additional-resources

Alberta Retirement Guide 2022

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Alberta 

Home to one of the most liveable cities in the world and world-famous lakes, it’s no surprise that 700,000 seniors choose to call Alberta home. It is estimated that by 2035, Alberta’s current senior population is expected to rise to one million. Alberta appeals to many older adults when it comes to retirement. With a comprehensive health care system that focuses on seniors living independently for as long as possible and a ratio of 6:1 sunny days, you may find that the province makes for an ideal place for retirees to settle down in. Whether it's a retirement community near the mountain ranges or a peaceful one in the suburbs, <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> is here to help find the perfect community made for you in Alberta.&nbsp;

Known for arguably having some of the best national parks in Canada, there is no shortage of outdoor activities for Albertans to partake in. From sightseeing at Jasper National Park to kayaking at Lake Louise, these are just some of the leisurely activities that Alberta has to offer their Senior residents. Many Albertans also enjoy swimming, golfing, wildlife viewing, biking, and camping in the surrounding parks to explore the endless amounts of blue lakes and top-rated parks the province has to offer. With a growing senior population, Alberta also offers eligible seniors discounts on recreation fees through their Recreation Fee Assistance Program. This program allows older adults to meet others from like-minded communities to connect with while offering discounted services on aquatic/fitness/leisure facilities, golf courses, and city-registered programs.

Ranked highest for having the most comfortable weather in all of Canada, Alberta is no stranger to sunshine. With an average of 312 sunny days per year, the province is well known for having sunshine throughout all four seasons. While the winter season does see the sun often, you can still expect colder and drier weather following it. Average temperatures can range anywhere from -5 to -15°C (23-5°F), however, you can expect extreme temperatures in regions like Edmonton with lows of up to −51 °C at times. On the other hand, summers are warmer and more comfortable, with average temperatures ranging anywhere from 20-35° (68-95°F).

Whether it’s assisted living or a retirement community, Alberta offers its senior residents a variety of reliable and affordable options to choose from when it comes to their care needs. While you can expect the cost of assisted living to typically start from $2000-$3000, the Alberta government works with numerous non-profit organizations and housing providers to offer subsidized options to choose from. If eligible, programs such as the Rent Supplement Program, Seniors Self-contained Housing Program, and the Seniors Lodge are designed to help subsidize the cost of retirement care based on your personal income.Rent Supplement Program: The Rent Supplement Program was designed to subsidize the cost of housing for those needing both long and short-term assistance with rent. The Rent Assistance benefit is a long-term benefit program that offers low-income Albertans direct payments to their tenants to cover the cost of rent, with the coverage amount being individually calculated depending on both the local market rent and your household income. The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit is a short-term benefit offering support to Albertans that are working on improving their current income situation or are not currently receiving support through benefits such as the Alberta Seniors Benefit. Similar to the Rent Assistance benefit, those eligible will receive support for covering their rent paid directly to their tenants. However, those receiving the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit may only receive support for up to 2 years.Seniors Self-contained Housing Program: Functionally independent seniors, regardless of whether they require assistance from community-based services, are offered apartment housing at a reduced cost based on 30 percent of their household-adjusted income through this program. Their subsidized rent also covers basic needs such as sewer, water, and heat expenses.Seniors Lodge: Seniors that do not require specialized health care may be eligible for the seniors' lodge program, which offers rooms, meals, and housekeeping services for those 65 and up. Lodge rates may vary depending on each housing provider, however, all seniors participating in the program must be left with a minimum disposable income of $322 per month.

Depending on the care you require and your personal lifestyle, the cost of retiring in Alberta can vary. However, Alberta is often noted for having one of the lowest costs of living in all of Canada - including lower costs for housing, taxes, and leisure activities. When it comes to senior support for finance and budgeting during retirement, the Alberta government offers assistance with monthly expenses to those needing additional help.Alberta Seniors Benefit: Seniors making an annual income of $29,285 or less (or $47,545 for senior couples) are entitled to a benefit that is determined by a number of factors. Your income, your type of accommodation, your marital status, and whether you are receiving the Old Age Security pension will determine the amount of support you will receive under this program. Additionally, If you are a new Alberta resident, you may receive these benefits in the month of your 65th birthday, or 3 months into your permanent residency in Alberta.Special Needs for Assistance for Seniors: Low-income seniors making $29,285 or less annually are entitled to up to $5,105 per year to help cover the cost of health and specific personal items. For senior couples to be eligible, the household income made annually should be $47,545 or under. This program helps older adults cover the cost of items such as appliances, furniture, health support, or personal support. While health support can cover the cost of certain prescriptions, personal support covers the cost of services such as housekeeping, yard maintenance, medical trips, respite care, and more.Seniors residing in Alberta should receive a package in the mail six months before their 65th birthday outlining every program they are eligible for. For more information on eligibility and benefits, visit the official <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance.aspx">Alberta website</a>. &nbsp;

