If you or a loved one needs home care in Calgary, you may have heard the term CDHCI — but what does it actually mean, and how does it affect your family?
This guide explains everything you need to know about CDHCI in Calgary: what the program covers, who qualifies, how billing works, and how to choose a CDHCI-authorized provider like Sagewell Home Care.
🔑 Key Takeaway
CDHCI (Client Directed Home Care Invoicing) is an Alberta government program that lets eligible Calgarians receive professional home care — funded by Alberta Health Services — from a private provider of their choice. You do not pay out-of-pocket for approved services.
What Does CDHCI Stand For?
CDHCI stands for Client Directed Home Care Invoicing. It is a program under Alberta Health Services (AHS) that allows eligible Albertans to choose their own private home care provider, rather than being assigned one by AHS.
The key word is "client directed" — meaning you are in control. You decide which provider looks after your loved one, what hours work best for your family's schedule, and how care is delivered. The government funding follows your choice.
Billing is handled directly between your chosen provider and Alberta Blue Cross — so there are no invoices to pay and no receipts to submit.
How is CDHCI Different from Standard AHS Home Care?
Many Calgarians are already familiar with standard AHS Community Home Care. Here's how CDHCI compares:
| Feature | Standard AHS Home Care | CDHCI Program |
|---|---|---|
| Provider choice | AHS assigns a provider | You choose your own provider |
| Scheduling | AHS manages schedule | You direct your schedule |
| Cultural/language match | Limited control | Full control — choose your match |
| Billing | AHS managed | Provider bills Alberta Blue Cross directly |
| Out-of-pocket cost | Typically none | Typically none for approved hours |
| Services covered | Nursing, personal care | Personal care, homemaking, respite |
The practical benefit for Calgary families is enormous: you can choose a provider like Sagewell who matches your loved one's language, culture, and personal preferences — without sacrificing the government funding you're entitled to.
Who Qualifies for CDHCI in Calgary?
To receive CDHCI-funded home care in Calgary, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be an Alberta resident with a valid Alberta Health Care card
- Have been assessed by AHS as needing home care services
- Have unmet care needs that cannot be met by family or other means
- Prefer to direct your own care through a private provider
⚠️ Important: No Age Restriction
CDHCI is not just for seniors. It is available to Alberta residents of any age who have been assessed by AHS as requiring home care — including adults with disabilities or those recovering from surgery or illness.
If you are already receiving standard AHS home care, you may be eligible to switch to CDHCI at any time — simply ask your AHS caseworker to reassess your suitability for the program.
What Services Does CDHCI Cover?
CDHCI-funded services fall into three categories, all determined by your AHS assessment:
1. Personal Care
- Bathing, showering, and personal hygiene
- Dressing and grooming
- Toileting and continence care
- Transfers and mobility assistance
- Oral care
- Medication reminders
- Feeding assistance
2. Homemaking (when combined with personal care)
- Laundry and linen changes
- Light housekeeping essential to health and safety
- Meal preparation and grocery support
- Companionship
3. Respite Care
- Day, evening, or overnight care for family caregivers
- Provides relief for unpaid family members caring for a loved one
- Can be arranged on a regular schedule
💡 What's NOT Covered
CDHCI does not cover skilled nursing care, wound care, medication administration, or physiotherapy — these continue to be provided by AHS directly if needed.
How Much Does CDHCI Pay?
The current CDHCI reimbursement rate is $33.61 per hour (as of 2026), paid directly by Alberta Blue Cross to your authorized provider. Your AHS caseworker will determine the number of approved hours per month based on your assessment.
For most families, this means zero out-of-pocket costs for approved services. If you choose additional hours beyond your approved allocation, those are billed privately at standard rates.
How to Get Started with CDHCI in Calgary: Step by Step
Contact AHS for an Assessment
Call Health Link at 811 to request a home care assessment. An AHS Home Care Case Worker will visit your home to evaluate your needs and determine how many funded hours you qualify for.
Choose Sagewell as Your CDHCI Provider
Once your hours are approved, tell your AHS caseworker you want to use the CDHCI program with Sagewell Home Care. We are a fully registered CDHCI provider in Calgary.
We Build Your Care Plan
A Sagewell care coordinator meets with you to understand your loved one's preferences, schedule, language needs, and care goals. We match you with the right caregiver.
Care Begins — We Handle Billing
Your caregiver starts visits on your schedule. Sagewell submits all invoices directly to Alberta Blue Cross. You receive professional home care at no cost for your approved hours.
Can I Switch to CDHCI if I Already Have AHS Home Care?
Yes — and this is one of the most important things Calgary families don't know. If your loved one is already receiving standard AHS home care, you have the right to switch to the CDHCI program at any time.
Reasons families switch to CDHCI include:
- Wanting a culturally matched caregiver who speaks their language
- Needing more scheduling flexibility than AHS can provide
- Preferring a consistent caregiver rather than rotating AHS workers
- Wanting to work with a local, family-focused provider
To switch, simply ask your AHS caseworker to reassess you for the CDHCI program, and let them know you've chosen Sagewell Home Care as your provider.
Why Choose Sagewell Home Care as Your CDHCI Provider?
Sagewell Home Care is one of the few CDHCI-authorized providers in Calgary that specializes in serving Calgary's diverse communities. Here's what sets us apart:
- Multilingual caregivers — Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Arabic, French and more
- 24–48 hour placement — most families receive their caregiver within two days
- All Calgary quadrants — NW, NE, SW, SE, plus Airdrie, Canmore and Grande Prairie
- Zero paperwork for families — we manage all Alberta Blue Cross billing
- Free consultation — we assess your needs and check CDHCI eligibility at no charge
Ready to Start CDHCI-Funded Home Care?
Call us today for a free consultation. We'll check your CDHCI eligibility, explain your options, and guide your family through every step.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDHCI in Calgary
Conclusion
CDHCI is one of the most valuable and underutilized programs available to Calgary families caring for a loved one at home. It gives you government-funded home care and the freedom to choose a provider who truly fits your family's needs.
Sagewell Home Care is proud to be a CDHCI-authorized provider in Calgary. If you'd like to find out whether your family qualifies, call us at 403-990-9821 or request a free consultation online.