On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Alberta Maple Care Executive Director Ossama Zaqqout, RN, joined community activist Sam Nammoura on RED FM 106.7 Calgary for a special Arabic-language episode of “Alberta in Arabic” focused on Home Care Services in Alberta.
The conversation was created to help Arabic-speaking families better understand Alberta’s home and community care system, including who may be eligible, how to access services, what support may be available, and how families can advocate for care that respects their language, culture, faith, privacy, and personal preferences.
The full episode (in Arabic) is available on YouTube.
Making home care easier to understand
For many families, the home care system can be difficult to navigate, particularly when unfamiliar terminology, language barriers, or uncertainty about eligibility make it hard to know where to begin.
During the episode, Ossama explained that home and community care is not limited to seniors and may support people of different ages based on their assessed care needs.
A key message throughout the discussion was that families do not need to wait until they reach a crisis before asking for help.
For Albertans who believe they or a family member may need home and community care, the easiest place to start is a call to Alberta Maple Care — we will explain the options and guide you through every step.
Supporting family caregivers
The episode also focused on the important role of family caregivers.
In many Arab families, caring for parents and loved ones is deeply connected to family values and to honouring and caring for one’s parents.
However, providing care around the clock can eventually affect the caregiver’s own health, sleep, employment, and wellbeing.
The discussion emphasized that accepting professional support does not replace the role of the family. In many cases, services such as respite care can help family caregivers continue caring for their loved ones safely and sustainably.
Understanding CDHCI and client choice
A dedicated portion of the program explored Client Directed Home Care Invoicing, commonly known as CDHCI.
For eligible clients, CDHCI can provide greater choice over which participating home care organization delivers certain authorized services.
This can be particularly valuable for families who place a high importance on factors such as:
- Language compatibility
- Same-gender caregiver preferences
- Cultural understanding
- Religious practices
- Modesty and privacy
- Family involvement
- Continuity and trust with caregivers
The episode also clarified that CDHCI is not automatically available to everyone. Clients must first be assessed through the public home care system, have an authorized care plan, and be considered appropriate for the client-directed model.
Language and cultural barriers in home care
Another major focus of the discussion was culturally responsive care.
Even when health services are technically available, they may be difficult for a client to use effectively if language, communication, privacy, or cultural expectations are not properly understood.
At Alberta Maple Care, we believe culturally responsive care is not simply about comfort. It can directly affect trust, communication, safety, adherence to care plans, and whether a client feels comfortable accepting services at all.
Alberta Maple Care’s role
During the program, Ossama also introduced Alberta Maple Care and its approach to home and community care.
Alberta Maple Care is a Calgary-based, nurse-led home care organization focused on helping clients remain safe, independent, and supported in their own homes.
Depending on individual needs and funding arrangements, services may include personal care, respite, caregiver support, home support, companionship, transportation assistance, and care coordination.
The organization also places a strong emphasis on culturally responsive care and helping families better understand the home care system and available client-directed options.
Our goal is not to provide different standards of care for different communities. It is to provide the same high standard of care in a way that recognizes each person’s individual language, culture, values, preferences, and family circumstances.
Continuing the conversation
Alberta Maple Care would like to thank Sam Nammoura and RED FM 106.7 Calgary for creating a platform where important health and community topics can be discussed in Arabic and made more accessible to families who may otherwise struggle to find this information in their preferred language.
We also thank everyone who listened, shared the episode, submitted questions, or helped extend its reach within the community.
The conversation about home care does not end with one radio program.
If you or someone you care about is struggling to remain safe or independent at home, do not wait until the family reaches a crisis before exploring the options available.
For publicly funded Home and Community Care in Alberta, contact us and we will guide you through the process free of charge.
For information about Alberta Maple Care, home care options, or a complimentary care consultation, contact our team or book a free visit.