Understanding Home Care Expenses in Alberta

One of the first things people ever ask about home care in Alberta is about the expenses that incur to facilitate the entire service. Roughly, home care in Alberta will run between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on the requirement, whether that is a higher level of care or just basic one. Companionship services or assisting the elderly with basic activities such as eating and bathing are at the lower end, whereas specialized medical services, like nursing or therapy services, usually cost more. Other influencing factors would include the extent of care applied and qualifications of the caregiver while also taking location into account because each region in Alberta will have different pricing. Another consideration would be agency versus independent caregivers. Agencies may incur additional fees for administrative support and supervision, whereas independent caregivers are often more flexible with pricing but less regulated. Knowing such considerations will help families better plan ahead as regards the financial impact of home care.

Extra Cost and Funding Possibilities

In addition to the hourly rate, there will be other expenses associated with home care.

These include travel expenses, equipment rentals, or specialty supplies. A few providers charge for assessments and care planning. If these add a fee, there is funding available through Alberta to assist with the cost. For instance, under the Alberta Aids to Daily Living program, costs for such required medical equipment and supplies are subsidized; under the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, cash benefits are provided to qualifying recipients. Many home care agencies offer sliding scale fees based on income. It is, therefore, crucial to seek and ask questions about the cost of care and all resources that are available to help families pay.

With this in mind, it is important to understand how expensive home care is in Alberta in terms of the kind of care and additional expenses tha