Disability Support in Medicine Hat: PDD, Family Managed Services and Private Pay

Avelora Life

Oct 25

2 min read

Adults with disabilities in Medicine Hat and their families often ask the same question: how do we pay for support, and which route fits? Alberta has more than one pathway, and the right one depends on eligibility, preferences and how much control a family wants. This guide explains the basics in plain language.

It is general information and does not replace advice from the program itself. Eligibility and approvals are decided by the program, not by a provider.

PDD: Persons with Developmental Disabilities

PDD is an Alberta program for adults with developmental disabilities who meet its criteria. If someone is eligible, supports are planned around the person's needs and goals. Our page on what PDD is in Alberta has more detail.

Adult with a disability and an Avelora Life support planner discussing community support in Medicine Hat

Family Managed Services

With Family Managed Services, an approved family or individual takes on more of the arranging, such as choosing who provides support and managing the arrangements within the program's rules. It suits people who want more say over who supports them and when, and who are comfortable with the paperwork.

Private pay

Private pay means the person or family pays directly. It can work when no program applies, while an application is in progress or for hours a program does not cover. It is flexible and a normal choice for many families.

Daily living support for an adult with a disability at home in Medicine Hat Alberta

How to choose

Eligibility: ask the program whether the person qualifies before planning around it
Control: decide how much arranging the family wants to do
Timing: approvals take time, so some families start with private hours
Fit: pick support that matches the person's routines, interests and goals

Our guide to PDD vs Family Managed Services compares the two programs side by side, and private pay vs funded support in Alberta looks at the trade-offs.

What support can look like day to day

Non-medical support might include help with routines, getting to appointments, shared meals, time in the community and company at home. It does not include nursing, therapy or medication administration. If there is an emergency, call 911. Medicine Hat is in southeastern Alberta, and we confirm your address and hours before promising anything. See our Medicine Hat respite and disability support page and PDD support services.