For seniors not eligible or looking for government funding, there are several different ways they can look to fund their retirement.&nbsp;Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs): Using a Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) or a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSAs), your post-retirement income is dependent on the amount you put into these accounts when you first began saving and the interest you received.Investment accounts: More commonly, many older adults turn to taxable investment accounts, such as stocks and bonds, as a post-retirement income source.&nbsp;Employer-sponsored pension plans: If offered by your employer, you may be eligible for an employer-sponsored pension plan. This plan involves your and your employer contributing money towards your retirement over the course of your employment.To learn more about your post-retirement income source options, visit our <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/blog/paying-for-care/paying-for-care-in-canada-%257C-stretching-your-dollars">resource centre.</a>

Alberta’s Health Services is known for its philosophy of offering health care that allows seniors to live independently at home for as long as they possibly can. All residents of Alberta must register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan to receive coverage for health care and health services, such as medically required services and certain hospital services. However, the Government of Alberta supports their senior population by providing additional, premium-free health coverage to costs not insured under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan for seniors 65 and over.&nbsp;Coverage for Seniors Program: The Coverage for Seniors program covers additional health services such as specific prescription drugs under the Alberta Drug Benefit List, home nursing care, clinical psychological services, and chiropractic services.&nbsp;Dental Assistance for Seniors: Eligible seniors aged 65 and older are entitled to dental coverage of up to $5000 towards their dental services every 5 years.Optical Assistance for Seniors: Every 3 years, eligible seniors are offered up to $250 in funding to cover the cost of optical services. This also includes and covers the costs of lenses, frames, and prescription glasses.&nbsp;Home Nursing Care: Seniors eligible are given up to $200 annually to cover the cost of physician-referred nursing care from the senior's home.&nbsp;

For further information, you can visit and/or contact these sources:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-seniors-benefit.aspx">Alberta seniors benefit;</a> A resource center for receiving senior financial assistance.<a href="https://www.calgary.ca/csps/recreation/fee-assistance.html">Recreation Fee Assistance Program</a>: Information on how to sign up for Fee Assistance.Alberta's Seniors Information Phone Line: call 2-1-1 or visit <a href="https://ab.211.ca/">211 Alberta&nbsp;</a>

Lifestyle & activities

Weather and Climate

Housing options in Alberta: Finding the Right Fit for You

Cost of Retiring in Alberta: Budgeting and Financing

Post-retirement Income Sources

Access to Healthcare

 Additional Resources

Cared Upon 9

I need support arranging care for myself or a loved one. Where do I start? 

Getting Started with Retirement Care

Arranging care for yourself or a loved one can seem complicated. &nbsp;To get started, there are four steps when arranging senior care services.&nbsp;

Arranging care for yourself or a loved one can seem complicated.To get started, there are four steps when arranging care services.&nbsp;1) Request for an assessment for services from a local home or community care office&nbsp;2) Prepare for your assessment or services&nbsp;3) Develop your unique care plan&nbsp;4) Begin your care services

When you or someone you know needs care, you can contact your local home or community care office to request an assessment for services. If you’re already working with a health care professional, including a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or social worker, they can make a referral for you.

Once your local home and community care office receives a request for assessment, either from yourself or a health care professional, you will be contacted. The health care professional from the local home or community care office will work with you to determine your eligibility for services and/or arrange for an assessment if it is necessary.  
If for any reason you or your loved one is not eligible for home and community care services or you do not require an assessment for services, you will receive a referral to other resources. 


