Lodge accommodation offers single or double bed/sitting rooms, meals, housekeeping services, linen/laundry and recreational services. Services beyond these basic offerings may vary depending on the lodge and the community. Management and tenant selection are delegated to management bodies.

Lodge Rates

Lodge rates are set by the local management body and may vary between different areas of the province. Protection for low-income seniors is established by regulation under the Alberta Housing Act. To protect lower-income residents, management bodies must ensure that each senior resident 65 years of age or older is left with at least $265 a month in disposable (after tax) income to spend on personal needs after paying their monthly basic lodge rate.

Standards

Alberta Seniors and Community Supports is currently working with the Alberta Senior Citizens' Housing Association to revise the existing standards for the operation of senior citizens' lodges.

Eligibility

Senior citizens who are functionally independent, with or without the help of existing community based services, are eligible for lodge accommodation. Applicants are prioritized on the basis of need, which takes into consideration housing need, level of support required and income. It is this priority list that identifies which applicants will be housed first. Applicants may also need to meet local residency requirements.

Health Services

Generally, lodges do not have health professionals on staff and lodge staff are not trained to care for residents with health or complex personal care needs. All lodge residents who are assessed by the health system as requiring health care can receive these services through the Home Care Program provided by the regional health authority. In addition, some management bodies have made formal arrangements with the regional health authority to coordinate or provide health and personal care services to their lodge residents.

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 lodge and the lives of the other residents. Persons wishing to apply for lodge accommodation should discuss this matter with lodge management before moving in. It is also advised that the applicant's family be part of this discussion.

Funding

Municipalities, which are members of the management body, financially support the lodges by paying the facilities’ operating deficit. Municipalities also have representatives on the boards of the management bodies. The Province provides funding through Lodge Assistance Program.

Where can I find lodge accommodations?

The Alberta Housing Act gives local housing management bodies responsibility for the day-to-day operation of seniors' housing programs. Find the management bodies that administer seniors housing in your area.

What are the rules and regulations that govern provincially funded lodges?

Operational policies regarding continued residency in a lodge are developed by each management body. Lodges are not governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, however, they are governed by the Alberta Housing Act and Regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that has not been answered, please ask us now: supportiveliving@gov.ab.ca.