Using CDHCIP to Stay at Home: What Families Need to Know After Approval
By Renee Pasishnek • March 3rd, 2026
Being approved for the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCIP) is a big step – and for many families, it comes with a mix of relief and uncertainty.
If you’ve recently received approval (or are in the process), you may be wondering: What happens next? How do we use these hours? And how do we choose the right provider?
You’re not alone. This second part of our CDHCIP series is designed to walk you through the
next steps, answer common questions, and help you feel confident moving forward.
After CDHCIP Approval: What Happens Next?
Once you’re approved for CDHCIP, you’ll be given a maximum number of care hours each month based on your assessment. These hours can be used for approved services such as personal care, homemaking, and respite support.
One of the most important things to know is this: CDHCIP is client-directed. That means you get to choose the home care provider you trust – as long as they’re registered with Alberta Blue Cross.
You’re not locked in forever, and your care can evolve as your needs change. Approval doesn’t mean everything is decided – it simply means you now have choice and flexibility.
Making the Most of Your CDHCIP Hours
Many families are surprised to learn how flexible CDHCIP can be. Your approved monthly hours may be scheduled in ways that best support your day-to-day routines and evolving needs.
Some common ways families use their approved hours include:
- Using care hours to support daily living activities, such as personal care tasks (including
bathing, dressing, mobility, meals, or medication support) and, where appropriate,
approved homemaking support like cleaning, laundry, or garbage removal – based on
assessed needs. - Planning respite care ahead of time to support family caregivers, rather than waiting for moments of crisis.
- Adjusting schedules from month to month as routines, health needs, or levels of support change.
At Granddaughters Home Care, we believe care planning should feel supportive and thoughtful, not transactional, and that approach can make a meaningful difference in how confident and supported families feel.
Common CDHCIP Questions (Answered Simply!)
- Do I have flexibility in choosing my home care provider?
Yes. CDHCIP is a client-directed program, which means you have the ability to choose
an approved provider that best fits your needs. Many families find comfort in knowing they have options and support as their care journey evolves. - What services are covered through CDHCIP?
Coverage is based on your AHS assessment, but typically includes personal care, homemaking, and respite services. - What if my needs change over time?
Care plans are not static. If your needs increase, reassessments can be requested
through an AHS Case Manager. - Do unused hours roll over to the next month?
Hours are allocated monthly and do not carry forward, which is why thoughtful planning matters. - Do I need to manage billing or paperwork?
No. With CDHCIP, approved providers bill Alberta Blue Cross directly for covered
services, so families do not need to pay upfront or manage reimbursement paperwork. - What if I’m not sure what kind of support I need yet?
That’s very common. Care needs often become clearer over time, and having a provider
who takes the time to listen and plan alongside you can help ease the transition into care.
CDHCIP Works Best When Care is Personal
CDHCIP gives families choice – but the experience depends heavily on the provider you choose.
Consistency, communication, and clinical oversight all play a role in how successful care feels over the long term. Having a care team that truly understands your needs, checks in regularly, and adapts as life changes can bring peace of mind to both clients and their families.
How Granddaughters Home Care Supports CDHCIP Clients
Granddaughters Home Care is proud to be an approved CDHCIP provider. As a family-run agency, our approach is rooted in compassion, connection, and respect.
We support CDHCIP clients by:
- Helping families understand and navigate their approved hours
- Offering a free visit with a Clinical Care Specialist to create a care plan that fits your life
- Providing care from experienced Health Care Aides who deliver compassionate, reliable support and are backed by a supportive care team.
- Adapting care plans as needs change
- Billing Alberta Blue Cross directly – no paperwork or upfront costs
For us, caregiving is more than a service. It’s a relationship built on trust, dignity, and genuine care.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Home care decisions often come during stressful transitions. CDHCIP was created to reduce that stress – and having the right provider can make all the difference.
If you’ve been approved for CDHCIP (or are waiting for an assessment) and aren’t sure how to move forward, we’re happy to talk through next steps.
Call our office at <href=”tel403-453-9665>403-453-9665 to learn more or book a free visit. If you haven’t yet been assessed, you can call 811 to request an appointment with an AHS Case Manager.
With CDHCIP, you gain choice, flexibility, and peace of mind. And with Granddaughters Home Care, you’ll always feel at home – because your care should be personal, supportive, and empowering.