In 2025, advocacy groups including Friends of Medicare sounded the alarm: 127,000 Albertans rely on Alberta Health Services (AHS) home care annually, but many are experiencing unmet care needs, out-of-pocket costs, and reliance on unpaid family caregivers. For Calgary seniors and their families, this means waiting weeks or months for AHS assessments, only to receive limited hours that don't meet their actual care requirements.
The petition, which has garnered over 37,000 signatures, highlights a critical gap: while AHS home care is designed to support seniors aging in place, the system is struggling to meet demand. Many Calgary families are discovering that private home care services offer a faster, more flexible alternative while they wait for AHS support—or as a permanent solution that fills the gaps in public care.
To access AHS home care in Calgary, seniors must first undergo a health assessment. However, these assessments can take weeks or months to schedule, leaving families without support during critical transition periods—especially after hospital discharge or when a senior's condition suddenly changes.
Even after approval, AHS home care typically provides limited hours (often 2-4 hours per week) focused on specific medical tasks. For seniors with dementia, mobility challenges, or complex needs, this may not be enough. Many Calgary families find themselves supplementing AHS care with private services or relying on unpaid family members to fill the gaps.
While AHS works through its assessment backlog and service limitations, private home care agencies in Calgary like TheKey Calgary can provide immediate, comprehensive support that isn't constrained by AHS waitlists or hour limitations.
Many Calgary families are discovering that the most effective strategy combines AHS and private care:
This "hybrid" model ensures your loved one receives comprehensive support while maximizing available funding options.
AHS home care is income-tested, meaning costs vary based on your financial situation. However, even subsidized care comes with limitations:
For many Calgary seniors, supplementing AHS care with private home care services provides the comprehensive support needed to age safely at home.
Wait times vary, but many Calgary families report waiting 4-8 weeks for an initial AHS assessment. During this waiting period, private home care in Calgary can provide immediate support.
Yes. Many families use private home care services during the AHS assessment wait period, then transition to a hybrid model once AHS care begins. You can maintain your AHS assessment for medical services while using private care for daily living support.
Costs vary based on care needs and hours required. Many families find that private home care in Calgary is more affordable than expected, especially when compared to the cost of moving to a continuing care facility. Some services may also be tax-deductible as medical expenses.
Foothills Medical Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, and Peter Lougheed Centre all coordinate with home care services for discharge planning. Private home care agencies in Calgary can work directly with hospital discharge planners to facilitate safe transitions home.
If your loved one needs immediate support or AHS home care hours aren't meeting their needs, our Calgary Care Managers can create a personalized care plan that ensures comprehensive support.
Speak with a Calgary Care Expert about bridging the gap while waiting for AHS home care or supplementing limited AHS hours.
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