Home Oxygen Therapy in Alberta: how it works, how you qualify, and what it costs
If oxygen has been brought up for you or someone you love, it can feel like a big moment. I try to frame it the same way I would for my own family. Oxygen is a medical therapy, like a medication, meant to keep you safe at home and help you stay more active. When it’s prescribed and set up properly, it can make day to day life feel possible again.
If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, you do not need to figure this out alone. Call Peak Oxygen and we’ll walk you through the steps in plain language.
How do you qualify for home oxygen in Alberta?
In Alberta, qualifying for home oxygen usually means your care team has evidence that your oxygen levels are dropping below a safe range in one of a few common situations.
That can include:
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Oxygen levels that are low while resting at home
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Oxygen levels that drop overnight while sleeping
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Oxygen levels that drop when walking or doing activity
There are also situations where children may require oxygen, where someone needs breathing support at home, or where oxygen is used for comfort-focused care. You do not need to know the categories or memorize any medical numbers. The important part is this: qualification is based on testing and documented medical need, not guesswork.
If you are not sure what testing you need, or you have results and do not know what they mean, call Peak Oxygen. We can help you understand what typically comes next and what questions to ask your clinic.
Do you need a prescription for home oxygen therapy?
Yes. Home oxygen is prescribed by a physician or a nurse practitioner. Oxygen is treated like a medication, because the dose matters and it should match your needs.
Sometimes people see oxygen equipment for sale or rent and assume they can just start using it. There can be a grey area around purchasing a device, but even if you can buy equipment, you should not self-prescribe oxygen or guess at settings. This is exactly why a care team is involved, often including a respiratory therapist. They help set targets, adjust the oxygen as needed, and make sure it stays safe and effective over time.
If you have a prescription and want help understanding it, call Peak Oxygen. We will go through it with you step by step.
Will I get addicted to oxygen?
No. Oxygen is not addictive.
What oxygen does is bring your blood oxygen level back into a safe range when your body is not getting enough on its own. When oxygen levels are low, your heart can be under extra stress. Using oxygen as prescribed can reduce that strain and may help lower the risk of complications that come with prolonged low oxygen levels.
If this worry is sitting in the back of your mind, call Peak Oxygen. We will explain it in normal language and help you feel confident about what the therapy is doing for you.
Can you get oxygen for home use?
Yes. Home oxygen is very common, and it can be used for a variety of lung and heart related conditions. Your clinician decides if it is appropriate, and what kind of oxygen setup fits your needs.
Home oxygen might include:
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A stationary concentrator for use around the house
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Portable oxygen for errands and appointments
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A different setup for overnight use or for exercise, depending on what your testing shows
If you want help figuring out what kind of setup matches your routine, call Peak Oxygen. We will ask a few simple questions and help you make sense of the options.
How to get oxygen at home?
Most people in Alberta follow a path like this:
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Talk to your clinician about symptoms and whether oxygen testing is needed.
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Get assessed with testing that may look at oxygen levels at rest, during walking, and sometimes overnight.
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If oxygen is indicated, a home oxygen provider coordinates delivery, setup, education, and follow-up.
If you are stuck between steps, waiting on paperwork, or not sure what you are supposed to do next, call Peak Oxygen. We will help you understand the process and get moving in the right direction.
How much does at-home oxygen cost?
It depends on whether you qualify for Alberta government funding and what equipment you need.If you qualify for funding, the Alberta government pays for your oxygen needs, including the equipment, service, and visits required to support the therapy.
If you do not qualify for funding, oxygen may be covered partly by private insurance (depending on your plan) or paid privately. One thing we do differently at Peak Oxygen is we do not charge for soft goods like tubing, nasal cannulas, and other basic supplies that many people go through regularly.
Not sure if you qualify? Call Peak Oxygen and we will talk you through it.
Is oxygen covered by Alberta Health Care?
In Alberta, home oxygen support is typically provided through provincial funding pathways when you meet the medical criteria. The simplest way to think about it is this: coverage depends on medical eligibility and the results of your assessment and testing.
If you want a clear answer for your specific situation, call Peak Oxygen. We will help you understand how coverage works and what steps usually apply in Alberta.
A final reminder
Oxygen is not a last resort. For the right person, it is a safety tool and often a pathway back to more walking, more outings, and more confidence at home. If you are starting oxygen, caring for a parent on oxygen, or just want clarity, call Peak Oxygen
by Robert Biddlecombe
