Retirement Home Costs in Alberta

How much does it cost to retire in Alberta?


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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 REPORTS
Retirement communities in Alberta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.








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