An assessment for services with a health care professional is a meeting to talk about your current living situation and assess your unique health care needs.&nbsp;To prepare for your meeting, you will need to have:&nbsp;• Your health care card• Your family doctor and the best number to reach them at&nbsp;• A close relative or friend that the care services office can contact&nbsp;• Information about any prescription medications you are taking&nbsp;• Your pension cheque stubs&nbsp;• Your income tax return or notice of assessment&nbsp;The health care professional will also work with you to answer the following questions:&nbsp;• Am I eligible for care?&nbsp;• What services are needed to meet my unique health care needs and situation?&nbsp;• How long will I need care services for?&nbsp;• Will the services cost me anything? If so, how much will that be?&nbsp;It is important to remember that you and your loved one have the right to consent to care by your health authority. Make sure your questions are answered and explained so you have an understanding of the next steps ahead.&nbsp;To prepare further for your meeting, Cared Upon recommends you have:&nbsp;• A list of questions you have about home and community care services&nbsp;• Documents or any information that could be helpful to further assess your unique health care needs&nbsp;• A family member, close relative or friend to attend the meeting with you. It can be helpful to have an extra pair of ears to provide support or ask any questions you might miss.

Once it is determined that you are eligible for services, a health care professional will work with you to co-create a care plan that meet your unique health care needs. 
This plan will serve as a guide for everyone on your caregiving team. As your care situation evolves and changes, your care plan will be updated by the health care professional. 


The time it takes to begin your care services will depend on the urgency for the need of the particular care service. This will be determined by the health care professional during your assessment for services meeting. Many health care professionals use an “urgency criteria” to prioritize access to care services. The urgency criteria will vary depending on where you are located and whether you are accessing home or community care.&nbsp;Generally, this is based on:&nbsp;• Is there an urgency to access health care needs right now?&nbsp;• What is the current availability for home and community caregivers and support?&nbsp;• Is there a potential risk from abuse, neglect, or self-neglect that requires assistance in managing your day-to-day needs?

Getting Started

1.  Request an assessment for services from a local home or community care office 

2.  Prepare for your assessment of services 

3.  Develop your unique care plan

4.  Begin your care services

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<a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/care-advisor/apply">Click here to match with a Cared Upon Senior Living Advisor today.</a>

Find The Support You Need With a Senior Living Advisor 

You or your loved ones have come to an important conclusion–it’s time to seek additional living support. Independent research is a critical first step in this process, but you’ve realized just how much information is out there. Navigating the digital maze of elder care providers’ websites, blogs, and independent resources can often lead to more questions than answers. Senior Living Advisors are here to help guide you all the way through the process, from initial research to moving day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Living Advisors (SLAs), sometimes referred to as Senior Living Consultants, Senior Living Care Professionals, or Elder Care Advisors, are not affiliated with specific care facilities, working independently to ensure that you find the perfect residence. Each Senior Living Advisor is equipped with a wealth of experience in the senior care industry, and has access to information sometimes unavailable to families. Their goal isn’t to rush you through this already stressful process– they’re here to empower your decision making with the support and resources you need.&nbsp;

You’ve likely already noticed that the existing senior care landscape is not exactly conducive to independent research– care homes’ guides, blogs, and resources sometimes host competing information, or are colored by their intention to attract new residents. Senior Living Advisors have guided families through this process before, allowing them to provide you with specific, relevant information. Since Senior Living Advisors are not affiliated with a particular facility, you can trust them to be honest and objective. Not only will they be able to discuss the levels of available care, vacancies in your area, and how to pay for it, they’ll also have a qualitative sense of each community.

Senior Living Advisors work for you– not for care providers. Before your SLA begins the discussion about available facilities, they spend time getting to know you. All of their recommendations are based on you or your loved one’s personal wants, needs, required care, budget, and personality. Armed with a thorough understanding of your needs, they’re able to advocate on your behalf and deliver a rich, personalized experience. What’s more, your advisor’s job doesn’t stop once you’ve received a handful of recommendations; your Senior Living Advisor stays involved in your provider search until well after you’ve settled in.&nbsp;

Choosing a residence is one of the most important moves of your or loved ones’ life. With so many key factors to consider, this process takes time. Senior Living Advisors are happy to move as quickly or as slowly as you need them to. If you’re looking for a residence right away, their connections with care providers can expedite your move-in day, but if you’re just starting your journey– they’re happy to use those same relationships to book as many tours as you need. Your comfort and confidence is the foundation of a successful placement.

