FAQ

Home care nurses are either registered nurses or licensed practical nurses that have extensive experience in home care and community setting. All our staff go through extensive training\ and criminal background checks before they get hired. They also receive annual education to keep their knowledge and practice up-to-date.

We cover all areas of Calgary and surrounding area, including Okotoks, Cochrane, Airdrie, and Chestemere.

Home care costs vary depending on the type and amount of care you’re looking for. During our initial consultation, we will discuss different options that will fit your budget. Unlike other home care services, we do not send a salesperson to you. Instead, you will speak directly with a professional registered nurse who will assess the type of care, equipment, and services you need. We are always honest about our costs and ensure you receive the best quality care you deserve.

Yes, Alberta Health Services (AHS) provides home care at no cost for eligible patients.At Umbrella Home Care, we provide long-term care options with personal and housekeeping assistance services as part of your customized care plan. We offer muchmore personalized and tailored approach to home care. Some personal insurance plans may cover the cost of nursing care. Please call your insurance company to find out more. Please call 587-500-4455 if you want to find out how our home care cost can be covered by Alberta Health Services.

The CRA may allow you to deduct at-home care services under medical expenses on your yearly income taxes. We will provide you with the invoices and receipts required to claim taxes.

Our caregivers are qualified with the training, education, and experience necessary to provide you with quality home care and practice under a professional licensed body with their license renewed annually. During our initial consultation, you will get a sense of our compassion and commitment to our clients. We work collaboratively with our clients and their families to identify what type of care is needed and communicate any constraints.

If you require short-term assistance after surgery, we can help. Contact us, and we can provide the services you need, including nursing assistance, personal care, housekeeping help, and more.

The main difference between assisted living and home care is that assisted living is provided in a facility, such as a senior home. Depending on the level of assisted living, may receive help preparing and cooking meals, showering, dressing, taking medications, laundry, and general housekeeping tasks. Home care is provided in the comfort of the client’s home and can include medical assistance by a certified nurse.

We can provide home care services for however many hours you need per week. Our care packages are not set in stone and can be customized to meet your needs.

Yes, we can provide medical care such as general nursing duties:

• Administering medications via all routes,
• Central line care and management,
• Diabetic management,
• Postoperative care,
• Wound care,
• Ostomy care,
• Catheter care,
• Peritoneal dialysis,
• And, many more.

We also offer dementia care, Alzheimer’s care, stroke care, and palliative care. Contact us at 587-500-4455 for further details

The best thing to do in this situation is to listen to their concerns and try to understand them. You can call us to book an initial consultation, and we can come to meet your loved one if they are open to it. Sometimes, meeting their potential caregiver provides your loved ones with comfort and reassurance.

Stroke patients need all the support they can have with daily movement and exercise, eating healthy and nutritious meals, taking medications, and having good overall care as they recover.

Yes, stroke victims can be cared for at home, but some will need more assistance and monitoring than others. Each case is different. If you need help, be sure to reach out to an in-home caregiver to have the support you need.

The length of the rehabilitation process can vary greatly depending on each patient and the area of the stroke. A stroke team will create a rehab plan, and the patient will need continued assessment and medical checkups throughout the process. Stroke clients can continue their rehabilitation plan at home if cleared by their medical team.

Post-stroke rehabilitation is a customized program for stroke patients that can help them regain their lost physical functions and/or speech. Depending on the parts of the brain that were affected, a post-stroke rehab program includes different therapies such as mobility training, physical therapy, cognitive and emotional activities, and more.

Your medical team in the hospital will recommend when and where to start post-stroke rehabilitation.

Alzheimer’s home care includes a range of services provided in the home instead of in a hospital. Home care includes personal care, housekeeping assistance, nursing services, wellness visits, companionship, and more.

People with Alzheimer’s can benefit greatly from home care because they are in familiar and comfortable surroundings. Often, family members and friends become caregivers for their loved one with Alzheimer’s. Professional support ensures that the home is safe and that caregivers receive a much-needed break to take care of themselves and be able to spend quality time with their loved one.

