How to Get a Senior a Continuing Care Case Manager in Calgary (AHS): Step by Step
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CALGARY • AHS • CONTINUING CARE • CASE MANAGER • HOME CARE • SUPPORTIVE LIVING A practical Calgary guide to starting the AHS continuing care process, understanding what a Case Manager does, and preparing for the first call and assessment. Medical note: Educational only, not medical advice. For urgent safety concerns, call 911. For guidance in Alberta, call Health Link 811. |
If you want publicly funded support in Alberta, home care, a continuing care assessment, supportive living (Type B), or long-term care (Type A), the first gate is usually the same: you need to be connected to a continuing care Case Manager through AHS. Families get stuck here because nobody tells you the process plainly. You hear “call home care,” “ask for continuing care,” “get on a list,” “talk to a case manager,” and it all sounds like different systems. It’s one pathway with a few entry points, and in Calgary there is a straightforward place to start. This guide explains what a Case Manager does, who can request an assessment, how to start the process in Calgary, and what to have ready so the conversation reflects what’s actually happening at home.
Quick Takeaway
Who This Is For
This is for Calgary families trying to figure out the first step toward home care, supportive living, long-term care, or a continuing care assessment through AHS. WHAT A CONTINUING CARE CASE MANAGER DOESAHS describes continuing care access as beginning with an assessment. The Case Manager is the person who completes that assessment and helps determine what supports fit best. That might include services that help someone remain as independent as possible at home. It can also include planning for a higher level of support when needs increase. Important practical point: If your loved one lives at home, AHS says the assessment is done in the home, and that assessing at home is the best option to determine care needs. WHO CAN REQUEST AN ASSESSMENTIn Alberta, you can start the process yourself. AHS says you can self-refer, or be referred, if you live in Alberta and have an Alberta Health Care number or valid Alberta health insurance coverage. If you’re calling for a parent, spouse, or loved one, you can still initiate the process. As long as the client agrees, anyone can make the referral. If your loved one cannot easily manage phone calls, details, or consent conversations, call anyway and ask intake what they need in order to speak with you as the family contact. WHERE TO START IN CALGARYFor Calgary families, AHS lists Community Care Access (Central Intake) as the entry point for referral to Calgary Zone Home Care and continuing care homes. CALGARY COMMUNITY CARE ACCESS (AHS) Phone: 403-943-1920 AHS also notes an estimated wait time will be provided at the time of appointment booking. IF YOUR LOVED ONE IS IN HOSPITAL RIGHT NOWAHS states that if an assessment is needed while someone is in hospital, an onsite Transition Coordinator may act as the Case Manager until discharge from acute care. AHS also states that if the person is in hospital and not yet able to go home for an in-home assessment, the assessment can be completed by a member of the healthcare team. Practical takeaway: if discharge is being discussed, start asking about the continuing care pathway early. It reduces the scramble that happens when everyone is tired and time is short. WHAT TO HAVE READYHelpful examples to have ready:
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU REACH OUTAfter intake, AHS will determine next steps and arrange an assessment. If the person lives at home, the assessment is generally done in the home. From there, the Case Manager helps determine what level of support fits the person’s needs and situation. IF DEMENTIA IS PART OF THE SITUATIONIf behaviour is changing, especially late afternoon or overnight, do not wait for the perfect appointment to ask for help. For guidance, call Health Link 811. AHS offers Dementia Advice through 811 where you can speak with a dementia specialist for advice, support, and connection to resources. COMMON SNAGS
If your loved one “performs well” in appointments, bring a short snapshot of what’s happening at home, with a few clear examples, times of day, and safety concerns. HOW WE HELPWe help Calgary families compare senior living options, understand next-step decisions, and get more organized before those high-pressure calls and assessments. We do not replace AHS, a physician, or a hospital team. We help families think clearly about the living option side so they can move forward with more confidence. FAQCAN I CALL FOR MY PARENT OR SPOUSE?Yes. AHS states that anyone can initiate the process, as long as the client agrees. If your loved one struggles with phone calls or details, call anyway and ask intake what they need to document consent and family contact in your situation.
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL FIRST?Not usually. AHS states no referral is necessary to start the process and get a Case Manager assigned to begin an assessment.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT?It varies. AHS notes an estimated wait time will be provided at the time of appointment booking. Timing depends on assessed need and system capacity.
WHAT IF MY LOVED ONE “PERFORMS WELL” IN APPOINTMENTS?That’s common. The best move is to bring a short snapshot of what’s happening at home, with a few clear examples, times of day, and safety concerns. This helps the assessment reflect daily reality.
WHAT IF THIS STARTED AFTER A HOSPITAL STAY?AHS notes that if an assessment is needed while someone is in hospital, a Transition Coordinator may act as the Case Manager until discharge, and assessment can be completed by a member of the healthcare team if the person is not able to go home for an in-home assessment.
IF DEMENTIA BEHAVIOUR IS GETTING WORSE AT NIGHT, WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW?For guidance, call Health Link 811. AHS offers Dementia Advice through 811 where you can speak with a dementia specialist for advice, support, and connection to resources.
HOW THIS ARTICLE WAS PUT TOGETHERWe wrote this using Alberta Health Services guidance on getting a Case Manager, accessing continuing care, Calgary Zone Community Care Access, and AHS continuing care FAQ information. We also referenced AHS Dementia Advice information through Health Link 811 for families dealing with dementia-related changes. We stayed in a practical lane. We do not diagnose, prescribe, or provide medical advice. For medical questions, families should consult their care team. SOURCES
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