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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:
- Average cost of Alberta senior care
- Costs for independent living in Alberta
- Supportive living retirement home costs
- Long-term care costs
- Factors that affect the cost
- Paying for a retirement home
Alberta has a wide range of costs for retirement living (independent and supportive living), long-term care (facility living) and home care services. Alberta's continuing care system ensures that whether you are single or a couple, looking for a retirement community or supportive home care, you'll find affordable retirement options within your cost range.
Average cost of Alberta senior care
According to the CMHC’s Senior Housing Report for 2018, the average cost of renting a seniors’ housing space in Alberta was $2,780 per month. Actual costs you will pay will vary widely based on needs and other factors (see more below).
Home care costs in Alberta average between $15 and $75 an hour depending on the type and level of care you are looking for. Alberta Heath Services provide some home care living support costs based on a needs assessment.
Costs for independent living in Alberta
We surveyed a variety of retirement homes from across the province of Alberta. The following provides an overview of what you may expect to pay, based on size.
| City | Suite | Sq footage | Cost/mo (starting) |
| Calgary, AB | 1 br | 685 sq ft | $3,500 |
| Calgary, AB | 2 br | 925 sq ft | $4,500 |
| Edmonton, AB | 1 br | 700 sq ft | $2,950 (estimate only) |
| Edmonton, AB | 2 br | 900 sq ft | $3,900 (estimate only) |
In independent living, some care services may be hired in through home care providers, or provided by the retirement homes themselves. When seniors require more detailed care, this may require the move to supportive living or memory care facilities, where care is likely to be more expensive.
Supportive living retirement home costs
Supportive living in Alberta is roughly synonymous with assisted living elsewhere. In this type of care, you get extended, specific care such for activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, etc. This may be part of an umbrella fee covering any detailed care option, but more often specific care options may be charged on a fee-per-option basis.
| City | What's included | Cost/mo (starting) |
| Calgary, AB | meals, housekeeping, all ADLs | $4,500 |
| Calgary, AB | 925 sq ft | $4,500 |
| Edmonton, AB | meals, housekeeping, all ADLs | $3,900 (estimate only) |
IN-DEPTH REPORTSRetirement communities in Alberta
FEATURED
The Manor Villages StayWell Manor
174 Ypres Green SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2T 6M2
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
FEATURED
The Manor Village at Fish Creek Park
22 Shawnee Hill S.W., Calgary,
Alberta, T2Y 0P8
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
FEATURED
Chartwell Fountains of Mission Retirement Residence
222 25th Avenue South West, Calgary,
Alberta, T2S 3E9
Enjoy an exceptional retirement lifestyle centred on convenience, culture and the comfort of family.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Chartwell Heritage Valley Retirement Residence
944 James Mowatt Trail SW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6W 2B2
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
Chartwell Wescott Retirement Residence
3841 Allan Drive SW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6W 4B8
An upscale retirement community with art studio, pool, yoga room and more. Located in Ambleside (Windermere) in south Edmonton with convenient access to coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants and shopping.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
Garneau Hall Seniors Community
10923 82 Ave NW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T6G 2N9
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
Garrison Green by United Active Living
3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3E 0C9
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
Aster Gardens
7 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park,
Alberta, T8H 1Y7
Aster Gardens, an Optima Living community, opened in March 2021, we are transforming Senior's living. You are going to love living here....Let Us Welcome You Home!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care
The Wellington Retirement Residence
1595 Southview Drive SE, Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1B 0A1
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
Riverwalk Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
528 25 Ave SW, Calgary,
Alberta, V2S 0L5
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
Dr. Hemstock Retirement Residence and Hearthstone Place Verve Senior Living
4202 54 Ave, Lloydminster,
Alberta, T9V 2Z3
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
Boardwalk Retirement Community
3520 31 St. NW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2L 2A5
Welcome to the BRC, a beautiful assisted living facility located in the heart of Calgary's NW. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are safe and cared for with our friendly and passionate staff.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Evanston Summit
150 Evanspark Manor NW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3P 0N4
