AHS Home Care Is Now Assisted Living Alberta — What Edmonton Families Need to Know

If you have been searching for home care in Edmonton, you may have noticed something has changed. Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been restructured. The programs that cover home care, continuing care, and community support now fall under a new provincial agency called Assisted Living Alberta — or ALA.

This is a big change in how Alberta's health care system is organized. But for families who rely on funded home care, the most important question is simple: does anything actually change for you? Here is what you need to know.

What Is Assisted Living Alberta (ALA)?

Assisted Living Alberta is a new provincial agency. It was created as part of a broader reorganization of Alberta's health care system.

The province split its health services into four separate areas: Acute Care Alberta handles hospitals and emergency care. Primary Care Alberta covers family doctors and primary health services. Recovery Alberta manages addiction and mental health services. And Assisted Living Alberta — ALA — now oversees home care, continuing care, and community support.

ALA took over the programs that were previously managed under Alberta Health Services. This includes home care, continuing care homes, and community-based support services.

What Did AHS Home Care Cover?

Under AHS, Albertans could access publicly funded home care through a program called Client-Directed Home Care — or CDHC. This program let eligible Albertans choose their own approved home care provider, rather than being assigned one. AHS would then fund the approved hours of care directly.

CDHC has been one of the most important funding options for Edmonton families. It covers personal care, companionship, nursing support, and help with homemaking — all in your own home.

What Changes Under ALA?

The short answer: not much changes for families. The transition to Assisted Living Alberta is designed to improve services — not disrupt them. ALA has stated directly: "The transition of services to Assisted Living Alberta will enhance existing supports and programs and will not interrupt the important services people rely on."

CDHC funding continues. The program still exists. Eligible Albertans can still direct their funded hours to an approved provider like BalaiCare.

Health Link 811 is still your first call. Whether you need home care information, a referral, or health advice — 811 remains the entry point, available 24 hours a day.

Case managers continue their role. An ALA case manager will still assess your needs and determine your approved hours and services.

BalaiCare remains an approved provider. Our registration and approval to deliver CDHC-funded care carries forward under ALA.

The main change is the name on the door and the organizational structure behind it. The programs, the funding, and the people delivering care remain in place.

What Does ALA Actually Provide?

Assisted Living Alberta oversees a wide range of services for older adults, Albertans with disabilities, and vulnerable populations.

These services include home and community care — personal care, nursing, therapy, and homemaking in your own home. They also include continuing care homes such as supportive living and long-term care facilities. Medical and non-medical supports are available depending on your assessed needs. And social services are in place to help people maintain their independence and quality of life.

How to Access ALA-Funded Home Care in Edmonton

The process for accessing funded home care has not changed significantly. Here are the steps:

Step 1 — Call Health Link at 811. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is staffed by registered nurses. You can request a home care referral or ask about your options.

Step 2 — Ask your doctor or hospital discharge planner. They can submit a referral to ALA on your behalf.

Step 3 — ALA Assessment. A case manager will visit your home to assess your needs and determine your eligibility and approved hours.

Step 4 — Choose BalaiCare as your provider. Under CDHC, you direct your approved hours to the provider of your choice. BalaiCare is a registered, nurse-owned CDHC provider in Edmonton.

Step 5 — Care begins. ALA pays your provider directly for approved hours. There is no cost to you for funded hours.

For general inquiries about ALA programs, you can also contact: [email protected]

What About FSCD?

FSCD — Family Support for Children with Disabilities — is a separate Alberta government program. It is administered through Alberta Children's Services and is not part of the ALA restructuring.

If your family accesses FSCD funding for home care or respite, that program and its processes remain unchanged.

What This Means for BalaiCare Families

At BalaiCare, we have been following this transition closely. Our team is already familiar with the new ALA structure. We are here to help you navigate it — whether you are accessing funded care for the first time or transitioning from an existing AHS care plan.

If you have questions about how the ALA transition affects your current care arrangement, we are happy to walk you through it. No jargon. No pressure. Just clear answers.

Call us at 780-777-2388 or book a free consultation below. Our nurse-led team will help you understand your options and get the care your family deserves.