Homecare Model Choices in Alberta
The first thing you need to know before accessing homecare is that you have choices! In Alberta, there are three publicly funded models, and one private option.
No one model is better than another. They all have merit and value, so you should choose the model that is best for your own needs. If you choose a model and don’t like it, don’t worry. You also have the right to change models if the one you are using is no longer working.
Lets walk through your options. If you are interested in a quick guide, follow the link here to a printable version: Homecare Models in Alberta
You have a world of choices in Alberta!
Traditional Model
The Traditional model is the model you will be offered automatically if you don’t ask about an alternate model. It is the largest and most accessed homecare model in Alberta, servicing thousands of people in the city of Edmonton alone.
In the traditional model, AHS awards contracts to private home care providers for specific geographical areas. Every community in Alberta has an assigned home care agency. Should you or your loved ones choose to go with the traditional model, your care will be assigned to whatever home care agency has the contract for the community you live in.
Homecare visits in this model range from 30 minutes to 24 hours in length. There is no cost for client to access this model, as it is completely funded by the government contracts.
Benefits to this model
Can accommodate short or frequent care needs (For example, 30 minute visits 4 times a day for toileting)
Zero cost for care
Families that do not have the desire or capacity to choose their own agency do not have to do so
Very large staffing pools available for care
Providers are contractually obligated to provide the authorized care
Drawbacks
Your staff will leave when they are done their tasks. There is no socialization built in or room for additional tasks
Staff see many clients in a day, sometimes up to 30 if they are in a facility. This can lead to time fluctuations. Therefore time specific visits are not able to be accommodated
No guaranteed choice of caregiver attributes such as gender, language preference, or personality traits
Caregiver consistency is not guaranteed- It should be noted, this is the number one complaint in the traditional model. 58% of Albertans receiving homecare feel unsatisfied with the number of different caregivers sent to their home*
Lower client satisfaction with the model (ranges between 50-70% depending on the agency you are assigned*)
Cannot “fire” your agency if you are unhappy with their care
Careplan is rigid and changes must be modified by a case manager
Since staff are paid once they complete tasks, not for time in the home, it can incentivize staff rushing
Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program
The client directed program allows clients and their families to choose their own approved private home care agency. This program is publicly funded, meaning the agency you choose will direct bill Blue cross for your care. If you are interested in this model, you should ask your case manager about it, otherwise it is likely not to be initially mentioned. This model is great for clients with complex care needs, clients who are lonely, and clients who need longer visits.
Benefits
Ability to choose caregiver attributes such as language, gender, and personality traits (for example, quiet and peaceful vs talkative and outgoing)
Ability to have time specific visits
Ability to have pets free during care
Careplans built with you, not for you
90% satisfaction rate (2019 pilot program results)
Can “Fire” your agency if you don’t like them
Consistency in caregivers and continuity of care can be guaranteed
Drawbacks
Minimum visit lengths (Range from 2-5 hours, again depending on what agency you select) meaning short visits are not accommodated in this model
Depending on agency selection, there may be a co-pay cost (Co-pay ranges from $0 up to $15/hr depending on what agency you select)
Self Managed Care
Self managed care allows families to hire their own staff, manage their own schedules, and create their own careplans. This model is typically the model of choice for younger people who have chronic illness. as it allows them the most autonomy over their care and staffing. If you are interested in self managed care, mention it to your case manager. They will not likely talk about it unless you inquire.
Benefits
Ability to choose caregiver attributes
Ability to have time specific visits
Ability to have pets free during care
Consistency in staffing
Create your own careplan and train your own staff
Drawbacks
Recruitment is your responsibility
Scheduling is your responsibility
No back up caregivers unless you hire them
Payroll is your responsibility, including WCB and payroll taxes
Funded at a lower rate than other models, meaning you may have trouble being competitive with your wages unless you are willing to supplement out of pocket
Private Care
You can always choose to forgo the public system, and hire a private agency to provide your care. This has all the benefits of the Client directed program, with the added bonus of being speedy in terms of getting care started. Agencies may be able to start private care same day if needed. Private care can prove costly rather quickly if you are not prepared, so I recommend every family explore their public funding options first. A good agency will always explain and help you exhaust public funding options before moving to private.
Benefits
Ability to choose caregiver attributes
Ability to have time specific visits
Ability to have pets during care
Consistency in staffing
Very fast start times (Could be same day)
Drawbacks
Care is not covered by the public model. This can be costly. Bill rates range from $32/hr to $56/hr
Minimum visit lengths (Ranges from 2 – 5 hours)
Unapproved agencies are not regulated
There is no one “right” model. If you need help choosing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to walk through your options. As always, we wayfind the healthcare system for all who reach out to us, whether you choose ember or not!
*Health Quality Council of Alberta (2019). The Alberta Home Care Client Experience Survey. The Alberta Home Care Client Experience Survey < Health Quality Council of Alberta (hqca.ca)