<a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/care-advisor/apply">Click here to match with a Cared Upon Senior Living Advisor today.&nbsp;</a> You'll be expertly matched with an advisor from our team with more than 35 years of senior care placement experience.

Each advisor will take the time to:&nbsp;<ol><li>Generate and understanding of your or your loved one's care needs</li><li>Explore a diverse array of options in your area and budget</li><li>Research and interview facilities nearby facilities on your behalf</li><li>Arrange in-person residence tours to experience their facilities and services</li><li>Work together to determine the perfect fit</li></ol>

Choosing a Retirement Residence with Confidence

Senior Living Advisors Have Been Here Before

Relationships First, Placements Second

No Rush 

Connect with a Senior Care Advisor on CaredUpon.ca

What You Can Expect From Cared Upon's Senior Living Advisors 

Cared Upon 21

What are the Care Options Available for Me? 

There are a number of care options available for seniors. &nbsp;Read on to learn what they are and find out which one may be right for you

There is a spectrum of care options available depending on your unique health care needs. These include:&nbsp;

Active Adult Living are often gated or planned communities, that are built to provide you with the utmost flexibility. You may choose this living option if you are comfortable with living on your own. These communities allow you to choose to live with people around the same age and those who have the same interests as you. When you choose active adult living, you choose a community with on-site services and amenities such as 24-hour security, golf courses, art classes, recreation centres, gyms and fitness classes, spas, lawn bowling, and tennis courts. When you live in active adult living communities, you also don’t have to worry about maintaining you living space such as mowing your lawn or clearing your driveway.  

Independent Living allows you to live with people around the same age and interests in a care-free and stress-free community. This option is for you if you are comfortable with living on your own, have good physical health, and have good cognitive health, but would like extra assistance with tasks around your living space such as with cooking, laundry and in-home maintenance. Often, independent living communities offer recreational programs similar to active adult living communities as well.  

Home Care allows you to stay in the comfort of your own home and get the day-to-day assistance you may need. This is ideal if you have some physical or cognitive health limitations. The type of assistance will depend on your needs including medication assistance, transportation, and cooking. Other services could include respite care and palliative care. Sometimes, these services are eligible through your home or community care providers. 

Assisted Living homes are sometimes referred to as personal care homes or assisted care communities. This option is ideal if you are still able to live independently but have some physical or cognitive health limitations. In assisted living communities, you have on-site daily support including personal care, mobility and transportation, cooking, and medication assistance. Care in these facilities are tailored to meet your unique needs. Often, assisted living communities will also offer social, cultural, recreational and educational activities. 

Long-Term Care allows you to have all-inclusive 24-hour assistance including personal care, hygiene, mobilit, and transportation, and medication assistance. This is an option if you have physical or cognitive health limitations such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Often, you will be assessed by a social service agency for long-term care services. Depending on where you live, long-term care is usually covered by the Ministry of Health.  

Respite Care offers you short-term care that can range from 24-hours to 90 days, depending on your unique health needs and living situation. These services are offered in-home or at retirement homes. This is for you if you have any physical or cognitive health limitations. The respite care services offered include personal care, hygiene, mobility and transportation, and medication assistance. Often, it is recommended by your home or community care office. 

Convalescent Care allows you to be cared for after surgery such as knee or hip surgery. This is a short-term care service similar to respite care that is offered in retirement homes. Convalescent care offers 24-hour care in cases of emergencies and routine doctor check-ups. Sometimes, retirement homes offering convalescent care have amenities and services to help with your recovery including pools, spas, gyms, and physiotherapy. 

Palliative Care allows you to have the right care if you are experiencing a terminal, serious illness. It is also referred to as comfort care, end-of-life care or hospice care. This can be offered in retirement homes or in-home. If you choose palliative care in retirement homes, there may be other services available such as spas and physiotherapy. 