A Catholic non-profit residence focusing on providing a lifestyle for independent seniors who appreciate the opportunity to live stress-free, with like-minded, active older adults.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Trinity Lodge - Verve Senior Living
1111 Glenmore Trail SW, Calgary,
Alberta, T2V 4C9
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
Emerald Gardens Retirement Residence
10402-111 Street, Grande Prairie,
Alberta, T8V 8G4
A premier retirement community located in the heart of Grande Prairie, Alberta focused on independent living. Emerald Gardens provides quality services to enhance your current lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Wild Rose
9612 - 172nd Street NW, Edmonton,
Alberta, T5T 6C7
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
Prince of Peace
300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County,
Alberta, T1X 1G2
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
11479 Valley Ridge Drive NW, Calgary,
Alberta, T3B5V5
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
7670 4A St SW #100, Calgary,
Alberta, T2V 4S3
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
Lake Bonavista Village - Verve Senior Living
11800 Lake Fraser Drive SE, Calgary,
Alberta, T2J7G8
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
River Ridge Seniors Village
#4 River Ridge Dr. N.W., Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1A 8V1
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
Verve Aspen Woods
10 Aspenshire Dr., SW Calgary,
Alberta, T3H 0T2
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
Long-term care costs
Alberta's long-term care costs (nursing home or facility living costs) are regulated by the government: Alberta Seniors and Community Supports and Alberta Health and Wellness. The costs depend on the type of suite, duration of stay and the individual's income. Spaces in long-term care residences are determined solely by need through the Single Point of Entry process with Alberta Health Services.
Approximate long-term care residence costs:
| Length of stay | Daily- Monthly Rate |
| Long-stay basic | $54 – $1620 |
| Long-stay semi-private | $62 – $1863 |
| Long-stay private | $72 – $2167 |
| Short-stay | $35 – $1053 |
Whether you’re looking for an active adult living community or need a greater amount of care that an assisted living or long-term care residence offers, you will find housing options that fall within your budget. The cost of each will vary, depending on the level of care you need, the type of retirement community or home care service you choose, and your location within the province (Calgary, Edmonton or Medicine Hat). It is important to first determine your needs, before you start your search. This way, you will be able to compare each option easily and make the best decision based on your available budget.
Worried about outliving your retirement savings? Download our Reduce Your Financial Risk Tool for free financial tips and advice.
Quality is probably the most important factor in determining monthly costs. Consult retirement home reviews to hear how people feel about the value they are getting. Calgarians, check out reviews of Calgary retirement homes.
Factors that affect the cost
Your final costs can vary quite widely depending on where you live and what care you require. Here's a look at factors that affect the cost of seniors care, and how you can reduce these costs.
- Location of the retirement home. If you move away from a city center or move to a smaller town, the cost of real estate is lower, and you will pay less for a retirement home stay.
- Size matters. You may be paying as much as 50% more for a few hundred square feet, so consider the possibility that less is more: less room means more money staying in your own pocket.
- Type of care offered. There's not much you can do if you need to have assistance or supportive living care. However, you can shop around, and many homes will allow you to hire in your own home care service, if you think that's cheaper than paying for that same care provided within the services of the retirement community.
Paying for a retirement home
For anyone moving into a retirement home, you need to know the full costs associated with each home or residence before you move in and you need to be aware of potential changes to those costs such as lease or rental increases or changes to your income or investments.
Paying for a retirement home may be easier than you think when you consider that the monthly rate covers many living expenses including everything from home repairs to property taxes to heat and hydro.
Basic ability to pay begins with Government of Canada benefits, Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and any relevant supplements that apply to you. Beyond that there are a variety of source of income you can tap into. Many people are fortunate to have a workplace pension that covers additional costs of living. If you have investments or other income, those also can help you pay rent or other fees associated with retirement care.
For information on budgeting and financial tips read Easing Your Financial Stress
We provide an overview of how people in Alberta afford to pay for senior care. For more information about subsidies, tax credits and support for seniors in Alberta visit the Canada Revenue Agency. The website of Alberta Health Services covers a wide variety of topics including standards, an overview of the system and much more information.
