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Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- Survey of supportive living costs in Alberta
- Benefits of moving into assisted living in a retirement home
Across Alberta, assisted care in supportive living residences is provided by the government at no cost to those who are meet eligibility requirements. Alberta's unique use of the term supportive living care in some sense then matches the way in which it is uniquely handled as opposed to way its sister term, assisted living, is handled in other provinces. (Many people looking for this type of care apply the more widely-used phrase assisted living.)
Retirement communities that provide supportive living vary quite widely in the environment they provide for residents.
Survey of supportive living costs in Alberta
City |
What's included |
Cost/mo (starting) |
Calgary, AB |
meals, housekeeping, ADLs paid by the Alberta government |
$4,500 |
Calgary, AB |
404 sq ft studio, ADLs paid by the government |
$3,320 |
Edmonton, AB |
meals, housekeeping, ADLs paid by the government |
$3,900 (estimate only) |
Lloydminster, AB |
meals, housekeeping, ADLs paid by the government |
$2,100 |
Communities offering supportive living are licensed under Alberta's Supportive Living Accommodation Licensing Act (introduced in April 2010). These communities are inspected regularly – including everything from food preparation areas to the residence's accounting – according to prescriptions of the Act. In licensed communities, assistance with personal health care needs is provided by the government at no cost to the senior.
The cost to the user can vary quite significantly, depending on the quality of the community that they choose to move into. Some communities may exceed the stipulations of the Act while others may barely pass. Communities sampled above offer exceptional quality care and facilities.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSSupportive living retirement homes in Alberta
The Manor Villages StayWell Manor
Staywell Manor Village offers elegant retirement living in the heart of Calgary. Whether you are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care, we have lifestyle options to meet your needs.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Manor Village at Fish Creek Park
Within walking distance of one of Calgary’s finest parks in SW Calgary, this unique all-inclusive community provide a wide range of services and amenities for every lifestyle choice.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Garneau Hall Seniors Community
Located in the heart of the Garneau district of Edmonton, Garneau Hall offers seniors a caring environment with the added comforts of home and the opportunity for an enriched new life.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Chartwell Heritage Valley Retirement Residence
The lifestyle at Chartwell Heritage Valley is ideal for active & independent individuals. Spend your time exactly how you choose in an airy atmosphere with natural light. Flexible private support services also available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Garrison Green by United Active Living
At Garrison Green by United Active Living, we offer memory care, independent, and assisted living. Enjoy spacious suites, in-suite laundry, fitness studio, art studio, flexible dining, underground parking and much more!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Lake Bonavista Village - Verve Senior Living
Lake Bonavista Village Retirement Residence is the perfect place for seniors to retire. You can choose from a variety of suite sizes in the main building or one of our unique cottages.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
Riverwalk Retirement Residence is centrally located in the Cliff Bungalow-Mission community of Calgary. We offer a continuum of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Wild Rose
At Optima Living, we offer a tailored approach where the resident is the focus of all of our endeavours and we strive to fulfil all our residents’ needs so that they can live their best possible life!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Verve Aspen Woods
Located in one of Calgary’s most desirable neighbourhoods, with the Rocky Mountains outside and beautifully appointed amenities within, Verve Aspen Woods offers the perfect setting for your active enjoyment of life.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Prince of Peace
Prince of Peace a variety of suites styles with kitchenettes and incredible mountain views. It's the perfect residence for seniors who are active, require some assistance, or have memory care needs.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Lodge at Valley Ridge - Verve Senior Living
At The Lodge at Valley Ridge, you'll enjoy spacious suites, impressive cuisine, and exceptional services. We have recently renovated. We welcome the opportunity to show you our great community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Trico LivingWell
Trico LivingWell is designed to empower older adults to live their best lives by facilitating inclusivity and togetherness through a holistic health, empathetic and personalized approach to aging.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Wellington Retirement Residence
As a premier Park Place multi-level care residence, The Wellington provides Independent and Supportive Living options for seniors seeking to maintain your independence while enjoying access and services to amenities.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Dr. Hemstock Retirement Residence and Hearthstone Place Verve Senior Living
At Dr. Hemstock Residence & Hearthstone Place, our highly-skilled group of health care professionals and qualified staff are here to do whatever we can to ensure that all your needs are taken care of.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Trinity Lodge - Verve Senior Living
Trinity Lodge Retirement Residence combines the elegance & style of a fine traditional hotel, with the security & warmth associated with senior living. Homecare staff is available 24/7 to give you support when needed.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
River Ridge Seniors Village
A premier Park Place residence in the heart of Medicine Hat offering independent living, supportive living, and long term care options. With spectacular views and services, River Ridge is a warm place to call home.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Benefits of moving into assisted living in a retirement home
The environment within an assisted living community has added health benefits, too. People find that communal living improves their outlook on life. They grow to love group activities and the people they become friends with, in the uniquely communal environment created within an AHS supportive living community.
In assisted living residences, you have the choice of keeping your privacy as much as you like but also, someone to talk to is always right outside the door. Typically, people who move into these communities (or their families) report they are "thriving" or "flourishing". This is due in part to the care offered, of course, but it is also an effect of moving into a happy community, and out of loneliness and isolation (presuming that someone has been living alone in their own home). You get more than you bargained for sometimes. Comparing assisted living costs to your current cost of living (alone) does not give you the whole picture.
Here are some other things covered (or at least negated) when you move into a supportive living community in Alberta:
- groceries
- property taxes
- heat
- hydro
- maintenance such as roof repairs, appliance upkeep,
- furniture and appliances
- cable and other home entertainment
- car payments
- gasoline
- all other weekly and monthly bills and other costs