Client-Directed Home Care (CDHC) is a program offered in Alberta, Canada, designed to give individuals more control over their home care services. It allows clients to manage their own care services, including hiring and managing their own caregivers.

Eligibility for CDHC is determined by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and is typically for individuals who require home care services due to illness, injury, or disability and who are capable of managing their own care or have a designated representative who can assist them.

To see if you qualify, simply talk to a caseworker through AHS or call 811.

Unlike traditional home care services where AHS arranges and manages caregivers, CDHC empowers clients to hire and manage their own caregivers. This gives clients greater flexibility and control over the type and timing of care they receive.

CDHC covers a range of home care services, including personal care (such as bathing and grooming), homemaking (meal preparation, medication management) and respite care (nursing care and assistance with daily activities).

Funding for CDHC is provided by AHS through a direct funding agreement with eligible clients. Clients will be allocated a maximum number of hours of care per month based on their assessed needs.

No, family members, including spouses, adult children, and other relatives, cannot be hired as caregivers under CDHC.

Clients are responsible for managing their own care, which includes recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising caregivers, as well as developing care plans and managing the budget provided by AHS. Clients are also responsible for complying with program guidelines and reporting requirements.

CDHC funds can only be used to purchase approved home care services and supplies that are necessary to meet the client's assessed needs. Clients must adhere to program guidelines and may be subject to audits to ensure proper use of funds.

To apply for CDHC, individuals can contact Alberta Health Services or their designated case manager to initiate the assessment process. AHS will assess the individual's eligibility and care needs to determine if they qualify for the program.

Clients, family, friends or health professionals can contact 811 to be connected to a home care office for further information regarding the CDHCI program.

For more information about CDHC, including eligibility criteria, application process, and program guidelines, individuals can visit the Alberta Blue Cross website or contact Alberta Health Services directly.