Generally, Independent Living options, which include residences operated
under the government’s
Senior Citizens' Self-Contained Program, provide
apartment-style accommodation for seniors who are able to live autonomously.
Finding an appropriate Independent Living residence
takes time and research, but you're already headed in the right direction with
The Care Guide. Use The Care Guide, as well as TheCareGuide.com, to identify the
residences in the desired area and call ahead to schedule a tour of each. Try to
observe "a day in the life" at the residence – perhaps attend some activities or
stay for a meal, if applicable. Also, talk to residents about their perceptions
of the residence, ask for sample menus and an activity calendar, and inquire
about a trial stay as means of “kicking the tires” so to speak.
Since these residences often vary in terms of the services provided, it is
important to ensure that you understand what services are included in the posted
rental rates, and what services, if any, are available at an additional cost.
For example, Independent Living options typically do not offer support
services, in some cases, coordination of community-based supportive services may
be provided to tenants.
Other things to consider in selecting an appropriate Independent Living residence include its location and availability of
transportation for shopping, outings and medical appointments, proximity to
community amenities such as hospitals and churches, safety and security issues
and the cleanliness of the residence.
Residences operated under this program provide affordable apartment
accommodation for low-income seniors who cannot afford private sector
accommodation. They are legislated by the
Residential
Tenancies Act and the
Alberta
Housing Act and Regulations. While 24 hour on-duty staff is typically not
provided, tenants of these projects have access to staff or other
representatives of the management body for emergency situations such as loss of
heat or electricity, or emergency plumbing problems, 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week.
Rent under the
Senior Citizens' Self-Contained Program is based on
rent-geared-to-income. This means that, instead of a fixed rental rate, rent is
adjusted depending on the tenant's income. In the case of a senior couple or two
seniors sharing an apartment, the rent is based on the combined incomes of both.
Rent is calculated at 30 percent of adjusted income, which includes all sources
of income from all members of the household
Seniors whose income falls below local limits and are functionally
independent, with or without the help of existing community-based services, are
eligible to apply for the program. Applicants are prioritized on the basis of
need. Community residency requirements may also be in place.
The ability to house residents with health concerns is totally dependent on
the services available in the community and the extent to which the resident's
health impacts the operation of the residence and the lives of the other
residents.
Feel free to contact us at 1-800-311-CARE (2273) or
info@careguide.com should you have any
questions or require further assistance.