The 5 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Calgary That Your Loved Ones Would Be Happy to Call Their Home
At the start of this year, a friend approached me asking for suggestions on where to look for a live-in caregiver. She had been taking care of her sick father on her own for a while, but was struggling to keep up with work.
Well, just recently, she reached out again, but this time she was looking for a nearby care home. Apparently, it’s gotten to a point where it would be better for her father to have around-the-clock care from a fully equipped medical team.
My heart went out to them when she told me all of this, and I decided that I’d help their family as much as I could. After asking around and doing some research, I finally finished my list of the most reliable assisted living facilities in Calgary.
How much do assisted living facilities charge in Calgary?
In Calgary, assisted living facilities typically charge around $3,000 to $6,000 per month. The final rate will depend on the size of the room you choose, the level of care needed, and any additional services for those with complex medical conditions.
1. Auburn Heights Retirement Residence
Address: 21 Auburn Bay St SE
Phone: +1 403 234 9695
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Auburn Heights Retirement Residence is currently one of the most popular yet inexpensive care homes in the city. It’s a well-maintained facility that allows clients to pick their room type, ranging from a simple studio suite to a spacious 2-bedroom unit.
But after looking at their offerings, it’s no wonder that residents love spending more time outdoors than in. They have so many amenities available, including a yoga studio, a theatre, and even an off-leash dog park for pets.
Plenty of residents say that the friendly workers encourage them to go out and socialize. As a result, they bond with other tenants and participate in activities.
You can rest assured it’s not all fun and games, though. The nurses are very diligent with checking up on patients and administering medication on time.
The only area where they fall short is food — although all meals may be dietitian-approved, they’re just not always appetizing.
Their staff have exceeded expectations consistently
“We moved our mother into the memory care wing in early April. It is challenging to find available facilities and appropriate care these days. Auburn and their staff have exceeded expectations consistently. The care, kindness, mindfulness and communication is top notch. It is a relief to know our mom is getting so well looked after and is in the right place as she declines.”
Scott Merchand, Google Review
They provided the help my wife needed to make her stay as enjoyable as possible
“My wife stayed at Auburn Heights in late November for a week of respite care. They were very accommodating to her care needs and provided the help she needed to make her stay as enjoyable as possible. This was her first time in a care facility so I was a little concerned about how she would adjust but, thanks to the wonderful staff and the many activities available, she absolutely loved it. I am planning another stay for her at Auburn Heights in early February.”
Greg Loewen, Google Review
2. Cambridge Manor
Address: 253 Smith St NW
Phone: +1 587 391 3500
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cambridge Manor is a community first, and a care home second. Residents can choose to live independently within the facilities for as long as they want, or check in for respite care for a reasonable price.
This place looks more like a resort the first time you go around. There are tons of activity areas, an amphitheater, and a boardwalk where you can see the most stunning view of the sunset.
Unfortunately, the reception might take you out of this fantasy, with a few complaints stating that they can be quite rude.
But other personnel seem to be much kinder. I’ve even heard some people say that their loved ones’ condition seemed to improve under the care of the nurses here.
You’ll also be glad to know that their staff makes an effort to come up with events all the time. They work hard to keep the residents busy and entertained as much as possible.
We are absolutely thrilled with my dad’s care
“My Dad is living here at Cambridge Manor and we are absolutely thrilled with his care. The staff are so kind and patient with him, as well there are so many activities for him, he’s never in his room to receive phone calls from family! We are so thrilled with our choice of location for him. Thank you Willingham crew for taking such good care of my dad.”
Lisa Wright, Google Review
They have treated my mother with absolute kindness
“Great experience with great people. I have been visiting almost daily my mother with dementia for a few months now at Cambridge manor and from the visitation coordinator, the amazing friendly front desk staff, kind and organized Covid screening coordinator and the absolutely amazing nurses and support staff in Stilton. It’s not easy seeing a loved one go through these days but I am thankful for all the staff at this facility that make it a positive and supportive environment. They have treated my mother with absolute kindness and are very skilled in this kind of care. Thank you all for what you do daily to provide support at these very emotionally challenging times.”
Eamonn Linehan, Google Review
3. Trinity Lodge Retirement Community
Address: 1111 Glenmore Trail SW
Phone: +1 403 253 7576
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Trinity Lodge Retirement Community accepts a wide array of residents, whether it’s a patient who requires memory care or a senior couple that wishes to live together despite having different needs.
This facility tailors its services according to each client by allowing flexible meal times and curating programs that they’d be interested in.
It’s common for them to go on excursions or invite speakers for art, music, and the like.
And the best part is that their rates are more affordable compared to many of the other care homes in the area.
