Calgary's AHS Home Care Crisis: 127,000 Albertans Waiting for Support

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.

The AHS Home Care Assessment Waitlist Problem

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.

The Reality of AHS Home Care Hours

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.

Why Private Home Care in Calgary Fills the Gap

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.

Immediate Availability: Unlike AHS assessments that can take weeks, private home care in Calgary can typically start within 24-48 hours of your call.
Flexible Hours: We provide as many hours as needed—from a few hours per week to 24/7 support—without the restrictions of AHS care plans.
Comprehensive Services: Beyond medical tasks, we offer companionship, meal preparation, transportation, and cognitive engagement that AHS home care doesn't typically cover.
Consistent Caregivers: We match clients with caregivers who build long-term relationships, reducing anxiety and improving care quality.

The Hybrid Approach: AHS + Private Home Care in Calgary

Many Calgary families are discovering that the most effective strategy combines AHS and private care:

Maintain your AHS assessment for medical services (nursing, physiotherapy) that are well-supported by the public system.
Use private home care for daily living support (meal preparation, companionship, personal care, transportation) where AHS hours fall short.
Bridge the waiting period while you wait for your AHS assessment or additional hours to be approved.

This "hybrid" model ensures your loved one receives comprehensive support while maximizing available funding options.

Understanding AHS Home Care Funding in Calgary

AHS home care is income-tested, meaning costs vary based on your financial situation. However, even subsidized care comes with limitations:

Hour Restrictions: AHS typically approves 2-4 hours per week, which may not meet your actual needs.
Task-Oriented Care: Services focus on specific medical tasks rather than comprehensive daily support.
Geographic Constraints: AHS caregivers may have large service areas, leading to inconsistent scheduling or cancellations.

For many Calgary seniors, supplementing AHS care with private home care services provides the comprehensive support needed to age safely at home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Care in Calgary

How long is the wait for an AHS home care assessment in Calgary?

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.

Can I use private home care while waiting for AHS approval?

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.

How much does private home care cost in Calgary?

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.

Which Calgary hospitals work with home care for discharge planning?

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.

Don't Wait for AHS Approval

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.