Deciding on the best care for an aging parent or spouse is one of the most significant choices families face. While long-term care facilities play a vital role, many families wonder if staying at home is a possibility. For many, the answer is a resounding yes, and often, it's the preferred option for a multitude of reasons.
The Comfort and Familiarity of Home
There's truly no place like home, especially when it comes to comfort and security. For seniors, staying in their familiar surroundings means maintaining a connection to their memories, routines, and treasured possessions. This sense of stability and belonging can significantly impact their overall well-being and emotional health.
Being at home allows individuals to keep their own schedule, eat their favourite meals, and spend time in their garden or with beloved pets. These seemingly small details contribute immensely to a higher quality of life and a greater sense of dignity.
Personalized, One-on-One Care
In a home care setting, your loved one receives focused, individualized attention from a dedicated caregiver. Unlike facilities where staff-to-resident ratios can vary, home care ensures that the care plan is tailored precisely to their unique needs, preferences, and daily routines.
This personalized approach means that support is always aligned with their specific requirements, whether it's help with personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, or companionship. The relationship built between a senior and their caregiver can be deeply meaningful, fostering trust and a strong sense of support.
Maintaining Independence and Dignity
One of the most profound benefits of home care is the ability for seniors to maintain a greater level of independence. They continue to make choices about their daily life, from when they wake up to what activities they pursue. This autonomy is crucial for their self-esteem and mental health.
Home care supports seniors in living their lives on their own terms, with assistance provided only where needed. This approach respects their dignity and empowers them to continue engaging with their community and hobbies, rather than conforming to an institutional schedule.
Did You Know? In Alberta, a home care case manager with Assisted Living Alberta (home care was formerly run by Alberta Health Services, or AHS) can assess your loved one's needs and determine eligibility for home care services. You can ask for an assessment yourself; no doctor's referral is needed. It's a great first step to understanding what options are available. Not sure who to call? Call us at 587.443.1888, any time. We'll give you the home care intake line for your area and explain what to ask before you call.
Stronger Family Connections and Peace of Mind
When a loved one receives care at home, family members often find it easier to stay involved in their care and daily life. You can visit freely, participate in activities, and have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in a comfortable, familiar environment with dedicated support.
Home care can also reduce the stress on family caregivers, allowing them to focus on quality time rather than the full burden of caregiving. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone feels supported and connected.
Understanding Funding and Support in Alberta
Navigating the costs of care can be a concern for many families. In Alberta, there are options to explore. The Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) program is one such avenue. It is for people living in their own home (generally not a lodge or supportive living) who, or whose family member, can direct their own care. A home care case manager assesses your loved one, decides how many hours to approve and whether client-directed care suits them. Your family then chooses the registered provider who delivers that care, and the provider invoices Alberta Blue Cross directly for the approved hours it delivers, so you are not invoiced for those hours.
Private care is also available now, on its own or on top of approved CDHCI hours. We give you a written quote before any care starts, and there is no extra charge for evenings, weekends or holidays. See how costs and visits work.
Important Note. This information is for general guidance only and is not medical advice. For urgent health concerns, please contact Health Link at 811 or 911. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare professional for personalized medical advice or changes to medication.
Understanding your eligibility and options through a home care assessment can help make home care a more accessible and sustainable choice for your family. It's always a good idea to research and discuss these options with a healthcare professional or your home care case manager.
How #1 Right Care Can Help
At #1 Right Care, we understand the importance of finding the right support for your loved ones. We are a locally owned home care agency in Alberta, serving Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Lethbridge. We believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity and comfort in their own home.
- We hand-match caregivers by personality, language, schedule and need, and if the match isn't right, we re-match at no extra cost.
- Our caregivers speak many languages, including Tagalog, Punjabi, Hindi, Spanish, Arabic and French, and we match by language wherever we can.
- Our phones are answered 24/7, and a coordinator calls you back within the hour, day or night, so you get the support you need quickly.
- If your loved one has approved CDHCI hours, we take care of the billing: as a registered CDHCI provider, we invoice Alberta Blue Cross directly for the approved hours we deliver, so you are not invoiced for those hours, and we give you a copy of every claim statement.
Let us help you explore whether home care is the right choice for your family. Call 587.443.1888, any time.
Not sure where to start?
Call #1 Right Care any time. We'll listen and help you understand your options — how client-directed home care (CDHCI) works and what to ask your home care case manager, or private care with a written quote before any care starts.
This article is general information for Alberta families, not medical advice. For health advice call Health Link at 811; in an emergency call 911. #1 Right Care provides home care across Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Lethbridge.
