Written by Evelyn Mytka, Contributing Writer
More Alberta seniors than ever are choosing to “age in place,” opting to remain in the comfort of their own homes and communities as they grow older rather than relocating to assisted living or care facilities. With Alberta’s aging population and increasing demand for flexible non-medical support, there’s a growing need for private-pay home elderly caregiving businesses. These services help seniors live safely and independently in their homes, offering personal care, companionship, and help with daily tasks. If you’re a complete beginner looking to launch a meaningful business in this space, this blog walks you through the process of getting started.
Disclaimer: Regulations for home care businesses in Alberta may change over time. Always consult the latest information from Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta to ensure your services meet current standards and requirements.
1. Define Your Services
There are typically two types of home care services:
Home Support and Companion Services – non-medical services.
Nursing Services & In-Home Medical Care – medical services provided by a licensed nurse or medical practitioner.
In this blog we will focus on Home Support and Companion Services.
Start by identifying what kind of care you’ll offer. Most Home Support businesses focus on non-medical services, such as:
- Personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing)
- Light housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Medication reminders
- Companionship
- Transportation to appointments or errands
You don’t need to be a nurse or have a healthcare background to offer these services, but caregivers must be trained in first aid and have a strong understanding of client safety, especially when working with seniors.
Tip: Focus on what makes your service stand out. Do you offer bilingual caregivers? Cultural sensitivity? 24/7 availability?
2. Choose a Business Structure and Register
Before you begin offering services, you’ll need to choose a legal structure for your business. The most common options in Alberta are:
- Sole proprietorship: Easy and affordable to set up, but you’re personally liable for debts.
- Partnership: Good if starting with someone else. Liability is shared.
- Corporation: Offers limited liability protection and tax benefits but has more setup and maintenance requirements.
For a deeper dive into business structure, check out our Choosing a Business Structure resource. Register your business name through a local Alberta Registry office and obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax purposes.
3. Research Licensing and Permits
Use the BizPaL tool to identify the permits and licences you need to operate legally in your municipality. Requirements vary by location and may include:
- Business licence from your city or town
- Land-use or zoning approval if operating from home
- Fire and safety inspections
4. Meet Health and Safety Requirements
While Home Support services aren’t regulated the same way as publicly funded home care, Alberta Health Services (AHS) still provides oversight to ensure safe delivery of personal care. You may need to:
- Notify AHS Environmental Public Health before opening and before offering any new services.
- Comply with standards for sanitation, infection control, and safe handling of food or waste
- Complete any necessary safety training for your team
Refer to AHS’s excellent resource, Opening a Personal Services Business Checklist, for guidance.
5. Insurance, WCB, and Taxes
Once your business is registered and ready to operate, make sure you’re financially protected. Insurance needs can vary depending on your services, business structure, and client base. We recommend speaking with a licensed insurance professional to determine the right type and amount of coverage for your home care business. Here are some common types of insurance and financial registrations to consider:
- General liability insurance: Protects you if a client is injured during service delivery.
- Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB): Required within 15 days of hiring your first employee. It covers employees in case of work-related injuries.
- GST registration: If your revenue exceeds $30,000 in four consecutive calendar quarters, you’ll need to register for the Goods and Services Tax with CRA.
It’s also a good idea to open a business bank account and track all expenses and income from the beginning.
6. Hiring and Training Staff
If you plan to hire staff instead of working solo, it’s important to think about your role as an employer. That includes everything from recruiting the right people to managing payroll, scheduling, and creating a positive work environment. Your caregivers are the face of your business, so it’s worth investing the time to find individuals who are compassionate, dependable, and well-trained. At minimum, your staff should have:
- First aid and CPR certification
- A clean police record check with a vulnerable sector search
- Strong references from previous caregiving or customer-facing roles
You may also want to offer training on:
- Dementia care
- Cultural competency
- Communication skills
7. Develop Your Pricing and Packages
When it comes to pricing, clarity is key. Most home care businesses charge an hourly or daily rate depending on the region and the level of care provided. But you can also offer service bundles to appeal to clients who need ongoing support.
- Weekly companionship visits
- Meal prep and housekeeping bundles
Include travel time and after-hours rates in your pricing policy if applicable.
8. Market Your Services
To attract your first clients, focus on building a local presence:
- Create a website and Google Business Profile
- Join local business or seniors’ directories
- Network with healthcare professionals, senior centres, local churches, and community groups
- Ask for referrals and reviews from satisfied clients
Highlight what makes your service different—your values, team, or special programs. Need some help getting started? Check out our Small Business Basics: Marketing video.
9. Optional: Working with Alberta Health Services
While this blog focuses on Home Support services, you may eventually want to contract with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to deliver publicly funded home care. To do so, you must respond to formal Requests for Expressions of Interest and meet stricter staffing, training, and reporting requirements. Learn more on the AHS website.
10. Stay Compliant and Continue Growing
Once you’re up and running, make compliance and quality improvement part of your routine:
- Maintain client records securely
- Ensure your staff’s certifications stay up to date
- Renew business licenses and insurance as needed
- Track customer feedback and complaints
Consider joining the Alberta Continuing Care Association to stay informed on best practices, industry changes, and networking opportunities.
Running a home care business takes more than good intentions—it takes careful planning, compassion, and a commitment to quality. But when you get it right, you’re building something meaningful: a service that helps people live safely and independently, and a business you can be proud of.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Connect with a Business Link Strategist for free personalized support, practical tools, and guidance every step of the way.
Sources & Additional Resources
Business Setup & Regulations
- BizPaL Permit Finder Tool
Generates a personalized list of federal, provincial, and municipal permits and licences.
- WCB Alberta – Personal Coverage [2024]
Details about Workers’ Compensation Board coverage for home care workers and employers.
- Written Procedure Templates – AHS Personal Services [2020]
Ready-made hygiene and sanitation templates to help meet AHS standards.
- Opening a Personal Services Business Checklist [2020]
AHS checklist covering sanitation, infection control, facility layout, and hygiene protocols.
Health, Safety & Licensing
- Am I a Caregiver? (AHS) [2024]
Downloadable booklet outlining caregiver responsibilities, rights, and supports.
- Environmental Public Health – Alberta Health Services
Official resource for inspection requirements and hygiene standards.
- Become a Continuing Care Provider or Operator [2025]
Explains continuing care provider licensing and provincial oversight through AHS.
Background Checks and Staff Training
If you or your staff will be working with vulnerable populations, you are required to complete Criminal Record Checks and Vulnerable Sector Checks (RCMP)
It is advisable, and often required, that home care staff are trained in CPR and First Aid to handle emergencies.
Provides caregiver training. If offering personal care services, additional caregiver certifications may be obtained.
Assisted & Supportive Living Resources
- Assisted Living and Social Services
Provincial overview of assisted living options and eligibility requirements.
- Supportive Living Guide [2024]
Comprehensive PDF manual covering design, operational, clinical, and regulatory standards for supportive living facilities.
- Alberta Continuing Care Association (AB‑CCA)
Offers advocacy, training, networking, and policy updates for care providers.