Care Options

Adult Active Living

Independent Living

Home Care

Assisted Living

Long Term Care

Respite Care

Palliative Care 

Airdrie

Ashmont

Athabasca

Banff

Barnwell

Barrhead

Bashaw

Bassano

Bentley

Berwyn

Black Diamond

Blaimore

Blairmore

Bonnyville

Bow Island

Boyle

Breton

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Calgary

Calgary is a sought-after retirement destination as it offers affordable real estate, quality healthcare, as well as a unique blend of the city lifestyle with outdoor activities. In addition to world-class festivals like the Calgary Stampede, the city is also known for its thriving arts scene, variety of parks, shopping centres, and senior centres. No matter your preferences when it comes to deciding on a retirement community, let <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> help you find a community in Calgary that suits your needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In terms of activities, older adults that enjoy being outdoors can find themselves spending their days swimming, golfing, biking, and taking scenic park tours while exploring the top-rated parks Calgary has to offer. It is also worth noting that Calgary is only 1.5 hours away from the world-famous town Banff, making a weekend getaway to Banff National Park common (and even cheaper) for locals. You can choose to do a road trip by car or Greyhound, or board the world’s largest privately-owned luxury train, The Rocky Mountaineer. For seniors looking to fulfil their physical activity with walking, you can visit the Glenbow Museum to view world-renowned art exhibits or take a stroll along Prince’s Island Park.&nbsp;

Its mountain-high altitude contributes to Calgary's dry climate, and the city experiences mild weather throughout the year. The city is known as the sunniest major city in Canada, with a recorded level of 333 sunny days annually. The daily average summer temperature in the city sits at 15°C (59.4°F), with daily maximums of 22°C. While Calgary experiences a milder winter in comparison to other cities in Alberta, average winter temperatures sit at -11°C (12°F).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Whether it’s assisted living or a retirement community, Calgary offers its senior residents a variety of reliable and affordable options to choose from when it comes to their care needs. While you can expect the cost of assisted living to typically start from $2000-$3000, the Alberta government works with numerous non-profit organizations and housing providers to offer subsidized options to choose from. If eligible, programs such as the Rent Supplement Program, Seniors Self-contained Housing Program, and the Seniors Lodge are designed to help subsidize the cost of retirement care based on your personal income.Rent Supplement Program: The Rent Supplement Program was designed to subsidize the cost of housing for those needing both long and short-term assistance with rent. The Rent Assistance benefit is a long-term benefit program that offers low-income Albertans direct payments to their tenants to cover the cost of rent, with the coverage amount being individually calculated depending on both the local market rent and your household income. The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit is a short-term benefit offering support to Albertans that are working on improving their current income situation or are not currently receiving support through benefits such as the Alberta Seniors Benefit. Similar to the Rent Assistance benefit, those eligible will receive support for covering their rent paid directly to their tenants. However, those receiving the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit may only receive support for up to 2 years.Seniors Self-contained Housing Program: Functionally independent seniors, regardless of whether they require assistance from community-based services, are offered apartment housing at a reduced cost based on 30 percent of their household-adjusted income through this program. Their subsidized rent also covers basic needs such as sewer, water, and heat expenses.Seniors Lodge: Seniors that do not require specialized health care may be eligible for the seniors' lodge program, which offers rooms, meals, and housekeeping services for those 65 and up. Lodge rates may vary depending on each housing provider, however, all seniors participating in the program must be left with a minimum disposable income of $322 per month.

Depending on the care you require and your personal lifestyle, the cost of retiring in Calgary can vary. However, Calgary is often noted for having one of the lowest costs of living in all of Canada - including lower costs for housing, taxes, and leisure activities. When it comes to senior support for finance and budgeting during retirement, the Alberta government offers assistance with monthly expenses to those needing additional help.Alberta Seniors Benefit: Seniors making an annual income of $29,285 or less (or $47,545 for senior couples) are entitled to a benefit that is determined by a number of factors. Your income, your type of accommodation, your marital status, and whether you are receiving the Old Age Security pension will determine the amount of support you will receive under this program. Additionally, If you are a new Alberta resident, you may receive these benefits in the month of your 65th birthday, or 3 months into your permanent residency in Alberta.Special Needs for Assistance for Seniors: Low-income seniors making $29,285 or less annually are entitled to up to $5,105 per year to help cover the cost of health and specific personal items. For senior couples to be eligible, the household income made annually should be $47,545 or under. This program helps older adults cover the cost of items such as appliances, furniture, health support, or personal support. While health support can cover the cost of certain prescriptions, personal support covers the cost of services such as housekeeping, yard maintenance, medical trips, respite care, and more.Seniors residing in Calgary should receive a package in the mail six months before their 65th birthday outlining every program they are eligible for. For more information on eligibility and benefits, visit the official <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance.aspx">Alberta website</a>. &nbsp;

