Understanding Alberta's Continuing Care System: A Plain-Language Guide for Families

When a parent starts needing more help at home, most families don't know where to begin. The Alberta care system has its own language — AHS, CDHC, ALA, continuing care — and it changed significantly in 2024. This guide breaks it down simply, so you can spend less time decoding acronyms and more time focusing on your loved one.

What Is Alberta's Continuing Care System?

Alberta Health Services (AHS) oversees a range of services designed to help Albertans live safely and independently. Under the Alberta Continuing Care Act, which came into effect April 1, 2024, these services are organized into two main streams.

The first is Home & Community Care — support delivered in your home or community. The second is Facility-Based Care — assisted living, long-term care, and hospice. For most families exploring options for a senior parent, Home & Community Care is the first and most important stream to understand.

What Is Home & Community Care?

Home & Community Care is publicly funded support for eligible Albertans living in a private residence. The idea is straightforward: help people stay well, safe, and independent at home for as long as possible.

To access it, your loved one needs a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan number. An AHS Case Manager will assess their needs and coordinate services — which can include personal care, nursing visits, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, and more.

What Is Client-Directed Home Care (CDHC)?

CDHC is a program within AHS Home & Community Care that gives eligible clients more say in who provides their care. Instead of being assigned a provider, you can choose your own — including BalaiCare — and AHS funds the approved hours directly.

This means a consistent caregiver, a provider that fits your family's culture and preferences, and more continuity over time. If your loved one is already receiving AHS Home Care, ask your Case Manager whether CDHC is an option. Many families don't know this choice exists.

What Changed Under the Alberta Continuing Care Act?

The Act came into effect April 1, 2024, and updated the language and framework for how continuing care is organized in the province. Some terminology changed — for example, what was previously called 'designated supportive living' now falls under updated categories in the Continuing Care Glossary.

The core services and eligibility criteria remain largely the same. But if you've been searching using older terms, you may find that some program names no longer match what's currently in place.

How to Get Started

If you think your loved one could benefit from home care support, the first step is to call Health Link at 811. A healthcare professional will connect you with the right AHS Home Care office in your zone and help initiate an assessment if appropriate.

Edmonton families can also call the local Home Care office directly at 780-496-1300. At BalaiCare, we're happy to walk you through the process — whether you're just starting to explore options or already have an AHS care plan in place.

Book a free consultation with BalaiCare to talk through your family's home care options in Alberta. [See our senior home care guide](/lp/senior-home-care-alberta?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=senior-home-care-alberta&utm_content=senior-continuing-care-alberta-guide&utm_term=continuing-care-alberta)