FAQs
About Our Services
Explore how Entrust empowers individuals with developmental disabilities through our services.
What services does Entrust Disability Services offer?
Entrust Disability Services provides a variety of programs to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives. Our core services include:
- Residential Supports (1010) – Providing safe and supportive living environments for adults and youth in group homes. Ideal for individuals who require full-time care and a structured, supportive home environment.
- Respite Care – Temporary relief for families caring for loved ones with developmental disabilities, ensuring that both caregivers and individuals receive the support they need.
- In-Home Respite (1040) – Support workers provide care within the family’s home, maintaining a familiar environment while giving caregivers a break. Ideal for families who prefer care to take place in a familiar setting.
- Out-of-Home Respite (1050) – Short-term care provided outside the home, allowing individuals to experience a new environment while caregivers take time for themselves. Best for those who benefit from socialization and structured respite experiences.
- Community Access Supports (3000) – Formerly known as the Framework for Life program, this service focuses on social inclusion, personal development, and employment opportunities for adults. Great for individuals seeking life skills training, community engagement, and vocational support.
- Entrust Centre for Supports – A dedicated space in Edmonton offering day programming and child-led play sessions in a welcoming environment. Perfect for individuals looking for structured support in developing life skills while being part of a community.
Entrust’s programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring they receive the right level of support for a fulfilling and independent life.
In which areas do you provide services?
Entrust Disability Services is proud to serve individuals and families in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and surrounding areas.
Eligibility & Application
Who is eligible for Entrust’s services?
Entrust’s services are designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities long-term: either with regular overnight/weekend stays, short-term respite relief (5-10 days), and community programs and activities.
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific program. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your loved one’s needs and explore the best fit.
How do I apply for services with Entrust?
We understand navigating Alberta’s funding programs can be a first step. Entrust is here to help! Here’s a simplified approach:
- Explore Funding: We recommend checking out Alberta’s programs like Persons with Developmental Disabilities Program (PDD), Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) to see if they might assist with service costs.
- Contact Entrust: Once you’ve secured funding, you can book a consultation with our friendly team. We can discuss your loved one’s needs and explore how Entrust’s services can best support them.
Do you work with specific types of disabilities?
Entrust has extensive experience supporting individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- Down syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- And many others
Respite Care
What types of respite care do you offer?
Entrust offers flexible respite care options to meet your family’s unique needs. These include:
- Overnight or Weekend Respite: Scheduled breaks at our residential homes with 24-hour support.
- Short-Term Respite Stays: Temporary stays (5-10 days) for gaining independence in a supervised environment.
- Community & In-Centre Respite: Social inclusion programs with before/after-school clubs, activities, and camps (1:1 or 1:2 staff ratio).
We look forward to partnering with you to support your loved one!
How flexible are your respite care services?
At Entrust, we understand that every family’s needs are different. Our respite care services are flexible and can be customized to your schedule and preferences. Whether you need a few hours of weekly relief or short-term support during a vacation, we’re here to help.
Is funding available for respite care?
Alberta’s funding programs like PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities) and FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) may offer financial assistance for respite care services. We recommend checking out our blog post on Funding Options for Respite Care in Alberta to learn more.
Community Access Supports
What is your Community Access Supports program?
Our Community Access Supports program, formerly known as Framework for Life, is an adult day program focused on social inclusion and employment opportunities. This program helps individuals develop skills, build meaningful connections, and explore potential career paths.
How does Entrust support employment for adults with disabilities?
Entrust’s Community Access Supports program offers various employment support services. This includes job coaching, resume writing assistance, and connecting individuals with potential employers who value diversity and inclusion. We also partner with local businesses to create opportunities for our clients.
Residential Care
What types of residential care does Entrust provide?
Entrust offers safe and supportive living environments in group homes for adults and youth with developmental disabilities. These homes provide a sense of community and belonging, while also promoting independence and individual growth.
How do you ensure quality care in your group homes?
Entrust is committed to providing the highest quality care possible. Our group homes are accredited and staffed with caring and qualified professionals who receive ongoing training. We create a supportive environment that respects each individual’s unique needs and preferences.
Can families be involved in residential care?
Certainly! Family involvement is a cornerstone of Entrust’s philosophy. We work collaboratively with families to develop individualized care.
Technology & Innovation
How does Entrust use technology in its services?
Entrust utilizes a secure network for staff communication and a digital logbook system for recording daily activities and observations. This promotes consistent documentation and efficient care coordination. Additionally, Entrust is transitioning towards a paperless database to enhance information accessibility and data security.
How does technology benefit clients?
Technology plays a valuable role in supporting individuals in our care. Our digital logbooks allow for detailed tracking of behaviours, which helps us understand triggers and develop effective support strategies. Program assessments provide valuable data for monitoring progress and tailoring services to individual needs.
Staff & Support
What qualifications do your staff members have?
Entrust is proud of our dedicated team of professionals. Our staff members possess qualifications and experience relevant to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. This may include certifications like Direct Support Professional (DSP) or experience in related fields, such as social work or nursing. All our staff undergo ongoing training to stay updated on best practices and ensure they provide exceptional care.
Do you offer behavioural consultations?
Yes, Entrust offers access to qualified behavioural consultants. These specialists can provide comprehensive assessments, develop personalized behaviour support plans, and train staff on implementing effective strategies. Our goal is to promote positive and proactive approaches to supporting individuals with complex behavioural needs.
Funding and Costs
How much does Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) pay in Alberta?
- Amount of Funding: The PDD program doesn’t provide a set amount. Funding is based on individual needs assessed through professional documents and covers essential living supports.
- Covered Services: PDD can cover various services like adult group homes, home care assistance, respite care, and support for employment or community participation.
- Eligibility: To be eligible, individuals must be 18+, Alberta residents, and have a developmental disability diagnosed before age 18.
How can I apply for Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) funding?
- Eligibility: Children must be under 18, Alberta residents, and have a diagnosed disability affecting daily life.
- Covered Services: FSCD can cover various services upon approval, including financial assistance, respite care, personal support, and counselling.
- Entrust Services: Entrust can help navigate the application process and offer additional support services (not covered by FSCD) like residential care and individual therapy.
What is Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and how does it work with Entrust’s services?
- AISH Eligibility: Must be 18+, Alberta resident, have a permanent disability that prevents employment, and meet income/asset limits.
- AISH Covers: Provides a monthly allowance for personal expenses and housing (rates vary depending on living situation).
- Entrust Services: Can help navigate the AISH application process and provide additional care options (not covered by AISH) for those with complex developmental disabilities.
Getting Started
How can I learn more about Entrust’s disability services?
We encourage you to explore our disability services in detail here:
- Respite Services: Entrust provides short-term and long-term respite care for children and adults with developmental disabilities. This can give caregivers a much-needed break and allow them to recharge.
- Group Homes: Entrust offers group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities who require a supportive living environment. These homes provide 24/7 supervision and care, as well as opportunities for socialization and independence.
- Day Programs for Disabled Adults: Entrust offers day programs for adults with developmental disabilities. These programs provide a variety of activities and supports to help individuals develop their skills, socialize with others, and participate in the community.
Our Supportive Care Model guides all of our disability services. We emphasize respecting and honouring the unique needs of your loved one. This philosophy supports individuals in living the fullest and most meaningful lives they choose. Learn more about Entrust’s Supportive Care Model.
Can I visit an Entrust facility before deciding on services?
Absolutely! Entrust welcomes families to schedule tours of our facilities to get a firsthand look at our environment and meet our team members. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
How do I get in touch with Entrust?
Once you’ve secured funding for your disability service, you can book a consultation with our friendly team here:
