Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) is giving Alberta families more choice and control when it comes to senior care. By shifting away from traditional agency-only models and allowing families to choose their preferred care providers, CDHCI empowers seniors to remain in their homes while receiving tailored care. This ultimate guide is for families and seniors who want to understand the full CDHCI process—how it works, who qualifies, and how to navigate invoicing with confidence.

What is Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI)?

Definition of CDHCI

CDHCI stands for Client Directed Home Care Invoicing. It is a home care funding model in Alberta that allows eligible clients to choose an approved service provider, like Compassion Senior Care, to deliver personal support, homemaking, and respite services. The provider then bills Alberta Blue Cross directly on behalf of the client.

How CDHCI Fits into Alberta’s Health Care System

CDHCI is administered through Alberta Health Services (AHS). Seniors are assessed by an AHS case manager, who determines eligibility and the number of care hours approved per week. It offers a middle ground between fully government-managed care and self-managed care.

Benefits of the CDHCI Model

• Choice: Clients select the provider that best meets their needs. 
• Flexibility: Care plans and schedules can be adapted. 
• Empowerment: Families maintain involvement without taking on the burden of full administration. 

Who Qualifies for CDHCI in Alberta?

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, a senior must:

• Be a resident of Alberta 
• Undergo an AHS assessment that identifies the need for ongoing home care 
• Require services such as personal care, homemaking, or respite support 

Types of Care Covered Under CDHCI

• Personal Care: Bathing, grooming, dressing, hygiene 
• Homemaking: Meal prep, laundry, light cleaning 
• Respite Care: Temporary relief for primary caregivers 

Seniors vs. Family Caregivers: Who Can Manage CDHCI?

While the care recipient is the official client, family members often manage the day-to-day coordination and communication with the provider. AHS allows caregivers to be involved in planning, but services must be delivered by a qualified agency.

How the CDHCI Invoicing Process Works (Step-by-Step)

Setting Up Your Client-Directed Account with AHS

1. Request an assessment from Alberta Health Services 
2. Work with a case manager to determine your eligibility and approved hours 
3. Select an approved provider, such as Compassion Senior Care 

Hiring a Caregiver

• Services are provided through the approved agency 
• Families can help choose caregivers from the agency’s team 

Tracking Care Hours and Services Provided

• The provider keeps logs of each visit, time spent, and type of care 
• Families are welcome to stay involved and verify the information regularly 

Submitting Invoices to AHS

• The provider prepares and submits invoices directly to Alberta Blue Cross 
• Clients do not have to complete or submit paperwork 

Receiving Reimbursement or Direct Payment

In CDHCI, there is no reimbursement to the client. Instead, Alberta Blue Cross pays the provider directly for the services delivered.

Tools and Templates to Streamline Invoicing

While families do not need to create invoices themselves, providers like Compassion Senior Care use custom tools to ensure accuracy and compliance. These include care logs, time tracking systems, and documentation templates.

Common Challenges Seniors and Families Face with CDHCI

Understanding Government Paperwork and Policies

Many families find the AHS system confusing, especially when transitioning from agency care or private care. Policies around eligibility, care hours, and documentation are not always easy to interpret.

Time-Consuming Invoice Preparation

For families choosing the self-managed care option (not CDHCI), managing invoices and submitting claims can be overwhelming. That’s why CDHCI is a preferred alternative—when paired with a reliable provider.

Mistakes That Lead to Delays or Rejections

Even in CDHCI, provider-prepared invoices must match AHS records. Errors in care logs, missing details, or timing discrepancies can cause payment delays.

Lack of Digital Tools or Invoice Support

Families unfamiliar with the invoicing process may worry about missing documentation. Professional providers take this burden off their shoulders.

How Professional CDHCI Invoicing Services Help

Why Many Families Choose to Outsource Invoicing

CDHCI clients are not responsible for submitting their own invoices—but they are responsible for choosing a provider that does it right. That’s why many rely on experienced agencies with built-in billing systems.

What a Professional CDHCI Service Does

• Tracks daily care activities and service hours 
• Prepares and submits invoices to Alberta Blue Cross 
• Ensures compliance with AHS documentation standards 

Saving Time and Reducing Stress for Families

Instead of navigating complex policies and keeping track of hours, families can focus on their loved one’s well-being. The provider manages everything behind the scenes.

Ensuring Fast, Accurate Payments

Professional services know what AHS and Alberta Blue Cross look for in invoices. This reduces delays and ensures smooth payments.

Real Example

One Calgary family found themselves overwhelmed with self-managed care. They switched to CDHCI through Compassion Senior Care, who took over care delivery and invoicing. Payments were processed on time, and the family gained peace of mind knowing everything was handled professionally.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) and CDHCI Support

AHS Contact Points for CDHCI Queries

• Health Link Alberta: Call 811 for general inquiries 
• AHS Case Managers: Assigned directly once an assessment is scheduled 

How AHS Monitors and Evaluates CDHCI Invoicing

AHS audits providers to ensure care is being delivered and billed correctly. Agencies must keep records and submit reports when requested.

Official AHS CDHCI Resources

• AHS Home Care Programs 
• CDHCI Overview 

How Compassion Senior Care Supports CDHCI Clients in Alberta

Our Experience with Client Directed Invoicing

Compassion Senior Care is an AHS-approved provider with deep experience in CDHCI. We understand the process, know how to manage documentation, and support both seniors and their families every step of the way.

Services We Provide to Seniors and Families

• Full personal care and homemaking services 
• Respite for family caregivers 
• Complete invoicing and record-keeping 
• Coordination with your AHS case manager 

Why Clients Trust Compassion Senior Care

• Local presence in Alberta 
• Responsive and caring team 
• Clear communication and transparency 
• Proven track record with CDHCI invoicing 

How to Start

It’s easy to begin with us:

1. Contact us for a free consultation 
2. We help you connect with AHS and navigate the approval process 
3. Once approved, we start care and handle all invoicing moving forward 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I apply for CDHCI in Alberta?
Start by contacting Alberta Health Services to request a home care assessment. A case manager will guide you from there.

Q2: Can I pay a family member using CDHCI?
Under CDHCI, care must be delivered by certified aides through an approved provider. Family members are not typically paid unless they are employed by a provider.

Q3: What are the timelines for invoice processing?
Invoices submitted properly are typically processed by Alberta Blue Cross within 2–4 weeks.

Q4: Is there a limit to how much I can claim?
You can only claim services approved by your AHS case manager. Each client has a set number of funded hours.

Q5: Can I switch from agency care to CDHCI?
Yes. If you’re receiving traditional AHS-managed care, you can request to move to CDHCI and select a provider like Compassion Senior Care.

Conclusion: Empowering Seniors and Families with CDHCI

Client Directed Home Care Invoicing gives Alberta families the power to choose care that fits their lifestyle—without the administrative burden. By partnering with experienced providers like Compassion Senior Care, seniors can remain in their homes with confidence, dignity, and trusted support.

Need help with CDHCI invoicing? Contact Compassion Senior Care today for expert guidance and personalized support across Alberta.