Alberta Health Services (AHS) is dedicated to supporting residents in maintaining their independence at home for as long as possible through the Home and Community Care Program. This program delivers essential personal and healthcare services directly to individuals in their homes and various community settings. The core philosophy of Alberta Health Services Home And Community Care Program centers on empowering clients to live better and stay longer in the comfort of their own homes. Access to Continuing Care Services, including this program, begins with an assessment conducted by a dedicated Case Manager.
What Exactly Does Home & Community Care Entail?
The Alberta Health Services Home and Community Care Program is a publicly funded initiative designed to provide vital personal and healthcare services. These services are available to Albertans of all ages who reside in private residences or supportive living environments such as retirement homes or lodges. The primary goal of home and community care is to empower individuals to maintain their well-being, safety, and independence within their familiar home environment for as long as realistically possible. This program operates on a philosophy that strongly emphasizes client independence, working in collaboration with and supplementing the crucial care and support already provided by families and broader community services.
Who Can Benefit from Home & Community Care?
Eligibility for an assessment for the Alberta Health Services Home and Community Care Program hinges on possessing a valid Alberta Health Care insurance plan number. The program is specifically designed to assist individuals with activities of daily living that they are unable to manage independently and lack support for from other sources. These activities often encompass essential tasks critical for safely maintaining independence, such as personal hygiene practices and effective medication management. The Alberta Health Services Home and Community Care Program steps in to bridge these gaps, ensuring individuals receive the necessary support to continue living independently.
Who Are the Caregivers in Home & Community Care?
Alberta Health Services directly provides healthcare services within the Home & Community Care Program or contracts with external healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care. These healthcare services are delivered by a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to supporting clients in their desire to remain living within their community. Depending on the specific needs of each individual, the care team may include a diverse range of specialists such as nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists, among others. Crucially, the client and their family are considered integral and active partners within this care team, fostering a collaborative approach to care planning and delivery.
It’s important to note that the Alberta Health Services Home and Community Care Program is designed to be a supportive resource, but it does not provide all services a client might require. However, a significant benefit of the program is its ability to guide clients in navigating and accessing other available supports within their community. A dedicated case manager plays a central role in this process, working directly with the client to thoroughly assess their needs and ensure seamless coordination of all aspects of their care and the services they receive.
Connecting with Home & Community Care in Your Area
For Albertans seeking to connect with the Alberta Health Services Home and Community Care Program, a simple first step is to contact 811. This will connect you directly to a home care office within your specific zone. Alternatively, you can utilize the provided phone numbers to reach a specific office in your vicinity for more localized support.
Zone-Specific Contact Information
Each contact number connects you with a healthcare professional ready to address your questions and provide detailed information on resources and supports available within your community. These professionals are available to discuss your healthcare needs, conduct a thorough assessment, and facilitate a referral to the most appropriate Alberta Health Services healthcare provider or service. Anyone seeking information or guidance is welcome to call.
If you are unsure which zone encompasses your community, you can easily find this information by visiting the AHS in My Zone website for a comprehensive zone map and details.
