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Independent Living Homes Alberta

Your guide to independent senior living in the province of Alberta

Independent senior living homes provide you with everything you would never dream of having in your own home. Included in the luxuries and amenities you might find in Alberta’s independent living homes are on-site mail service, light housekeeping, transportation services, personal laundry, and planned activities like bingo. You’ll never be lonely here, but instead you'll find yourself surrounded by others at the same stage of life, who share your history and concerns. Find a community below.

The benefits of an independent living retirement home

An independent living retirement home will mitigate many risks in your life: your community will almost certainly have round-the-clock security and a team of staff ready to respond to your needs. Some independent living residences in Alberta may have nurses on staff when there are care options such as long-term care or memory care in the same building or complex. No matter what, you will live safely, freely, and comfortably. 

Other common features of independent living work together to immediately make your life better:

• Communal dining means that you don't have to buy your own groceries, make your own meals, clean up dishes or eat by yourself. (You may also have the option of eating in your own suite if you want privacy, of course.) Studies show that people eat healthier when they eat with other people. That's just one aspect of independent living that can improve your health and well-being.
• Communal living with peers is also beneficial. You'll live with people who share your values and experiences and there's an opportunity to develop deeply trusting relationships with people your own age. People will be looking out for you, and homes are easy to get around in and full of comfortable meeting areas.
• Housekeeping and other in-home services free up time to let you pursue new interests.
• Safety and Security: Homes are designed with optimal accessibility features like ramps and elevators that maximize safety over what most seniors live with when they choose to stay at home. In-suite features will often optimize bathroom, bathing and kitchen safety, and suites are designed for the best security and comfort you can dream of. Homes will often have onsite security and round-the-clock staff to safeguard your security.
• Social Interaction — Daily activities inside one of these communities include communal meals and other community activities where you can make new friends, get out and stay active. Many people find themselves revived and renewed when they move into a communal living environment. Most residences are designed with numerous communal areas (both indoors and out) so you can choose where to hang out and who to chat with. In a vibrant community, you'll feel newly charged. Many communities offer hobby times and other opportunities to discover new interests and interact with other residents. 
• Keeping busy — Staying active is great to keep both your brain healthy and your body fit! Indeed, independent living homes will provide you with many programs and activities.
• Dining in a number of homes listed here is especially exquisite. Homes offer gourmet dining and highly nutritious and delicious meals, and you may be able to choose you own menu. You can even invite friends and family to eat with you for a reduced rate.  Some residences also have their own general store, round-the-clock snack bar and a variety of other excellent food features. 
• Excellent amenities like fitness classes, gardens, onsite pubs, restaurants, stores and more.

Tips on moving forward and making the right choice

Alberta’s independent senior living homes are a great improvement over the retirement homes of the past: cleaner, more spacious, more practically designed, safer and more secure than ever. One of the most common concerns that seniors have when they are considering moving to a retirement home is the emotional turmoil such a lifestyle change may bring. However, independent living retirement communities will give you the chance to bring touches of your own home with you (many homes allow pets, for example). 

Seniors who have moved into an independent living home often find themselves with a renewed love of life. They say things like, "I wish I had done this earlier" or "I want to stay here for years more, this is my new home."  When moving into an independent living home, you have to look ahead and look at it as an opportunity. There are many advantages to this over living on your own in your own home or living with family. In the end, it really does help you keep your independence in a way that other arrangements do not. 

As you look at Alberta independent senior living, take along The Ultimate Retirement Tour Checklist, a handy guide full of questions and notes you might not otherwise think of. Print off as many copies as you need!

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Moving to Alberta from out of the province

Because independent living reduces many of the burdens on your life (i.e. maintenance), you will have more time to seize opportunities that you may have put off until now.

For anyone moving from out of the province, Alberta is a great place to retire for a few reasons:

• Alberta does not have provincial or harmonized sales tax, so you will have more money to spend on leisure.
• The province's two largest and liveliest cities, Edmonton and Calgary, offer a wide variety of attractions. West Edmonton Mall alone is worth moving to that city for, while both cities have major sports franchises, excellent live theatre and a vibrant night life. Those are things that will attract family, and they will want to stay close to you if you settle in one of those cities near them. Alberta as a whole has lots to offer.
• Alberta is also rich with nature, like Banff National Park, Jasper and of course many other spectacular Rocky Mountain places to visit and view. Here, you will have plenty of time to relax amidst a soothing atmosphere.

Many of Alberta's independent senior living retirement homes very rightfully brag about the beautiful views they offer, the local scenery and the spectacular vistas of the Rocky Mountains and its foothills.