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Alberta Homecare
Homecare is a publicly funded personal and healthcare services for clients of all ages living in a private residence or other setting, such as suites in a retirement residence or lodge. It assists people to remain well, safe and independent in their home for long as possible. Their philosophy promotes client independence, and supplements care and supports provided by families and community services. There are two types of Homecare, Type A (long-term care) and Type B (supportive living).
Website: https://www.
Homecare helps with activities of daily living that the client cannot do themselves or cannot get help with from another source. The services are covered are personal care, nursing care, rehabilitation services, and palliative care, nurse, social worker, OT, physiotherapist, (family and client are active members of care team), a large range of services but it is determined in your contract. AHS provides healthcare services or contracts other healthcare providers to provide car, a nurse, social worker, OT, physiotherapist, (family and client are active members of care team), health care aides, a case worker. You might not receive every service needed.
To be eligible for a Homecare assessment, you need a valid Alberta Health Care insurance plan number (aka healthcare card), your needs can be safely met in your home, you meet the requirements determined by an Alberta Health Services case manager. To access the services, see the continuing care directory below.
Continuing care directory: https://www.
To apply, call 811 (Or either Calgary numbers, 403-943-1920 (or) 1-888-943-1920) to initiate the process, and anyone can call (yourself, family) The Alberta Health Services professional will initiate the assessment for eligibility for home care services If eligible, an AHS. Caseworker will be assigned, and will create a personalized plan
Billing is largely done through CDHCI (client directed home care invoicing), which is submitted through direct billing of Blue Cross.
For more information, visit the Alberta Health Services website at https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/cc/page15488.aspx
Find a Family Doctor
There are a few different ways you can find a family doctor in Alberta. These are listed below. This information is from Alberta Health Services website.
Primary Care Alberta Search Tool
Use the Alberta Find a Doctor search tool provided by the Primary Care Networks to find a provider accepting new patients near you. Just enter your location, gender preferences, and any language preferences. You can also specify certain areas within Calgary/surrounding area. There are some that may offer online booking, dedicated walk-ins, virtual appointments and open after hours. Once you find one, you will find their contact information to book an appointment.
Website: https://albertafindadoctor.ca/
CPSA Physician Directory
Use the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta search tool to find practice information on any specialist or family doctor in Alberta. You can lookup by area, along with specific names of medical professionals. This may also be helpful to find a specific doctor or specialist.
Website: https://search.cpsa.ca/physiciansearch
Health Link
Call Health Link and you have options to speak with a variety of health care professionals including registered nurses, dietitians, dementia specialists and mental health and rehabilitation clinicians. We will help determine the best care for your individual situation. Based on the assessment of your symptoms, they are able to offer referrals to appropriate health care providers, clinics, and services, including some Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
Phone: 811
Website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/811/811.aspx
Get your Alberta Health Care Card
All Alberta residents are eligible for a Alberta Health Care Card. Your personal health card is essential for accessing and receiving insured health services offered in Alberta. It serves as proof you are eligible to receive full coverage for medically necessary physician services, insured hospital services, and some dental and oral surgical health services under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Before you can have access to a Health Care Card, you must be eligible and apply for AHCIP. Please review the eligibility requirements before applying at the link below.
See here for eligibility: https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-eligibility
To apply for AHCIP, you will need to fill out the application form. Below are the forms, along with a step-by-step guide to help fill out the application.
Application Form: https://formsmgmt.gov.ab.ca/Public/AHC0102.xdp
Application Form for Children of Non-Eligible Parents: https://cfr.forms.gov.ab.ca/form/ahc11455
Step-by-step guide to the application form: https://cfr.forms.gov.ab.ca/content/formopenhelp.html
Next, you will need supporting documents to show proof of Alberta residency, proof of identity, and legal entitlement to be and remain in Canada. See the website below for the full accepted types of supporting documents.
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-how-to-apply
After gathering all of your documents, you can submit the application. The application is accepted either through mail or in person.
In-person locator: https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-registry-locations
Mailing address: Alberta Health | Attention: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan | PO Box 1360, Station Main, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2N3
After completing all the steps, your application will be submitted. Once you are approved (in about 5 processing days), you will receive your Alberta Health Care Card in the mail and registered for AHCIP.
For more information, visit the Alberta Government website. https://www.alberta.ca/paper-health-card
Pediatric Community Rehabilitation (PCR)
The Pediatric Community Rehabilitation (PCR) is a FREE service offered through Alberta Health Services. Any child (0-18) with an Alberta Health Care Card can access the PCR. Referrals are no necessary.
The PCR supports the development of children and youth to participate in daily life both at home and in the community. The PCR focuses on early intervention to promote long term health and wellbeing. These professionals work with parents to provide tools to apply to daily life for their children. Services are provided by the phone, zoom, and in person, individually or in a group setting (as determined by your therapist). The professionals offered are an occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists. Social Work and Registered Dietitian services are available to support rehabilitation outcomes.
For more information, locations, information on contacting a PCR and access to one, visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?Id=1060203
Urgent Care Services
Urgent Care Services offers medical care for urgent, serious, or complex health concerns. Urgent Care offers services for people who have unexpected, but non life threatening concerns that require same day treatment. Providers in the Urgent Care Services can include doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners (NPs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Patients receive services according to the urgency of their health concern. Visit their website for service locations, and access to services.
Phone: 811
Website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?id=1003853
Estimated Wait Times: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/waittimes/Page14230.aspx