Resources for Seniors in Alberta: Your Guide to Support
- Jul 20, 2025
- 4 min read

At Cheed Home Care, we are committed to supporting seniors and their families in Calgary. Navigating the various government resources available can sometimes be complex, so we've compiled a list of key programs and services offered by the Government of Alberta that can be incredibly helpful for elders living independently or seeking additional support.
These resources aim to enhance quality of life, provide financial assistance, and ensure access to essential health and community services.
Financial Assistance Programs (Government of Alberta)
The Government of Alberta offers several programs to help seniors manage their living expenses, healthcare costs, and home maintenance.
Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) This program provides a monthly benefit to eligible low-income seniors to assist with living expenses. Eligibility is based on income, marital status, and accommodation category.
Official Link: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-seniors-benefit
Contact: Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 1-877-644-9992
Special Needs Assistance for Seniors (SNA) Provides financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors for one-time extraordinary personal expenses, such as essential home repairs, appliances, and specific health and personal supports.
Official Link: https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance (part of the Seniors Financial Assistance programs)
Contact: Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 1-877-644-9992
Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) This program helps eligible seniors finance home repairs, adaptations, and renovations through a low-interest home equity loan, allowing them to remain in their homes longer and more comfortably.
Official Link: https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance (listed under financial assistance programs)
Contact: Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 1-877-644-9992
Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program (SPTDP) Allows eligible senior homeowners to defer all or part of their annual residential property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan. Repayment is typically due when the home is sold.
Official Link: https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance (listed under financial assistance programs)
Contact: Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 1-877-644-9992
Supplementary Accommodation Benefit Financial assistance for eligible low-income seniors residing in designated supportive living or long-term care homes, helping to offset monthly accommodation charges.
Official Link: https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance (listed under financial assistance programs)
Contact: Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 1-877-644-9992
Health and Wellness Programs (Government of Alberta & Alberta Health Services)
Access to affordable and comprehensive health services is vital for seniors.
Coverage for Seniors Program (Administered by Alberta Blue Cross on behalf of the Government of Alberta) Provides premium-free coverage for prescription drugs and other health-related services not covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This includes benefits for diabetes supplies, ambulance services, and clinical psychological services.
Official Link: https://www.alberta.ca/coverage-for-seniors-program
Related Information (Alberta Blue Cross overview of government programs): https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/resources/government-programs/client-directed-home-care.php
Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors Financial assistance for eligible seniors with low to moderate income for basic dental and optical services.
Official Link: https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-health-benefits (listed under seniors health benefits)
Contact: Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 1-877-644-9992
Client Directed Home Care Program (Administered by Alberta Blue Cross) This program allows eligible individuals to manage funds for their home care services, providing greater control and flexibility in choosing care providers.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) Home & Community Care AHS provides publicly funded personal and healthcare services for clients of all ages living in a private residence or other settings. Services are assessed by a Case Manager and aim to assist people in remaining well, safe, and independent in their homes for as long as possible.
Official Link: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/cc/page15488.aspx
Calgary Zone Contact for Home & Community Care (via AHS): 403-943-1920 or 1-888-943-1920
Alberta Healthy Living Program (AHS) Offers free programs and services to Albertans to improve health and quality of life for those with chronic conditions. This includes group exercise, health and nutrition education, and self-management workshops.
Official Link: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/page13984.aspx
Safety and Advocacy (Government of Alberta & Related Councils)
Protecting seniors from abuse and ensuring their rights are upheld is a priority.
Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (AEAAC) While the AEAAC is a collaborative body, its work is closely aligned with the Government of Alberta's efforts to address elder abuse. They provide public resources and facilitate community responses.
Official Link: https://www.albertaelderabuse.ca
Information on Elder Abuse (Government of Alberta): https://www.alberta.ca/elder-abuse-get-help
Family Violence Info Line (24/7 support and referral): Call 310-1818
Protection for Persons in Care (PPC) PPC responds to reports of abuse in publicly-funded service providers such as hospitals, seniors' lodges, nursing homes, and other supportive living settings.
Official Information (via Alberta.ca - Elder Abuse): https://www.alberta.ca/elder-abuse-get-help (Look under "Reporting abuse in publicly-funded care settings")
PPC Intake Line: 1-888-357-9339 (toll-free)
Housing Options (Government of Alberta)
For seniors looking for different living arrangements, the Government of Alberta subsidizes various affordable and supportive housing options.
Affordable Housing Programs (Government of Alberta) Provides information on various provincially-subsidized housing types, including Community Housing (for families, seniors, and individuals with low income), Seniors Apartments (for independent seniors 65+), and Seniors Lodges (for independent seniors 65+ offering rooms, meals, and housekeeping).
Official Link: https://www.alberta.ca/affordable-housing-programs
Contact: Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 1-877-644-9992
Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program (SPTDP) (Also listed under Financial Assistance) This program assists eligible senior homeowners by allowing them to defer property taxes, helping them to remain in their homes.
Official Link: https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-financial-assistance
General Government Information & Support
Alberta Supports Contact Centre A central point of contact for information on various government programs and services, including many for seniors.
Phone: 1-877-644-9992 (toll-free) or 780-644-9992 (Edmonton)
211 Alberta A provincially supported, confidential 24/7 service that connects Albertans to social, health, and government services in their community. While not strictly a "government program," it is a government-supported service that directs users to official resources.
Website: https://ab.211.ca/
Phone: Simply dial 211
Important Note: Eligibility criteria and program details for all government resources are subject to change. We highly recommend visiting the official websites or contacting the respective government departments or agencies directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information, and to determine your specific eligibility. This guide is for education purposes only, please recheck the websites for the most up to date information.
Author Cheed Home Care Team

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