When a loved one needs extra support at home, finding clarity around available services can be overwhelming. Alberta families often grapple with numerous questions: What exactly does CDHCI cover? How flexible is the program? If you’re feeling confused or uncertain about navigating these options, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll clearly outline the home care services covered under Alberta’s Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) program, providing you with peace of mind and practical information to help make informed choices.
Understanding the Basics: What Is CDHCI?
Client Directed Home Care Invoicing—commonly known as CDHCI—is a program run by Alberta Health Services (AHS). It empowers families and seniors by giving them greater control over their care. Under CDHCI, families directly manage caregiving arrangements and can choose their preferred home care agency or individual caregivers, rather than accepting the caregivers assigned by AHS.
In other words, CDHCI allows you to customize care to match your loved one’s exact needs and preferences. It’s flexible, transparent, and puts decision-making directly into your hands.
Key Home Care Services Covered Under CDHCI
CDHCI in Alberta covers a broad range of services. Here’s a closer look at each major category, with real-world examples of what each service might include:
1. Personal Care Assistance
This is the cornerstone of home care, involving daily personal tasks that many seniors struggle with. Services typically include:
- Bathing, grooming, and hygiene assistance
- Dressing and undressing support
- Help with mobility, transfers, or ambulation
- Toileting and incontinence care
Personal care isn’t just about practical assistance; it also preserves dignity, comfort, and emotional well-being.
2. Medication Management
Many seniors have complex medication schedules. CDHCI-covered caregivers can assist with:
- Medication reminders
- Supervision to ensure correct dosage
- Logging medications taken
- Ensuring medications are safely stored and managed
Reliable medication management reduces health risks and hospital visits, significantly improving quality of life.
3. Meal Preparation and Nutritional Support
Proper nutrition is critical for seniors, and CDHCI caregivers can help by:
- Preparing nutritious, balanced meals
- Adhering to specific dietary requirements (e.g., diabetic, heart-healthy)
- Providing feeding assistance when needed
- Encouraging hydration and healthy eating habits
This service not only ensures proper nutrition but also makes mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free.
4. Companionship and Emotional Support
Companionship is often overlooked, yet it’s essential. Under CDHCI, caregivers offer:
- Meaningful conversations
- Shared activities like walks, puzzles, or gardening
- Emotional reassurance and comfort
- Regular social interactions to prevent loneliness and isolation
Compassionate companionship significantly boosts mental health and overall happiness.
5. Transportation and Errands
Staying independent often means staying mobile. CDHCI caregivers can provide:
- Safe transportation to medical appointments or therapy sessions
- Assistance with grocery shopping and errands
- Accompaniment to social outings or family events
- Coordination of transportation logistics
This service helps seniors maintain independence and actively participate in their community.
6. Light Housekeeping and Laundry
Maintaining a clean, comfortable home environment is crucial for seniors’ safety. CDHCI caregivers can assist with:
- General tidying up and cleaning
- Laundry, ironing, and linen changes
- Organizing living spaces to reduce hazards and clutter
These services create safer living conditions and peace of mind for families.
7. Respite Care Services
Family caregivers also need support. CDHCI provides temporary relief through respite care, which includes:
- Scheduled visits by professional caregivers
- Short-term caregiving coverage
- Emotional and practical support during family breaks
- Help during vacations, emergencies, or illness
Respite care ensures primary caregivers can maintain their own health and emotional balance.
8. Specialized and Dementia Care
For families coping with Alzheimer’s or dementia, specialized care is essential. Under CDHCI, this includes:
- Memory support and cognitive stimulation
- Assistance with behavior management
- Structured daily routines for comfort
- Monitoring to ensure safety and prevent wandering
Specialized care can profoundly improve quality of life for both seniors and their families.
How CDHCI Services Work in Alberta: Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating CDHCI is straightforward once you understand the steps:
- Step 1: Assessment – Alberta Health Services assesses your loved one’s care needs to determine CDHCI eligibility.
- Step 2: Selecting a Provider – You choose a trusted care provider, like Compassion Senior Care.
- Step 3: Creating a Care Plan – Together, you design a personalized care plan tailored to your loved one’s specific needs.
- Step 4: Invoicing and Payment – You receive clear invoices for services provided, which you submit directly to AHS for reimbursement.
- Step 5: Adjustments as Needed – Regularly review and adjust care plans as your loved one’s needs evolve.
Why Families in Alberta Choose CDHCI
Families choose CDHCI for various reasons, but the most common include:
- Greater control and flexibility over care
- Consistent, reliable caregivers familiar with the family
- Higher quality, personalized attention for seniors
- Transparent financial management
How Compassion Senior Care Can Help You with CDHCI
At Compassion Senior Care, we deeply understand CDHCI. Our professional caregivers provide consistent, compassionate, and personalized support to seniors across Calgary. Here’s what we promise:
- Expert guidance in setting up and managing CDHCI
- Carefully vetted, highly-trained caregivers
- Personalized care plans to match your loved one’s preferences and needs
- Full transparency in invoicing and management of CDHCI paperwork
- Ongoing support and adjustments whenever needed
Our goal is to provide peace of mind through compassionate caregiving, ensuring your family can focus on what truly matters.
A Real-Life Alberta Story: The Difference CDHCI Makes
Consider the story of Carol and her mother, Jean. Jean had recently returned home after hospitalization. Carol found it difficult managing Jean’s medications, personal care, and household tasks alone. After enrolling in CDHCI, they partnered with Compassion Senior Care.
Now, Jean receives personalized care from a consistent caregiver she knows and trusts. Carol regained her peace of mind, knowing Jean is safe, happy, and well cared for.
“It’s given me back my relationship with my mother,” Carol says. “I can finally be her daughter again.”
Conclusion: Making CDHCI Work for Your Family
Navigating senior home care choices can be challenging—but CDHCI offers Alberta families a powerful, flexible solution. Whether you’re looking for regular home care, specialized dementia support, or respite services, CDHCI empowers you to make decisions tailored specifically to your loved one’s unique needs.
At Compassion Senior Care, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Explore CDHCI Further?
If you’d like to learn more or start the CDHCI process, Compassion Senior Care is here to support you. Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can create a personalized care plan that enriches your loved one’s quality of life.
