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

Everything you need to know about CDHCI—eligibility, covered services, step-by-step process, and how Pinnacle Age Well simplifies your home care journey. What is Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI)? Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) is an Alberta Health Services (AHS) program that allows individuals and families to choose and manage their own registered service…

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Everything you need to know about CDHCI—eligibility, covered services, step-by-step process, and how Pinnacle Age Well simplifies your home care journey.


What is Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI)?



Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) is an Alberta Health Services (AHS) program that allows individuals and families to choose and manage their own registered service provider agency for home care needs. Unlike traditional models, where AHS assigns providers, CDHCI gives you flexibility and control over care delivery.


How It Works:

1

AHS approves care hours and reimbursement rates through a Service Care Plan.

2

Clients hire a registered service provider agency.

3

Providers submit invoices directly to Alberta Blue Cross for reimbursement.


CDHCI combines the freedom to choose your care with the convenience of managed invoicing, creating a solution that empowers clients while removing administrative burdens.

Who is Eligible for CDHCI?

To qualify for CDHCI, you must:

1

Be assessed by AHS for Home and Community Care services.

2

Require a predictable level of care or have specific needs such as:

  • Short-term intensive care (e.g., hospital discharge support).
  • Overnight care or end-of-life care.
  • Respite care for unpaid caregivers.
  • Language or cultural preferences.

3

Be able or appoint someone (a CDHCI Manager) to manage your care and provider relationship.


What Services are Covered Under CDHCI?


Personal Care

• Bathing, dressing, and toileting.

• Mobility support and transfers.

• Nutrition assistance, meal prep, and medication reminders.


Homemaking

• Cleaning essential areas (bathrooms, kitchen, mobility equipment).

• Laundry for incontinence care.

Respite Care

• Temporary care during the day, evening, or overnight to support family caregivers.

What’s Not Covered?

Hours exceeding the approved monthly allocation.

Charges above AHS hourly reimbursement rates.

Supplies, travel time, and services provided outside Alberta.

How to Apply for CDHCI: Step-by-Step

1. Assessment

• Contact AHS for a Home Care assessment.

• An AHS Case Manager determines your care needs and prepares a Service Care Plan.

2. Approval Letter

• Alberta Blue Cross issues an Approval Letter with:

• Authorized hours per month.

• Hourly reimbursement rate.

3. Choose Your Service Provider

• Select a registered provider from the Alberta Blue Cross list.

• Confirm availability, hourly rates, and minimum visit requirements.

4. Care Delivery and Invoicing

• The provider delivers services based on your care plan.

• The agency submits invoices directly to Alberta Blue Cross.

5. Ongoing Care Monitoring

• Communicate with your AHS Case Manager to update your care plan as needs change.

Benefits of CDHCI

✅ Client Freedom and Choice

Choose a registered provider that aligns with your preferences (cultural, language, or care quality).

✅ Personalized Scheduling

Coordinate care times directly with your provider for better flexibility.

✅ Respite for Family Caregivers

CDHCI supports family caregivers with relief services tailored to their schedules.

✅ Empowerment without Administrative Burden

Unlike Self-Managed Care, CDHCI allows clients to direct care without managing payroll or contracts.


How to Choose the Right Service Provider


Choosing the right agency is critical for quality care under CDHCI. Here’s what to consider:

1

Registered with Alberta Blue Cross: Ensure the provider is approved.

Blue Cross CDHCI Provider

2

Caregiver Expertise: Confirm that staff are qualified and trained for personal care.

3

Rates and Fees:

  • Check hourly rates align with AHS reimbursement.
  • Ask about extra charges for travel, holidays, or minimum service hours.

4

Cultural Alignment: Choose caregivers who understand your family’s language or cultural needs.

5

References and Reviews: Verify the provider’s reputation for reliability and compassionate care.

Why Choose Pinnacle Age Well for CDHCI?

At Pinnacle Age Well, we make navigating CDHCI simple and stress-free. As an AHS-certified home care provider, we are trusted by families across Alberta to deliver high-quality, flexible care.

Here’s How We Help You:

  • CDHCI Expertise: We walk you through the approval process and assist with care coordination.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Our caregivers match your language, lifestyle, and cultural needs.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Care that works around your schedule—daytime, overnight, or respite care.
  • Transparent Pricing: No surprises—our rates align with AHS-approved reimbursements.
  • Consistent Caregivers: Build trust and familiarity with the same team of professionals.

“Pinnacle Age Well made the CDHCI process easy for us. Their caregivers are reliable, compassionate, and flexible. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for personalized care.”

What Our Clients Say

FAQs About CDHCI

1. How do I know if I qualify for CDHCI?

Contact AHS for an assessment. Eligibility depends on your care needs and ability to manage the process.

2. What happens if my care needs change?

Your AHS Case Manager will reassess your Service Care Plan and adjust the hours as needed.

3. Can I choose any service provider?

You must select from the Alberta Blue Cross list of registered providers.

4. Do unused hours carry over?

No, any unused care hours do not roll into the next month.

5. How does Pinnacle Age Well support CDHCI clients?

We simplify care coordination, offer personalized care, and handle the invoicing process seamlessly.


Conclusion: Start Your CDHCI Journey with Pinnacle Age Well

CDHCI offers unmatched flexibility, choice, and empowerment for individuals needing home care in Alberta. Whether you’re transitioning home from the hospital, need respite care, or want culturally sensitive services, Pinnacle Age Well is here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Contact Pinnacle Age Well Today to learn how we can help you with Client Directed Home Care Invoicing:

Experience compassionate care, delivered on your terms—trust Pinnacle Age Well.