Although Alzheimer’s generally affects seniors, anyone at any age who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can receive home care services.

Alzheimer’s home care can last for as long as you need the services. This can be a consistent schedule customized to your needs or the occasional respite care for other caregivers.

Yes, some personal insurance plans may cover the cost of nursing care. Please call your insurance company to find out more. Please call 587-500-4455 if you want to find out how our home care cost can be covered by Alberta Health Services.

The costs depend on a number of factors, including the amount of time and care you’d like. We have a collaborative approach with all of our clients and will work with you to provide care within your budget.

We have the training, compassion, and experience to provide care for individuals with Down Syndrome, autism, ADHD, autoimmune conditions that interrupt neurological functions, and any other disorders that cause developmental delays and/or physical disabilities.

Special needs care at home is beneficial for families who need housekeeping assistance, respite care, and a shift-rotating caregiver option. We can provide care for individuals with any developmental, physical, sensory, cognitive, and behavioural conditions.

At Umbrella Home Care, we meet with families first to get a clear understanding of their child’s needs and diagnosis. There are no set care plans as we create individualized plans for each family, depending on what type of care and support they and their child need.

Generally speaking, families come to us for respite care and caregiving shift rotation, which can include doing activities, feeding, bathing, dressing, companionship, light housekeeping duties, and more.

At Umbrella Home Care, we believe the most important thing when caring for children with special needs is to see the child first. Children with special needs are children first and have the same needs as other children, including playing, learning, feeling safe and comfortable with their caregivers, and having a childhood full of positive and wonderful memories and experiences.

Behaviour can vary greatly with each child, even with the same diagnosis. The range of differences is why it’s so important to meet with families first, understand the child, and get to know the child’s personality so that we can create a personalized care plan. Generally speaking, children with special needs can be impulsive, struggle with paying attention and go through several mood swings. As caregivers, it’s important for us to be patient and compassionate when caring for children with special needs.

Card games, arts and crafts, music, dancing, sports, baking, board games, going to the playground, visiting a zoo, a science centre, or museum or all great activities for children. These activities can help with cognitive development, confidence, speech, motor skills, creativity, and social skills.

It’s important to communicate with special needs patients normally, as any changes in tone or ‘baby talk’ is unnecessary and can be degrading. Use a normal tone of voice and speak politely and patiently. We make sure to speak directly to the person rather than their caregiver or family member. Each person with special needs has different communication needs, and we make sure to check with family members and other caregivers on any communication specifics.

The ‘best’ method depends on the child and what their abilities are. As home caregivers, we communicate with families about what their expectations are when it comes to teaching their child or children with special needs.

Generally speaking, their teachers and school program provide children with adequate learning opportunities. Our role as caregivers is to support the family.

Senior home care includes a range of services provided in the person’s home instead of in a hospital, assisted living facility, or long-term care home. Senior home care can include nursing services, personal care, housekeeping assistance, wellness visits, companionship, respite care, and more.

Many seniors prefer being in the comfort of their own home and familiar surroundings, which is shown to positively impact their overall quality of life and wellbeing. However, when it becomes difficult to manage household tasks and daily activities on their own, senior home care can provide support. Senior home care helps seniors maintain their sense of independence and receive dignified care at home.

Yes, some personal insurance plans may cover the cost of nursing care. Please call your insurance company to find out more. Please call 587-500-4455 if you want to find out how our home care cost can be covered by Alberta Health Services.

The costs depend on a number of factors, including the amount of time and care you’d like. We have a collaborative approach with all of our clients and will work with you to provide care within your budget.

Give us a call or email, and we will get back to you within 24 hours. We start with an initial phone conversation with a registered nurse and set up a free in-home consultation with a registered nurse to discuss your health history, goals, and to understand your medical needs and expectations. Then we will develop a care plan that is just for you and set up dates and time for your care.

The costs depend on a number of factors, including the amount of time and care you’d like. We have a collaborative approach with all of our clients and will work with you to provide care within your budget.

