caregivers assigned by AHS without your direct input.
- Less control over scheduling and caregiver consistency.
- Potentially less personal connection or caregiver continuity.
CDHCI:
- Full control over caregiver selection and care scheduling.
- Enhanced continuity and relationship-building with caregivers.
- Complete transparency and financial management through invoicing.
CDHCI isn’t for everyone—but for families who prioritize choice, consistency, and control, it’s often the ideal solution.
Real Calgary Stories: CDHCI in Action
Consider Linda and her mother, Evelyn. Evelyn had early-stage dementia, requiring consistent support at home. Linda found traditional home care too impersonal, with frequent caregiver changes that left Evelyn anxious.
After transitioning to CDHCI with Compassion Senior Care, Evelyn received care from consistent caregivers who got to know her personally. “Mom feels safer and happier,” Linda explained. “And it’s a huge relief for me, knowing exactly who’s caring for her each day.”
Linda’s story underscores what CDHCI can truly offer families: peace of mind, dignity, and a higher quality of life.
CDHCI and Compassion Senior Care: A Winning Combination
Choosing the right senior home care provider is crucial. At Compassion Senior Care, we view CDHCI not just as a billing model—but as a chance to deepen connections, provide meaningful care, and genuinely support families through complex times.
If you’re exploring senior care options in Calgary, consider CDHCI—and consider Compassion Senior Care. We promise care that’s personal, compassionate, and exactly tailored to your family’s needs.
Ready to Explore CDHCI?
If you have questions or want to explore how CDHCI could help your family, reach out today. Compassion Senior Care is here to guide you every step of the way, making home care decisions simpler, clearer, and kinder.
Contact us today for a consultation—and experience the difference truly compassionate home care makes.
