A plain-language guide to claiming attendant care and home care costs as medical expenses — plus how CDHCI-funded care through Sagewell can reduce your out-of-pocket to $0 in the first place.
This page provides general educational information about CRA tax credits related to home care costs. It is not tax advice. Tax rules change annually and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a qualified accountant or CRA directly for advice specific to your situation.
Yes — but it depends on what type of home care you received and whether you actually paid for it out-of-pocket.
Attendant care expenses — meaning the cost of personal care provided by a caregiver (bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility assistance, toileting) — are eligible medical expenses under CRA's Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). You can claim these costs on your federal tax return and receive a partial credit on the amount you paid.
If your home care is fully funded through the CDHCI program (Alberta Blue Cross pays the provider directly), you have nothing to claim — because your out-of-pocket cost is $0. That is actually the best possible outcome: you received professional home care at no cost.
The Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) is a non-refundable federal tax credit that allows Canadians to claim eligible medical expenses — including attendant care — to reduce the income tax they owe.
Here is how it works:
CRA recognizes attendant care as an eligible medical expense. Qualifying costs include:
Pure homemaking services (cleaning, laundry unrelated to disability) typically do not qualify on their own — but when provided as part of a combined attendant care service, the full invoice may be claimable. Consult your accountant for the current CRA position.
Before thinking about tax credits for private-pay home care, find out if your family qualifies for CDHCI-funded care at $0. Most Calgary families with an AHS assessment qualify. If CDHCI covers your full care needs, you have no out-of-pocket cost to claim — but you also paid nothing. Call us at 403-990-9821 to check eligibility.
In addition to the METC, Canadians who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can claim a much larger attendant care deduction on Line 21500 of the federal return. This deduction:
To qualify, the individual must have a valid Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) certified by a physician. Many seniors with dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or significant mobility impairments qualify for the DTC.
| Credit / Deduction | Who Qualifies | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) | Anyone with qualifying attendant care expenses | 15% federal + 10% Alberta credit on expenses above threshold |
| Attendant Care Deduction (Line 21500) | Individuals with a Disability Tax Credit (T2201) | Income deduction — higher limit, reduces taxable income directly |
You generally cannot claim both the METC and the full Attendant Care Deduction for the same expenses — your accountant will determine which is more advantageous for your specific situation.
The most financially advantageous option for most Alberta families isn't a tax credit — it's eliminating the cost entirely through the CDHCI program (Client Directed Home Care Invoicing).
Under CDHCI, Alberta Health Services funds your home care hours and Alberta Blue Cross pays Sagewell directly. Your family pays $0 for approved hours. No receipts to collect, no tax forms to file, no threshold to exceed — just professional home care at no cost.
For private-pay hours above your CDHCI allocation, the tax credits above apply. But the starting point is always: maximize your CDHCI funding first.
Most Calgary families with a senior needing home care qualify. Find out in a free 15-minute call.
Free Assessment 📞 403-990-9821Before claiming a tax credit on home care costs, find out if your family qualifies for government-funded care at zero cost. Sagewell handles everything.
