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Programs & Services

Calgary Community Aids for Independent Living

CCAIL is a team of healthcare providers working in the community to help people access funding for certain medical supplies, aids and equipment, when covered by the Alberta Government's Aids to Daily Living program (AADL). Clients are typically seen on a First Come, First Served basis, as their short-term / interim needs are expected to be met through other programs or processes.

Following AADL eligibility criteria, AHS' Calgary Community Aids for Independent Living (CCAIL) team provides clinical assessment for the following basic medical equipment and supplies, when required for long-term needs:

  • mobility and transfer aids (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs, bedrails, poles)
  • bathroom equipment (e.g. raised toilet seats, commodes, shower seats, wall bars)
  • compression stockings and hernia supports
  • incontinence supplies (e.g. briefs, pull-ups, liners, catheters)

Please note: Clients who have recently sustained injury, received and or have a planned surgical intervention, or are undergoing active rehabilitation, are not AADL eligible for at least six months and should not be referred to CCAIL.
Referral sources should consider short-term equipment loans or rental options through other programs, until long term need has been demonstrated.

Certain AADL supplies (e.g. ostomy, respiratory, hearing aids) are assessed through other programs.

Please refer to AADL website for more details.

CCAIL is NOT the appropriate program if the client:

  • does not have a valid Personal Health Number
  • lives outside the city limits (call Community Care Access)
  • currently on Home Care (contact Home Care)
  • resides in long-term care or designated supportive living
  • equipment / supply needed for less than 6 months
  • has Treaty Status (contact NIHB)
  • has private insurance with 100% coverage

CCAIL does not provide assessment for the following:

  • diabetic or ostomy supplies, hearing aids, knee / ankle braces, foot orthotics
  • home modifications / renovations or porch / stair lifts
  • falls prevention, general home safety or kitchen safety
  • active rehabilitation treatment, incl. home exercise programs

Access
Service Providers May Include
occupational therapists (OTs), registered nurses (RNs)
Eligibility

You are eligible for a CCAIL assessment if:

  • specific medical equipment and supplies (listed above) are needed for a long-term disability or chronic illness (longer than 6 months) or a terminal illness
  • you meet the eligibility criteria for benefits funded through the Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program
  • you live within the Calgary city limits
Referral Needed

New referrals for incontinence supplies can be made directly, but will require medical information to be provided by a specialist (e.g. urologist). For subsequent re-authorisations, clients can call in directly for guidance.

A medical prescription is required for (1) compression stockings and (2) back & hernia supports to confirm underlying diagnosis and specific compression parameters.

Clients will be called back within 5 business days to confirm the items are both funded by AADL and authorised by CCAIL. Current waitlist information will be provided and preliminary intake information gathered at that time.

Service Access

Healthcare providers should consult the Alberta Referral Directory for service referral information.

Referrals to CCAIL are made by phone or fax. A physician or nurse practitioner prescription may be needed for some items.

Individuals, or their family, can refer directly for mobility supports, transfer aids, and bathroom equipment by calling our voicemail intake line at 403-955-6955. The CCAIL phone options will help direct callers to the appropriate authorisation stream based on the items being sought.

Clients will be called back within 5 business days to confirm the items are both funded by AADL and authorised by CCAIL. Current waitlist information will be provided and preliminary intake information gathered at that time.


Fees

There is no fee for CCAIL services, however clients may be required to co-pay with Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) for medical equipment and supplies. Visit the AADL website for funding eligibility information.


Service Locations
Also Known As
Acronym
CCAIL
Previous
Calgary Aids to Daily Living