Alberta’s Health Services is known for its philosophy of offering health care that allows seniors to live independently at home for as long as they possibly can. All residents of Calgary must register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan to receive coverage for health care and health services, such as medically required services and certain hospital services. However, the Government of Alberta supports their senior population by providing additional, premium-free health coverage to costs not insured under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan for seniors 65 and over.&nbsp;Coverage for Seniors Program: The Coverage for Seniors program covers additional health services such as specific prescription drugs under the Alberta Drug Benefit List, home nursing care, clinical psychological services, and chiropractic services.&nbsp;Dental Assistance for Seniors: Eligible seniors aged 65 and older are entitled to dental coverage of up to $5000 towards their dental services every 5 years.Optical Assistance for Seniors: Every 3 years, eligible seniors are offered up to $250 in funding to cover the cost of optical services. This also includes and covers the costs of lenses, frames, and prescription glasses.&nbsp;Home Nursing Care: Seniors eligible are given up to $200 annually to cover the cost of physician-referred nursing care from the senior's home.&nbsp;

For further information, you can visit and/or contact these sources:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-seniors-benefit.aspx">Alberta seniors benefit:</a> A resource center for receiving senior financial assistance.<a href="https://www.calgary.ca/csps/recreation/fee-assistance.html">Recreation Fee Assistance Program</a>: Information on how to sign up for Fee Assistance.Alberta's Seniors Information Phone Line: call 2-1-1 or visit <a href="https://ab.211.ca/">211 Alberta&nbsp;</a>

Lifestyle & activities 

Weather and Climate 

Housing options in Calgary: Finding the Right Fit for You

Cost of Retiring in Calgary: Budgeting and Financing

Additional Resources

Calgary

Camrose

Canmore

Cardston

Carstairs

Carvel

Castor

Claresholm

Coaldale

Cold Lake

Consort

Coronation

Crooked Creek

Crossfield

Darwell

Daysland

Devon

Didsbury

Drayton Valley

Drumheller

Eckville

A Guide to Retirement Care & Senior Living in Edmonton

With a high average of sunny days, lower tax rates, and great levels of support for their senior population, many older adults find Edmonton to be an ideal city for retirement. The city is home to a thriving arts scene with a wide variety of restaurants, shopping centres, parks, and senior centres for their senior population to explore. On top of that, citizens are offered a comprehensive health care system that focuses on providing quality health care to promote independent living for seniors for as long as possible. Whether you are looking for a retirement community in the heart of the city or one away from the city buzz, let <a href="https://www.caredupon.ca/">Cared Upon</a> help you discover if Edmonton is the right fit for your care needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With over 50 annual festivals and home to North America’s largest shopping centre, seniors that enjoy a more vibrant city lifestyle may find retiring in Edmonton appealing. The West Edmonton Mall not only offers over 800 stores to shop in, but also a skating rink, swimming pool, sea lion show, and an amusement park to explore. For seniors interested in the cultural arts scene, you can find yourself exploring the city’s art scene at the Edmonton Arts District to find a variety of cultural exhibitions, museums, and theatres to visit. With a growing senior population, Edmonton senior centres also make for a wonderful way for older adults to connect with like-minded individuals and participate in recreational activities.&nbsp;

Edmonton has a humid continental climate with dry and hot summers, and long, freezing winters. While the city experiences a high average of sunny days annually, Edmonton weather is notorious for being unpredictable, as you can also find higher levels of precipitation throughout the year. You can expect average winter temperatures in the city to range anywhere from -15 to -4°C (5-24°F), with extreme lows of up to −49 °C at times. On the other hand, summers are warmer and drier, with average temperatures ranging anywhere from 20-30°C (68-86°F).&nbsp;