UHC’s priority is your health and wellbeing in your own home. We know how important it is to get the care you need from someone who can meet your expectations. If you decide along the way we’re no longer a fit for you, we welcome your feedback and understand if you want to make any changes to your care plans.

Personal care includes personal hygiene care, wellness visits, companionship, and arranging transportation. At-home personal care services are essential for those living with an illness, disability, injury, memory impairment, or limited mobility.

In home personal care helps your loved one maintain their independence and dignity in the comfort of their home with familiar surroundings. Often, those living with a disability or illness report improved mental and emotional health receiving care at home compared to those at hospitals or long-term care facilities.

Yes, some personal insurance plans may cover the cost of nursing care. Please call your insurance company to find out more. Please call 587-500-4455 if you want to find out how our home care cost can be covered by Alberta Health Services.

The costs depend on a number of factors, including the amount of time and the type of care you’d like. We have a collaborative approach with all of our clients and will work with you to provide care within your budget.

Your home care plan can be changed at any time during your service with us. Give us a call at 587-500-4455 to discuss how you would like to change your care plan.

Give us a call or email, and we will get back to you within 24 hours. We start with an initial phone conversation with a registered nurse and set up a free in-home consultation with a registered nurse to discuss your health history, goals, and to understand your medical needs and expectations. Then we will develop a care plan that is just for you and set up dates and time for your care.

We are a team of trained nurses and caregivers. Unlike professional housekeeping/cleaning companies, UHC will not be performing any deep cleaning services routinely. You have peace of mind that UHC staff assisting with light housekeeping tasks can also provide medical care when needed and perform a routine home assessment for any barriers or hazards. We can also arrange a deep cleaning service upon request. Please give us a call at 587-500-4455 for a free quote!

Whether you require regular assistance or only for certain tasks, such as laundry or grocery shopping day, we can tailor a schedule that satisfies your needs.

The most significant benefit of housekeeping assistance is that you can maintain your independence and lifestyle at home. Being able to stay at home for as long as possible positively impacts our clients; family and friends can come and go, you are in the comfort of familiar surroundings, and the primary intervention can prevent hospital admission. Having a compassionate and dependable caregiver to assist you with household tasks eases the stress and allows you to enjoy a safe and orderly space.

​​Give us a call, and we will answer any preliminary questions you have. We will get to know your needs, and if all goes well, we can set up a free in-home consultation to get you or your loved one started with UHC.

The purpose of respite care is to provide temporary relief for caregivers. Respite care services allow caregivers the opportunity to take care of their wellbeing and tend to their responsibilities.

Being a caregiver for your loved one can be overwhelming at times. And when you don’t take care of yourself, or you’re experiencing burnout, you are no longer able to provide the care that your loved one needs. As the saying goes, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’. Respite care helps your loved one because you come back recharged and refreshed. Our team of Registered Nurses can also offer caregiving advice and emotional support. We can be the partner you need to provide top-notch care for your family member or dear friend.

Caregivers, typically family members and friends, receive respite care as a break from caregiving duties.

Respite care can last for as long as you need the break and as frequently as you require needed breaks from caregiving duties. For example, if you’d like a break every two weeks or twice a month, we can set up a customized schedule that works for you.

Yes, some personal insurance plans may cover the cost of nursing care. Please call your insurance company to find out more. Please call 587-500-4455 if you want to find out how our home care cost can be covered by Alberta Health Services.

The costs depend on a number of factors, including the amount of time and care you’d like. We have a collaborative approach with all of our clients and will work with you to provide care within your budget.

Nursing care includes the continuity of care, promotion of health, care of illness or disabilities, and prevention of disease. At UHC, we provide at-home nursing care services that include (but are not limited to):

• Administering medications via all routes,
• Central line care and management,
• Diabetic management,
• Postoperative care,
• Wound care,
• Ostomy care,
• Catheter care,
• Peritoneal dialysis,
• And, many more.

We also offer ongoing support for family members.

It depends on your needs. Some nursing care assistance is short-term, such as help after surgery or recovery from an illness. We can also provide longer term nursing care services for as long as you need them.

