When it comes to caring for aging parents or loved ones at home, Alberta families have more choices today than ever before. Two programs often come up in conversation—Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) and Self-Managed Care (SMC).
On the surface, they sound similar: both give families more control over who provides care and how it’s delivered. But dig a little deeper and you’ll see there are key differences in flexibility, funding, responsibilities, and the kind of support each program offers.
If you’re deciding between these two options, understanding the details can save you time, stress, and potential headaches down the road. This guide will break down CDHCI vs. Self-Managed Care in Alberta, so you can decide which is the best fit for your family’s needs.
Understanding the Basics
Before comparing, let’s define each program in simple terms.
What Is CDHCI?
Client Directed Home Care Invoicing is a publicly funded Alberta Health Services (AHS) program that allows you to choose your own home care provider—like a licensed agency—rather than having AHS assign one.
You receive care from your chosen provider, get an invoice for the approved services, and then submit it to AHS for reimbursement. Essentially, you’re in charge of selecting the provider, but not directly employing or managing the caregiver yourself.
This makes CDHCI popular with families who want more control than standard AHS care but less administrative responsibility than self-managed care.
What Is Self-Managed Care?
Self-Managed Care also gives you funding from AHS, but instead of paying an agency, you receive the funds directly and hire your own caregiver(s)—which could be a family member, friend, or independent contractor.
You become the employer. This means you handle recruiting, scheduling, payroll, taxes, benefits, and training. While it offers maximum flexibility—especially if you want to hire someone you already know—it also comes with significant administrative work.
Key Differences Between CDHCI and Self-Managed Care
To make this easier, let’s break it down across the main factors families care about most.
1. Control Over Caregivers
- CDHCI: You choose the agency, and they provide trained staff. You don’t need to find or train caregivers yourself.
- Self-Managed Care: You hire individuals directly, which could be anyone from a family member to a professional caregiver.
Which wins?
If you want control but not the stress of being an employer, CDHCI might be better. If you want to hire someone specific—maybe a relative—Self-Managed Care is the only way to go.
2. Administrative Responsibility
- CDHCI: Minimal. Your provider handles payroll, training, and compliance. You just approve hours and submit invoices.
- Self-Managed Care: High. You are legally the employer, which means setting up payroll, keeping employment records, handling taxes, and following Alberta labour laws.
Which wins?
For busy families, CDHCI is far less paperwork. Self-Managed Care offers flexibility but requires commitment to administration.
3. Flexibility in Services
- CDHCI: You’re limited to the services covered under your AHS care plan. This usually includes personal care, meal prep, light housekeeping, and respite care.
- Self-Managed Care: You can use funds for a wider range of support, including non-traditional services, as long as they meet your care goals.
Which wins?
If you want absolute flexibility in how funds are spent, Self-Managed Care gives you more freedom.
4. Funding Structure
- CDHCI: AHS reimburses at a set hourly rate (e.g., $33.61/hour for approved services). If your provider charges more, you pay the difference.
- Self-Managed Care: You receive a lump sum each month and decide how to allocate it, including caregiver wages.
Which wins?
Both have funding limits, but Self-Managed Care can be more cost-efficient if you hire directly at a lower hourly rate. CDHCI works well if you prefer established agencies.
5. Hiring Family Members
- CDHCI: In most cases, agencies won’t assign immediate family members as paid caregivers.
- Self-Managed Care: You can hire eligible family members, which can be a comfort for seniors who prefer familiar faces.
Which wins?
If paying a family member is important, Self-Managed Care is the clear choice.
6. Who It’s Best For
- CDHCI: Families who want control over which agency provides care, less paperwork, and professional oversight.
- Self-Managed Care: Families who want maximum control, are comfortable being an employer, and may want to hire someone they know.
Advantages of CDHCI
- Less Stress: The agency handles hiring, training, scheduling, and payroll.
- Professional Oversight: Caregivers meet agency standards, reducing liability for families.
- Consistency: Choose an agency you trust and work with the same caregivers regularly.
- Simple Billing: You submit invoices, AHS reimburses—you don’t manage payroll.
- Great for Busy Families: Ideal if you don’t have time or desire to take on an employer role.
Advantages of Self-Managed Care
- Maximum Control: You choose exactly who provides care and how it’s delivered.
- Hire Loved Ones: Pay a family member or friend if they meet requirements.
- Potential Savings: Direct hiring can sometimes mean lower hourly costs.
- Flexible Service Options: Use funds creatively to meet unique care needs.
- Tailored Scheduling: No agency constraints—you set the hours directly with your caregiver.
Challenges to Consider
For CDHCI:
- Hourly reimbursement may not cover premium agency rates.
- Less flexibility in the range of services compared to SMC.
- Cannot directly pay family members.
For Self-Managed Care:
- Employer responsibilities can be overwhelming.
- Managing payroll and compliance requires time and organization.
- Risk of inconsistent care if a caregiver leaves unexpectedly.
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1: Busy Family, Limited Time
Maria works full-time and cares for her two children. Her father needs daily assistance with bathing and medication reminders. She chooses CDHCI, selecting an agency with a strong reputation. The agency handles everything, and Maria only needs to review invoices.
Scenario 2: Hiring a Trusted Family Member
Ahmed’s mother feels most comfortable with his sister, who has previous caregiving experience. Ahmed opts for Self-Managed Care so his sister can be paid for her work. He manages payroll but feels the emotional comfort is worth the effort.
How to Decide Between CDHCI and Self-Managed Care
- Assess Your Time and Skills:
Are you able and willing to manage payroll, hiring, and legal compliance? If not, CDHCI might be a better fit. - Consider Your Loved One’s Preferences:
Do they want a professional caregiver from an agency or a familiar family member? - Look at the Care Needs:
Are they straightforward and covered by AHS, or do they require unique support best managed under SMC flexibility? - Evaluate Your Budget:
Understand the hourly rates for agencies and compare them to what you could pay directly under SMC.
How Compassion Senior Care Supports CDHCI Families in Calgary
For families leaning toward CDHCI, Compassion Senior Care offers:
- Professional, trained caregivers matched to your loved one’s personality and needs
- Flexible scheduling and consistency in who provides care
- Clear invoicing aligned with AHS requirements
- Support navigating the CDHCI application process
Our goal is to make aging at home not only possible but comfortable, safe, and dignified.
Final Thoughts
Both CDHCI and Self-Managed Care in Alberta offer valuable ways for families to maintain control over home care, but they suit different situations.
If you want less administrative burden, professional oversight, and the ability to choose your agency, CDHCI is likely your best choice. If you want total control, the flexibility to hire family members, and are ready to handle employer responsibilities, Self-Managed Care might be the right fit.
Either way, the goal remains the same: helping your loved ones continue aging at home with dignity, comfort, and the right level of support.
If you’re unsure which program is right for your family, we’re here to help. Contact Compassion Senior Care today for guidance on CDHCI, Self-Managed Care, and all your home care options in Calgary.
