Assisted Living in Calgary

How Assisted Living Differs from Independent Living

Funding Assisted Living in Alberta

How assisted living is paid for in Calgary:

• Primarily private pay: Monthly fees range from $3,000–$6,000+ per month, depending on the facility and level of support needed. This is paid out-of-pocket by the resident or family.
• AHS Supportive Living (SL3/SL4): Alberta Health Services funds limited "supportive living" spaces for seniors who qualify through AHS assessment. Availability is very limited in Calgary, and there is typically a waitlist.
• Partial coverage programs: Some residents may use a combination of AHS funding (if available) and private payment to cover the total cost.

Bottom line: If you're planning for assisted living, you should budget for private-pay costs. AHS funding, if available, is a bonus.

AHS Supportive Living Levels

If you're eligible for AHS-funded care, it falls into these categories:

Major Operators in Calgary

Several organizations operate assisted living facilities across Calgary:

• Bethany Care Society — Faith-based organization with multiple senior care facilities across Calgary.
• Carewest — AHS-operated day programs and continuing care facilities. Main entry point for AHS-funded care.
• Chartwell — Large national private operator with multiple Calgary locations.
• Revera — Major private senior living company with several Calgary facilities.
• United Active Living — Non-profit operator focused on affordable senior housing and care.
• Wentworth Manor — Long-established Calgary assisted living operator.
• Additional independent and smaller operators exist across the city.

What to Look For When Choosing Assisted Living

• Staff-to-resident ratio: How many care staff are present? Is there adequate supervision? Does this ratio change between day and night?
• Activities programming: What social, recreational, or wellness programs are offered? Do they match interests?
• Room options: Are units private or shared? Are there different suite sizes?
• Family visit policies: Can family visit anytime, or are there restrictions? Can family attend activities?
• What's included vs. extra charges: Does the monthly fee include meals, medications, laundry, activities? What costs extra?
• Nutrition and meal service: Can dietary restrictions be accommodated? Are meal times flexible? Can residents eat in private suites?
• Health services on-site: Is there a nurse? Can residents see doctors on-site, or must they leave the facility?
• Location and accessibility: Proximity to family, shopping, medical facilities. Is parking available for visitors?
• Resident and family feedback: Talk to current residents and families — they're the best source of honest information.

Important Context

Assisted living is a healthcare and housing decision, not a real estate transaction. Kenton is not an assisted living placement specialist — that's a different role requiring different credentials.

However, Kenton's SRES® training means he's experienced in coordinating home sales during family care transitions. Often, when an older family member moves to assisted living, the family home needs to be sold. That's where Kenton's expertise becomes directly relevant. He's helped many families navigate both the care transition and the real estate piece at the same time — without rushing either decision.