Whether it’s assisted living or a retirement community, Edmonton offers its senior residents a variety of reliable and affordable options to choose from when it comes to their care needs. While you can expect the cost of assisted living to typically start from $2000-$3000, the Alberta government works with numerous non-profit organizations and housing providers to offer subsidized options to choose from. If eligible, programs such as the Rent Supplement Program, Seniors Self-contained Housing Program, and the Seniors Lodge are designed to help subsidize the cost of retirement care based on your personal income.Rent Supplement Program: The Rent Supplement Program was designed to subsidize the cost of housing for those needing both long and short-term assistance with rent. The Rent Assistance benefit is a long-term benefit program that offers low-income Albertans direct payments to their tenants to cover the cost of rent, with the coverage amount being individually calculated depending on both the local market rent and your household income. The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit is a short-term benefit offering support to Albertans that are working on improving their current income situation or are not currently receiving support through benefits such as the Alberta Seniors Benefit. Similar to the Rent Assistance benefit, those eligible will receive support for covering their rent paid directly to their tenants. However, those receiving the Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit may only receive support for up to 2 years.Seniors Self-contained Housing Program: Functionally independent seniors, regardless of whether they require assistance from community-based services, are offered apartment housing at a reduced cost based on 30 percent of their household-adjusted income through this program. Their subsidized rent also covers basic needs such as sewer, water, and heat expenses.Seniors Lodge: Seniors that do not require specialized health care may be eligible for the seniors' lodge program, which offers rooms, meals, and housekeeping services for those 65 and up. Lodge rates may vary depending on each housing provider, however, all seniors participating in the program must be left with a minimum disposable income of $322 per month.

Depending on the care you require and your personal lifestyle, the cost of retiring in Edmonton can vary. However, Alberta is often noted for having one of the lowest costs of living in all of Canada - including lower costs for housing, taxes, and leisure activities. When it comes to senior support for finance and budgeting during retirement, the Alberta government offers assistance with monthly expenses to those needing additional help.Alberta Seniors Benefit: Seniors making an annual income of $29,285 or less (or $47,545 for senior couples) are entitled to a benefit that is determined by a number of factors. Your income, your type of accommodation, your marital status, and whether you are receiving the Old Age Security pension will determine the amount of support you will receive under this program. Additionally, If you are a new Alberta resident, you may receive these benefits in the month of your 65th birthday, or 3 months into your permanent residency in Alberta.Special Needs for Assistance for Seniors: Low-income seniors making $29,285 or less annually are entitled to up to $5,105 per year to help cover the cost of health and specific personal items. For senior couples to be eligible, the household income made annually should be $47,545 or under. This program helps older adults cover the cost of items such as appliances, furniture, health support, or personal support. While health support can cover the cost of certain prescriptions, personal support covers the cost of services such as housekeeping, yard maintenance, medical trips, respite care, and more.Seniors residing in Alberta should receive a package in the mail six months before their 65th birthday outlining every program they are eligible for. For more information on eligibility and benefits, visit the official <a href="https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance.aspx">Alberta website</a>. &nbsp;

Alberta’s Health Services is known for its philosophy of offering health care that allows seniors to live independently at home for as long as they possibly can. All residents of Edmonton must register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan to receive coverage for health care and health services, such as medically required services and certain hospital services. However, the Government of Alberta supports their senior population by providing additional, premium-free health coverage to costs not insured under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan for seniors 65 and over.&nbsp;Coverage for Seniors Program: The Coverage for Seniors program covers additional health services such as specific prescription drugs under the Alberta Drug Benefit List, home nursing care, clinical psychological services, and chiropractic services.&nbsp;Dental Assistance for Seniors: Eligible seniors aged 65 and older are entitled to dental coverage of up to $5000 towards their dental services every 5 years.Optical Assistance for Seniors: Every 3 years, eligible seniors are offered up to $250 in funding to cover the cost of optical services. This also includes and covers the costs of lenses, frames, and prescription glasses.&nbsp;Home Nursing Care: Seniors eligible are given up to $200 annually to cover the cost of physician-referred nursing care from the senior's home.&nbsp;

For further information, you can visit and/or contact these sources:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-seniors-benefit.aspx">Alberta seniors benefit</a>: A resource center for receiving senior financial assistance.<a href="https://www.calgary.ca/csps/recreation/fee-assistance.html">Recreation Fee Assistance Program</a>: Information on how to sign up for Fee Assistance.Alberta's Seniors Information Phone Line: call 2-1-1 or visit <a href="https://ab.211.ca/">211 Alberta&nbsp;</a>

Housing options in Edmonton: Finding the Right Fit for You

Cost of Retiring in Edmonton: Budgeting and Financing

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