What Exactly is the AHS Home Care Program?
The AHS Home Care Program provides essential personal and healthcare services funded by the public for Albertans of all ages. These services are available whether you reside in a private home or another community setting. The core aim of the program is to empower individuals to remain healthy, safe, and self-sufficient in their own homes for as long as realistically possible. It’s built on a foundation that champions client autonomy, supplementing the vital care and assistance already offered by families and the broader community network.
Who is Eligible for AHS Home Care Services?
To determine if you are eligible for an assessment for the AHS Home Care Program, you will need a valid Alberta Health Care insurance plan number. The program is designed to assist with activities of daily living that an individual cannot manage on their own and lacks support for from other sources. These activities are often crucial for safely maintaining independence, and can include assistance with personal hygiene or medication management. The AHS home care program focuses on providing support where it is most needed to ensure Albertans can continue living in their homes comfortably and safely.
Who Delivers Care Through the AHS Home Care Program?
AHS directly provides healthcare services through the Home Care Program or contracts with other qualified healthcare providers to deliver care. These services are delivered by a team of skilled professionals dedicated to supporting clients in their community living. Depending on your specific needs, your care team might include a diverse range of specialists such as nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists, among others. Importantly, the client and their family are considered active and integral partners within this care team, ensuring a collaborative approach to healthcare.
It’s important to note that while the AHS Home Care Program offers substantial support, it may not cover every service a client might require. However, the program is designed to help clients navigate and connect with other available community supports. A dedicated case manager is assigned to work directly with each client. This case manager plays a crucial role in assessing the client’s needs and ensuring comprehensive coordination of all care and services, acting as a central point of contact and support.
Accessing AHS Home Care Program Information
For Albertans seeking more information or wanting to connect with the AHS Home Care Program, contacting 811 is a direct route to your local home care office. Alternatively, you can use specific phone numbers provided for offices in your zone to inquire about resources and supports available in your community. Healthcare professionals staff these contact points and are ready to answer your questions, provide detailed information, and discuss your healthcare needs. They can also conduct assessments and make referrals to the most appropriate AHS healthcare provider or service. Anyone in Alberta can call for information, making it a readily accessible resource for all. If you are unsure of your zone, the AHS website provides a helpful “AHS in My Zone” tool for easy identification.
