The Complete Guide to Client Directed Home Care (CDHCI) in Alberta

Growing older isn't always what people expect.

Many Albertans picture themselves enjoying retirement, spending time with grandchildren, travelling, tending to their gardens, or simply relaxing in the comfort of the home they've worked so hard to build. Few imagine a future where getting dressed becomes difficult, preparing meals feels overwhelming, or recovering from surgery means depending on someone else for everyday tasks.

For family members, the journey often begins just as unexpectedly.

Sometimes it's a phone call after a fall.

Sometimes it's noticing unopened medication bottles on the kitchen counter.

Sometimes it's realizing Dad hasn't been grocery shopping in weeks, or Mom is struggling with tasks that once came so naturally.

These moments can bring uncertainty, worry, and countless questions.

• How much help do they need?
• Can they continue living safely at home?
• How do we pay for care?
• Where do we even begin?

The good news is that many Albertans may be eligible for publicly funded home care through Alberta Health Services (AHS). Even better, eligible families have the ability to choose their own approved home care provider through the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) program.

For many families, this provides something incredibly valuable: choice.

Instead of simply accepting whichever agency best fits the system, CDHCI allows families to select an approved provider that best fits their loved one.

At Thrive at Home Care, we've guided families through this process across Edmonton and surrounding communities. We understand that navigating Alberta's home care system can feel confusing, especially when you're already caring for someone you love.

This guide was created to change that.

Whether you're just beginning to explore home care, have recently been approved for services, or are comparing different providers, this resource will walk you through everything you need to know — from eligibility and funding to choosing the right agency for your family's unique needs.

Before we talk about funding or paperwork, it's worth talking about why home care matters in the first place.

For most people, home represents far more than four walls and a roof.

• It's where birthdays were celebrated.
• Where children grew up.
• Where favourite meals were cooked.
• Where holiday traditions were created.
• Where memories live.

As occupational therapists often remind clients, independence isn't simply about completing a task without assistance. It's about continuing to participate in the routines, relationships, and activities that give life meaning.

For one person, independence might mean watering flowers every morning. For another, it means enjoying coffee on the front porch. For someone else, it simply means sleeping in their own bed each night.

Research consistently shows that remaining at home, when safe and appropriate, can contribute to better emotional well-being, greater life satisfaction, and a stronger sense of dignity. That's exactly what Alberta's home care system is designed to support.

Client Directed Home Care Invoicing — commonly called CDHCI — is one of Alberta's publicly funded home care options.

If you're approved for home care services through Alberta Health Services, you may be eligible to choose an approved private home care provider instead of receiving services through AHS-contracted providers.

Think of CDHCI as giving families more flexibility while still receiving publicly funded support.

Your AHS Case Manager continues to assess your needs and determine what services are medically appropriate. They decide the number of funded hours and develop your care plan based on your health needs.

The difference is that you decide which approved provider delivers those services.

This means families can choose an agency whose values, communication style, availability, and caregivers best fit their circumstances. For many people, that additional choice provides greater confidence and continuity throughout their care journey.

Healthcare has gradually shifted toward something called person-centred care.

Rather than designing services around the healthcare system, person-centred care focuses on designing services around the individual.

No two people age in exactly the same way.

Two people may both need assistance with bathing, yet have completely different routines, personalities, cultural backgrounds, communication preferences, and family dynamics.

• One client might enjoy chatting over breakfast before beginning personal care.
• Another may value quiet mornings and minimal conversation.
• One family may prefer daily updates.
• Another may only want communication if something changes.

The CDHCI program recognizes that families should have the opportunity to choose a provider who understands those preferences and can deliver care in a way that feels respectful, familiar, and individualized.

That additional flexibility often leads to stronger relationships between caregivers and clients, greater consistency, and care that feels more personal.

This is one of the questions families ask most often.

• Both options provide publicly funded home care.
• Both begin with an assessment by an AHS Case Manager.
• Both are designed to help Albertans remain safely at home.

The primary difference lies in how care is delivered.

Every family's reasons are different, but some common themes include:

• They want to choose the organization providing care.
• They value building long-term relationships with a smaller care team.
• They appreciate having one primary point of contact for questions and scheduling.
• They prefer an agency whose philosophy aligns with their family's values.
• They want greater flexibility in how approved services are delivered within their care plan.

For many families, it's less about changing the services they receive and more about choosing who provides them.