Alberta Health Services (AHS) funds home care for eligible Calgary residents. Through the CDHCI program, AHS-approved clients can choose their own authorized private provider — including Sagewell — with care billed directly to Alberta Blue Cross at no out-of-pocket cost.
AHS (Alberta Health Services) is the provincial authority that assesses home care needs and authorizes funding for eligible Albertans. When someone in Calgary needs in-home support — due to age, illness, surgery, or disability — they can request an AHS assessment by calling Health Link 811.
Once assessed and approved, AHS offers two main pathways: AHS-managed care (where AHS arranges the caregiver) or the CDHCI program (Client Directed Home Care Invoicing), which lets you choose your own authorized private provider.
Sagewell is a CDHCI-authorized provider through Alberta Blue Cross. AHS-assessed clients who qualify can receive care from us at $0 out-of-pocket — the government pays us directly at the AHS-set rate.
Both are funded by AHS. The difference is who chooses and manages the caregiver.
Both options require an AHS assessment first. Once approved, you can ask your AHS case manager specifically about CDHCI eligibility and request to use Sagewell as your provider.
Request a home care assessment. A case manager will schedule a visit to your home to evaluate care needs and determine eligibility for funding.
The case manager assesses functional needs, living situation, and support required. This determines the hours of care you are approved for each week.
Ask your case manager about CDHCI eligibility. Once approved, tell them you want to use Sagewell Home Care as your provider. We handle the paperwork from there.
Once CDHCI is set up, Sagewell matches a caregiver to your family and care begins. You pay nothing — Alberta Blue Cross is billed directly at the AHS-set rate.
AHS assessments can take 2–4 weeks for non-urgent cases. Many Calgary families start with private care through Sagewell while their AHS application is processed — then transition to CDHCI-funded care once approved. We can help you coordinate the switch smoothly.
Talk to a Care Coordinator| Care Type | Your Cost |
|---|---|
| AHS-managed care | $0 (AHS-funded) |
| CDHCI + Sagewell | $0 (AHS rate: $33.61/hr) |
| Private (no funding) | $38–$50/hr |
CDHCI rate set by AHS/Government of Alberta. Subject to approved care hours.
Full guide to the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing program — how it works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Specialized in-home support for Calgary seniors — personal care, dementia support, and CDHCI funding.
Temporary relief for family caregivers — from a few hours to full weekends, CDHCI-funded.
Our care coordinators know the AHS and CDHCI process inside out. Call us and we'll help you understand your options — and whether your family qualifies for government-funded care.
