Alberta Health Services (AHS) is dedicated to supporting seniors in maintaining their independence and well-being within the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. The Ahs Home Care Program For Seniors is designed to provide publicly funded personal and healthcare services to eligible individuals living in private residences, retirement homes, or lodges. This program aims to empower seniors to live better and stay longer in their homes by offering assistance and supplementing the support already provided by families and community services.
What Exactly is the AHS Home Care Program for Seniors?
The AHS Home Care Program for Seniors is a publicly funded initiative focused on delivering essential personal and healthcare services directly to seniors in their homes or other community settings. It’s built on a philosophy that prioritizes client independence, aiming to provide the right support at the right time to enable seniors to remain safe, healthy, and independent. This program isn’t designed to replace family or community support, but rather to work alongside these existing networks, filling in gaps and ensuring comprehensive care. The ultimate goal is to help seniors avoid or delay the need for more intensive care settings by proactively addressing their needs in their familiar home environment.
Who is Eligible for the AHS Home Care Program for Seniors?
Eligibility for the AHS Home Care Program for Seniors starts with a simple requirement: a valid Alberta Health Care insurance plan number. Beyond this, the program is designed to assist seniors who require help with activities of daily living. These are fundamental tasks necessary for maintaining independence and safety, such as personal hygiene, medication management, and other essential self-care activities. The program steps in when a senior is unable to perform these activities independently and lacks sufficient support from other sources. An assessment by a dedicated AHS Case Manager is required to determine the specific needs and eligibility for services under the program.
What Services are Provided and Who Delivers the Care?
The AHS Home Care Program for Seniors offers a range of healthcare services delivered by a team of skilled professionals. This team may include nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists, among others, depending on the individual needs of the senior. AHS directly provides these healthcare services or contracts with other reputable healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and quality care. The senior and their family are considered integral partners in the care team, actively participating in care planning and decisions. While the program doesn’t cover every possible service a senior might need, it acts as a central point of contact, helping to navigate and connect clients with other necessary community supports and resources. A Case Manager plays a crucial role in this process, assessing needs, coordinating care, and ensuring a holistic approach to supporting the senior’s well-being at home.
Accessing the AHS Home Care Program for Seniors in Your Zone
To access the AHS Home Care Program for Seniors, Albertans can easily connect with their local services. A simple call to 811 will connect you to a home care office within your specific zone. Alternatively, you can directly contact the home care office in your zone using the phone numbers provided by AHS. These phone lines are staffed by healthcare professionals ready to answer your questions, provide detailed information about available resources and supports in your community, and discuss your healthcare needs. They can also conduct an initial assessment and facilitate a referral to the most appropriate AHS healthcare provider or service. Remember, anyone can call for information, whether you are a senior yourself, a family member, or a caregiver seeking support. If you are unsure of your zone, the AHS website provides a helpful “AHS in My Zone” tool to quickly identify your correct zone and the corresponding contact information.
