Senior Living Options in Calgary

Calgary offers a wide range of senior living options, and the terminology can be confusing. This page breaks down the four main categories so you can orient yourself before making any decisions.

The right option depends heavily on your current health, lifestyle, finances, and timeline — not just your age.

Independent Living

55+ Condos & Communities

You own or rent in an age-restricted community. You manage your own life — cooking, activities, appointments. The community provides amenities, social connection, and a maintenance-free lifestyle.

This is what Kenton helps with as a REALTOR®. It's a real estate transaction.

Learn more about independent living →

Assisted Living

Supportive Housing with Personal Care

You live in a private suite but receive help with daily activities (bathing, medication, meals). You pay a monthly fee (typically $3,000–$6,000+/month in Calgary).

Not covered by AHS except in specific publicly-funded supportive living programs.

Learn more about assisted living →

Memory Care

Specialized Dementia & Alzheimer's Care

Specialized secure facilities for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's. Structured environment, specialized staff, higher level of supervision. Usually a wing within an assisted living or long-term care facility.

This is a healthcare decision, made through AHS assessment and family consultation.

Learn more about memory care →

Long-Term Care

Nursing Home / Continuing Care

Publicly funded through Alberta Health Services for people who can no longer live independently due to medical complexity. Placement is through AHS assessment, not a personal choice of facility.

AHS manages placement and covers most of the care cost.

Learn more about long-term care →

Which Option Is Right for You?

Ask yourself these honest questions:

Can you manage daily activities alone? Cooking, hygiene, medication, appointments — if yes, independent living may be suitable. If no, assisted living or care facilities are the next steps.
Do you have cognitive changes? Memory loss or confusion points toward memory care evaluation with AHS.
What's your current budget? Independent living ranges from $200K entry-level to $1.2M+ for luxury. Assisted living typically costs $3,000–$6,000+/month.
How involved is family? Family support can make independent living workable longer. Some decisions require family involvement (POA, placement, care planning).
What's your timeline? Independent living decisions are usually planned. Healthcare transitions happen fast — often after a fall or hospitalization.

A Critical Note

Only independent living (owning or renting a 55+ condo) is a real estate transaction — that's where Kenton's REALTOR® license applies. The other three categories are healthcare decisions. But Kenton's SRES® training means he's experienced helping families understand which category they're in, and he can point you to the right resources and specialists for each path.