If you’re caring for an aging parent or loved one in Alberta, chances are you’ve come across the term CDHCI—short for Client Directed Home Care Invoicing. At first glance, it can sound a little technical, but at its core, CDHCI is about something simple: giving families more control over the care their loved ones receive at home.
One of the first questions families ask when they hear about this program is: “Do we qualify?” In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly who is eligible for CDHCI in Alberta, what the process looks like, and how it could help your family create a more stable, personalized care arrangement—especially if you’re based in Calgary or nearby.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore home care options or you’re already navigating Alberta Health Services (AHS), this guide will give you the clarity and confidence to take the next step.
What is CDHCI? A Quick Refresher
Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) is a program offered by Alberta Health Services that gives eligible individuals the option to choose their own home care provider—such as Compassion Senior Care—rather than relying on a rotating roster of AHS-assigned caregivers.
This model allows families to:
- Choose a consistent caregiver or home care agency they trust
- Build flexible schedules around their lifestyle
- Receive regular invoices for approved services and submit them for reimbursement to AHS
CDHCI gives families more say in how, when, and by whom care is delivered—something many clients find empowering and reassuring.
Who is Eligible for CDHCI in Alberta?
Eligibility for CDHCI isn’t based on income, but rather on assessed health care needs and the ability to manage (or have someone manage) the invoicing process.
Here’s a breakdown of what Alberta Health Services typically looks for:
1. You Must Be a Resident of Alberta
To qualify, the individual receiving care must:
- Be physically residing in Alberta
- Have valid Alberta Health Care coverage
This applies whether the person is living in their own home, a relative’s home, or another community-based setting (not a facility like long-term care).
2. You Need an Assessment from Alberta Health Services
This is a crucial step. Before anyone can be approved for CDHCI, they must undergo a comprehensive home care assessment by an AHS case manager or health care coordinator. During this visit, the case manager will:
- Assess daily living needs (bathing, dressing, medication, mobility)
- Evaluate medical conditions and overall health status
- Determine the level of care required
Based on this, AHS will determine if the person qualifies for publicly funded home care services and whether the CDHCI model is suitable.
3. You Must Be Able to Direct or Manage Care
CDHCI is called “client-directed” for a reason. It requires someone—either the client or a responsible family member—to:
- Select a caregiver or agency
- Manage care schedules
- Receive and submit invoices to AHS for reimbursement
- Keep track of hours and services delivered
So, while the care recipient doesn’t necessarily need to manage the program themselves, there must be someone in their circle who is willing and able to take on the role of care coordinator.
If your loved one has cognitive challenges such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, the family can still use CDHCI—so long as there’s someone acting on their behalf.
4. Your Care Needs Must Fall Within CDHCI Scope
CDHCI covers a wide range of non-medical support services. To qualify, the care required must fall under the following categories:
- Personal care (bathing, toileting, grooming)
- Medication assistance or reminders
- Meal preparation
- Mobility and transfers
- Light housekeeping related to care
- Companionship and safety monitoring
- Respite care for family caregivers
It does not cover around-the-clock medical care, wound care, or palliative services. For those needs, AHS offers different types of publicly funded care options.
Signs CDHCI Might Be a Good Fit for Your Family
If you’re still unsure whether CDHCI is the right model, consider these scenarios. This program could be ideal if:
- You’re unhappy with frequent changes in AHS-assigned caregivers
- Your loved one prefers seeing the same familiar face each day
- You or a family member is already coordinating care and would prefer more control
- You want to work with a trusted provider like Compassion Senior Care, who offers trained, reliable, and compassionate caregivers
- Your loved one needs regular home care, but not complex medical support
How to Start the CDHCI Process
If you believe your loved one might qualify, here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Contact Alberta Health Services
Call AHS at 811 or visit the AHS website to request a home care assessment.
Step 2: Ask Specifically About CDHCI
Let the case manager know that you’re interested in the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing program. Not all case managers will mention it by default, so it helps to be proactive.
Step 3: Choose Your Home Care Provider
Once approved, you can select a local agency like Compassion Senior Care to begin care under the CDHCI program.
Step 4: Set Up Invoicing and Begin Care
You’ll receive invoices for approved services, which you submit to AHS. Compassion Senior Care helps guide families through this process, making it smooth and stress-free.
How Compassion Senior Care Makes CDHCI Easier
At Compassion Senior Care, we’ve helped many Calgary families successfully transition into CDHCI care. Here’s how we support you:
- Free consultations to help you understand your options
- Help coordinating with AHS case managers
- Clear, transparent invoicing aligned with AHS requirements
- Flexible scheduling and reliable caregivers who fit your family’s values
- Ongoing support as care needs evolve over time
We’re not just here to provide care—we’re here to walk alongside you through every step of the journey.
Conclusion: Is CDHCI Right for You?
Choosing the right care model is a big decision. If you’re looking for more control, consistency, and confidence in the care your loved one receives at home, CDHCI is worth exploring. The eligibility criteria are straightforward, and with the right support team in place, managing CDHCI doesn’t need to be stressful.
If your loved one qualifies, this program can be a game-changer—allowing them to age with dignity at home, surrounded by compassionate, familiar care.