The one complaint I’ve found is that the kitchen can be slow when serving meals — not a great trait for a place full of seniors who heavily rely on schedules. Thankfully, the taste usually makes up for it.
My partner was pleased with every aspect of his experience here
“My partner, Foster, was absolutely thrilled to have secured a furnished respite room at Trinity Lodge for nine days/nights, enjoying three exquisite meals a day, a variety of amenities, active engagement and enrichment programs, plus a most friendly, competent, and caring team. He was pleased with, and grateful for, every aspect of his experience there. We are both happy to recommend Trinity Lodge as your choice for elegant respite or inspired retirement living. Thank you so much!”
Barbara Wiebe, Google Review
A very welcoming environment
“I moved my parents to Trinity Lodge this spring. A very welcoming environment. Everyone there is very helpful, caring and friendly, meeting all our needs. Edlyn and Paolo’s professionalism is outstanding. There are many activities to be involved in and the meals are delicious. They’re room is very bright and face a courtyard. I feel very comforted that my parents are so well care for.”
BJ Blain, Google Review
4. The Manor Village at Rocky Ridge
Address: 450 Rocky Vista Gardens NW
Phone: +1 403 239 6400
All residents are guaranteed to feel like VIPs at The Manor Village. Whether they want to live independently or need specialized care, there will be a reliable wellness team on-site, ready to assist them with whatever they need.
This facility’s employees also do regular health check-ups and assessments. Thanks to this, the seniors are more confident to partake in activities, watch live entertainment, and join excursions.
However, they can just choose to stay inside if they wish. I find that the facility itself is peaceful and homey, perfect for relaxation. The rooms are spacious, while the common areas are clean and well-designed.
Just keep in mind that this place doesn’t allow any renovations in their units, even if it’s as minor as hanging up a picture with a nail. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a hefty administration fee for damages.
I cannot say enough about the wonderful and caring staff here
“I cannot say enough about the wonderful and caring staff at The Manor Village at Rocky Ridge. The residence offers fantastic programs, and my family has felt truly secure knowing that Mom is not only well cared for but also loved by the staff. The high-quality meals and exciting outings provide a great experience, especially for those who enjoy a bit of adventure. If you’re considering The Manor Village, I highly recommend visiting and taking a tour—you’ll see firsthand what makes this community so special.”
Barrie Shibley, Google Review
A lovely community of people
“As a family member of a new resident, the Team at The Manor Village at Rocky Ridge have been excellent to work with! Renee was so knowledgeable and offered her experience and thoughtful suggestions to help with the transition into the Manor. Wendy in dining helped in facilitating meeting new people. Cassidy and Sarah at front desk are so friendly and helpful. James in maintenance was there on the first day to introduce himself and cover off safety. The residents themselves have been so warm and welcoming. A lovely community of people!”
B Potter, Google Review
5. Valley Ridge Retirement Community
Address: 11479 Valley Ridge Dr NW
Phone: +1 403 286 4414
Business Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Even the most outdoorsy residents love staying at Valley Ridge Retirement Community. The moderately priced facilities are inspired by Calgary’s iconic mountain lodges, giving the entire place a cozy atmosphere.
What seals the deal, though, is the food. Residents have always praised the kitchen for the extensive menu and the hot, delicious meals they get three times a day.
This is probably why so many of the seniors who live here have so much energy. You’ll likely find them using the fitness centre, socializing in the common areas, or even playing billiards or shuffleboard.
Not far from them, there would always be staff members who are eager to help. They’re said to be caring and compassionate, so I think at this point the residents consider them as friends more than personnel.
But if you have any questions, it’s better to ask them in person. There have been reports that reception isn’t quick to respond to calls or emails.
The best place for seniors
“Valley Ridge Lodge is the best place for seniors! Everything is clean, well decorated and all the staff are friendly. Chef Sany is very cheerful, happy, and caring. The food is excellent. You would be amazed on how everything is embellished. He makes sure no one leaves without a smile. I highly recommend it to anyone who has grandparents, who wants them to live a great life. Go for it!”
Soteira Yu-Yourss, Google Review
Truly a first-class residence with a first-class team keeping it that way
“Valley Ridge Lodge exceeds our family’s expectations on every level. My father moved in during the summer of 2021 and truly enjoys his new community of welcoming residents and warm, friendly staff. The ambience of a mountain lodge setting caught his imagination and the care and attention of staff has captured his heart. He has made new friends and new memories at Valley Ridge Lodge. It’s heart warming to see how this wonderful community of residents look out for one another, embrace each other’s abilities and marvel at each other’s life stories. Kudos to Valley Ridge Lodge for making Dad’s transition so easy and for openly welcoming his family with each visit. Truly a first class residence with a first class team keeping it that way.”
Susan Dykstra, Google Review