Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Seniors Housing Accommodation Only, Seniors Housing with Service Options, and Seniors Housing with Service Options and Health Supports?
Seniors Housing Accommodation Only: This category is inclusive of seniors housing settings that are strictly accommodation without any services or supports on site. Terms such as “seniors’ apartments,” and “independent living” would fall into this category, as well as the government program “Seniors Self-Contained.” If a resident/tenant required any services (such as homecare, housekeeping, meal delivery, etc.), they would need to arrange it themselves.
Seniors Housing with Service Options: This category is more commonly understood as “seniors supportive living” in Alberta. This is where there are services onsite such as meals, housekeeping, recreational activities, and laundry. Seniors housing with service options are licensed under the Accommodations Standards – Supportive Living Accommodation (AS – SLA). Service options might be included in one’s rent, or could be a separate pay option, depending on the site. If a resident/tenant required any health supports (such as homecare, etc.), they would need to arrange it themselves.
Seniors Housing with Service Options and Health Supports: This category is the largest of the three in terms of the variety of options available. This is where some form of health supports is provided onsite, like 24/7 health care aides, LPNs, or RNs, for higher levels of health supports. “Continuing Care Home – Type B” and “Memory Care” would fall under this category. Categories of service options and health supports depending on the needs of the resident and the type of housing provider.
I’m seeing listings with their pricing specified as “Rent Geared to Income” (RGI). What does this mean?
Rent Geared to Income (often abbreviated to RGI in the housing industry), is subsidized government and supported housing. The accommodation and services fee is calculated based on an individual’s income. Individuals must qualify to receive these subsidies. We recommend that you contact the site directly for an application to see if you are eligible.
Why am I unable to search by price range?
Pricing can be multi-faceted, as some listings may have everything included in the price, while other listings may only provide the price of rent, with the cost of services and amenities charged separately. As well, prices may vary by unit type, size, and other factors. Some units are listed with minimum prices, and there are a lot of different factors that could determine cost. The three main factors are as follows:
- The listing is an RGI unit. In this instance, the minimum price that appears will be based on what the individual might pay once subsidized.
- What is included in the minimum price. Each site has different services and supports available (if any), and they may or may not be charged separately. Some sites will include service and support fees in the minimum price that is posted, while others may only list the accommodation fee, with the “service package” fee applied separately. We recommend contacting the site listed to see what is included in the prices listed.
- Size of the unit/suite and available amenities. Larger units with more amenities will usually cost more than modestly equipped units of a smaller size. The minimum price will usually reflect the most basic type of accommodation offered on site.
I notice some listings have the Priority Rating checked. What is that?
Some sites may use a priority rating system to determine the eligibility and the need of an individual for social housing accommodation in accordance with the Social Housing Accommodation Regulation. If the site indicates a Priority Rating, it means that when a unit becomes available, it will be given to the applicant deemed most eligible and most in need of social housing accommodation.
Why do only some of the listings have pictures and/or videos?
Listings with pictures and/or videos are operated by members of the Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association, which manages this website, which member fees support. Sites without photos or videos are either non-member housing organizations, or ASCHA Member sites whose photos or videos may not be currently available.
Some listings contain very little detail or information. How do I find out more?
Each organization/provider is responsible for creating or validating their listings on the Alberta Seniors Housing Directory. ASCHA assumes no responsibility for incorrect or incomplete data in the directory. If you require more information about a particular unit or site, please contact the site directly using the information provided on their listing.
I’m finding units that I really like, but when I phone the provider, they inform me that there are no vacancies. Why are they still listed on this directory?
The Alberta Seniors Housing Directory is NOT a directory of current vacancies. It contains a full listing of all available seniors housing options in the province so that Albertans can find those closest to the community they wish to reside in. The directory is a resource for those in need of housing options, but it also offers housing data relevant to government, stakeholders, and housing associations. Furthermore, a building may experience both wait lists and vacancies at any given time. We encourage you to remain in contact with the sites you are interested in should an opening come available. If you are looking specifically for vacancies, please visit the ASCHA Member Vacancy Page. Please note that each site reports their own vacancies, and the status may change. Please consult the “Last Updated” date to ensure how current the information is.
I am looking for long-term care options. Does this Directory include those?
The Alberta Seniors Housing Directory does not provide information on long-term care options. In order to live in long-term care, you must be assessed and placed. The Alberta Seniors Housing Directory is a tool for people who want to choose where they would like to live and who do not require a placement. If you are looking for long-term care information, please visit the Alberta Continuing Care Facility Directory located on the Alberta Health Services website.
I have a pet, and I want to bring it with me when I move. How can I tell if a site allows pets or not?
In the site’s listing information, and if they’ve chosen to provide that information, it will say whether pets are allowed or not.
How do I know which sites are wheelchair accessible, or which sites have units that are wheelchair accessible?
Under the listings’ information, it will indicate whether a building or suites are wheelchair accessible.
I’ve found a bunch of sites I’m interested in – can I save them to a list or something?
If you are a member of the public and searching for seniors housing options, you can create a free account to keep track of the sites you’re interested in on the Alberta Seniors Housing Directory. To register:
- Click the blue “Log In” button at the top right of the site.
- Once the log in popup has appeared, click the “Sign Up” link near the bottom of the popup.
- The popup will change to show a registration form. Enter the following information:
- Your desired username
- Your email address
- Your desired password
- Indicate you are a user
- Agree to this site’s Privacy Policy and Terms
- Click the blue “Sign Up” button to complete the account creation process.
Once you have an account, you can “favourite” the sites you are interested in and that you want to contact.
As a housing provider, are there any helpful tips/instructions on adding my sites’ information to the Directory?
If you are a housing provider, please refer to the Alberta Seniors Housing Directory Instructional Guide, available by contacting ASCHA.