Yes, some personal insurance plans may cover the cost of nursing care. Please call your insurance company to find out more. Please call 587-500-4455 if you want to find out how our home care cost can be covered by Alberta Health Services.

The cost of our services varies and depends on a number of factors, including the number of hours of care per week and what is included in the care plan. Give us a call to discuss what type of care you’re looking for, and we can tailor a plan around your budget with a free in-home consultation.

In-home nursing care helps your loved one recover from an illness or surgery in the comfort of their own home. Nursing services can also help your loved one manage an existing condition such as diabetes.

Give us a call or email, and we will get back to you within 24 hours. We start with an initial phone conversation with a registered nurse and set up a free in-home consultation with a registered nurse to discuss your health history, goals, and to understand your medical needs and expectations.

Palliative care is specialized medical care given to people with chronic and/or terminal illnesses. The goal of palliative care is to optimize the patient’s quality of life, mitigate pain and other unpleasant symptoms and provide relief, and help keep the client as comfortable as possible with dignified care.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic illness and continues to lose the ability to function, or reaching the end-of-life stage, palliative care can provide invaluable support not only for the patient but for you and your family. Caring for a loved one with a terminal illness can be emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing. Palliative care is to provide services and care to improve the quality of life and make the last moment memorable and cherishable for everyone. Our certified and experienced nurses and caregivers can provide you with the peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the care they need.

No, palliative care does not mean you’re giving up treatment. Your loved one can receive palliative care between treatments to ensure they are comfortable and have the relief they need from any pain. Palliative home care will focus more on coping with the illness and focus on the quality of life rather than radical treatment to cure the disease.

Hospice care is a type of palliative care adapted for those in the last stages of life, typically in the last few months. Palliative care can be given to those at any stage of the disease and can be more long-term with attention to managing pain and suffering. Hospice care is offered at an end-of-life facility, while palliative care can be offered at home. Not everyone is qualified for hospice as it has its own requirements and needs referral from a palliative specialist.

Not necessarily as some people choose to stay home until the end of their life without going to hospice.

Give us a call or email, and we will get back to you within 24 hours. We start with an initial phone conversation with a registered nurse and set up a free in-home consultation with a registered nurse to discuss your health history, goals, and to understand your medical needs and expectations. Then we will develop a care plan that is just for you and set up dates and time for your care.Our goal is to help you receive the quality care you’re looking for.

While no two clients are the same, palliative care typically includes pain and symptom management, social and emotional support, helping with household chores, meal preparation, and companionship based on the client’s wishes. Our utmost priority is to focus on the quality of life of our clients.

Palliative care can last for days, weeks, and months. Our goal in providing palliative care is to help clients feel as comfortable at home as possible and improve their quality of life at any stage of their illness.

Yes. Often, those with dementia feel more comfortable and stable at home.

There’s no certain or defined stage of dementia that requires 24-hour home care. It is all about how much support you feel like you need. At UHC, we provide respite services to support families with a loved one that requires 24-hour care. Our care plans are flexible and can be changed at any time upon request, as required.

It can be challenging to care for someone with dementia, especially for family members and friends, where the emotional impact can take a toll and lack of sleep during the night. Many seek the help of professional in-home caregivers to help alleviate the pressure of daily to-do tasks so they can focus on spending quality time with their loved one.

Yes, our team has the experience, training, and education to work with people living with dementia. UHC is owned and operated by two registered nurses, Cindy and Natae, who have experience of caring for the dementia population for more than 10 years.

Give us a call or email, and we will get back to you within 24 hours. We start with an initial phone conversation with a registered nurse and set up a free in-home consultation with a registered nurse to discuss your health history, goals, and to understand your medical needs and expectations. Then we will develop a care plan that is just for you and set up dates and time for your care. Our goal is to help you receive the quality care you’re looking for.

Yes, we customize a care plan according to your needs. If you’re a family member or a primary caregiver looking for support, we can work out a schedule when you need extra assistance or a break from caregiving duties.