Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESIDENCES YOU HAVE AT BETHANY?
Bethany has a variety of continuing care sites throughout central and southern Alberta. Care sites include long-term care, supportive living, independent supportive living as well as independent living including Life Lease properties. Bethany also has a range of affordable rental properties for people 55+, adults with disabilities and some families.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CARE?
Independent living offers seniors and adults with disabilities limited support services in an independent community setting. Rental apartments and Life Lease are for independent people 55+ and adults with disabilities who want to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle.
Supportive living is for independent seniors who want to live in a community setting. People who reside in supportive living enjoy the convenience of meals, light weekly housekeeping and linen service. A 24-hour personal response system as well as some recreational and social programs are also included as part of the reasonable monthly rate.
Designated supportive living offers 24-hour support by a personal care aide and licensed practical nurse. Residents are referred to designated supportive living through Alberta Health Services, following an assessment by a health care professional.
Long-term care offers a variety of specialized programs designed to enhance quality of life for individuals with complex health needs who are unable to remain at home or in a supportive living centre. Nursing and personal care and support are available around-the-clock. Professional staff work as an interdisciplinary team to implement individualized care plans that ensure residents get the best care possible.
HOW DO I ACCESS CARE?
When an individual is no longer able to manage in their own home with home care services, supportive living facilities provide different levels of care based on the individual needs of the person. A home care case manager helps coordinate the application for additional supports and services within the continuing care system. If you are living in the community and are having difficulty managing, contact Health Link by dialing 811 or email continuingcare@ahs.ca.
Long-Term Care
HOW DO I TRANSFER TO BETHANY FROM ANOTHER FACILITY?
There may come a time when your care needs increase. If you already have a case manager, either through home care or in your current designated living option, a reassessment of your needs will be automatically done every year at home or in supportive living, and every three months in long term care. Contact your case manager if you feel you need more support. If you do not have one contact Health Link by dialing 811 or email continuingcare@ahs.ca.
Within long-term care, families and residents approach the Care Service Managers and Social Worker for assistance with transfer from the site.
WHAT OTHER BENEFITS MIGHT MY LOVED ONE BE ELIGIBLE FOR?
We offer a variety of specialized programs designed to enhance quality of life. Nursing and personal care and support are available around-the-clock. Professional staff work as part of an interdisciplinary team to implement individualized care plans that ensure residents get the best care possible. Therapies and interdisciplinary support including occupational therapy and exercise, recreation therapy, social work, pastoral/spiritual care, life enriching activities, etc. are offered to residents. Bethany also provides care management (care assessment and planning, physician orders, calls to family and family conferences, organizing appointments/transportation, etc.).
HOW LONG IS THE WAITING LIST?
The waiting list for long-term care is managed by Alberta Health Services. The wait time depends on the resident’s unique care needs and if there is an available bed for the appropriate care centre equipped to meet those needs.
WHAT REHAB IS AVAILABLE?
Bethany provides a variety of therapies including occupational therapy and exercise, recreation therapy, pet therapy, music therapy, social work, pastoral/spiritual care, and life enriching activities to ensure residents have the best quality of life possible.
IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?
Depending on the resident’s income, there may be the opportunity for more financial assistance. The provincial and federal governments provide income support programs to assist low-to-moderate income residents. Additional information on these programs is available by calling Alberta Supports toll free at 1-877-644-9992.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FAMILY MEMBER GETS HURT HERE? WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT THINGS?
If you find your family member is hurt, first speak with the Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse on your care team. If the nurse is not able to resolve the situation, speak with the Care Services Manager. If you still have a concern, bring it to the attention of the Administrator or the Site Manager.
IS THERE A FAMILY EVENT ROOM AVAILABLE?
Residents and families can reserve dining areas and lounges for special occasions such as birthday and anniversary celebrations. Recreation or business office staff can provide information on how to reserve these areas. In some cases, a fee may apply. Parking is available for family members and friends in designated areas. Check with staff regarding the availability of a guest room at each site.
Supportive Living (1 & 2)
WHAT IS THE AVAILABILITY AND PRICING?
Availability and pricing for Supportive Living differ from site to site. Please check with the site you are interested in to find out more.
ARE THERE GRANTS AVAILABLE?
Residents may qualify for a grant, but they must provide their notice of assessment from the CRA to the site before receiving any subsidy.
The provincial and federal governments provide income support programs to assist low-to-moderate income residents. Additional information on these programs is available by calling Alberta Supports toll free at 1-877-644-9992.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY LOVED ONE REQUIRES AN INCREASE IN CARE?
If your loved one requires an increase in care, they cannot move directly into long-term care. If you already have a case manager, either through home care or in your current supportive living residence, a reassessment of your needs will be automatically done every year. Contact your case manager if you feel you need more support through long-term care. If you do not have one contact Health Link by dialing 811 or email continuingcare@ahs.ca.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR MOVING IN FROM OUT OF PROVINCE?
Upon moving to Alberta, you must apply for Alberta Health Care Insurance within 3 months of your arrival in Alberta. While waiting to receive your Alberta Personal Health Card and until it becomes effective, continue to use your health card from your previous province or territory when accessing insured health services. Not all health services are covered outside your original province or territory and not all insured services are the same. We suggest contacting your current health insurance office to inquire whether certain services are covered after you move and to confirm how to receive reimbursement for services paid. Please visit: the Alberta Health website for more information.
CAN I BRING MY PET?
Pets are special companions. In some cases there are animals living at Bethany and/or visit as part of volunteer programs and through family visits. Each Bethany site has its own specifications regarding pets. In care centres where pets live and/or visit, pet health is monitored as it impacts resident health and safety. Please talk to the Site Administrator or Supervisor/Manager for more details.
Affordable Housing
IS YOUR FACILITY ASSISTED LIVING?
Bethany’s affordable housing options are not assisted living. The affordable housing options are for people 55+ and adults with disabilities who want to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle.
WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
Affordable housing properties are located across Calgary. See all our properties here.
ARE THEY SUBSIDIZED?
Affordable housing is not subsidized, however the rates are affordable and geared toward the income criteria of the Alberta government. The housing options are for those who are unable to afford market housing. Rents are intended to be affordable, fixed, and are not subsidized.
HOW MUCH ARE THE RENTS AT RIVERVIEW VILLAGE?
Wilkinson House (Seniors Over 55)
- Studio suite monthly rent is $690, includes ALL utilities
- One bedroom suite monthly rent is $850, includes ALL utilities
Kanerva House (Seniors Over 65)
- One bedroom suite monthly rent is $850, includes ALL utilities
WHAT IS THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THE RESPECTIVE SUITES YOU HAVE FOR RENT?
Wilkinson House (Seniors Over 55)
- Studio suite monthly rent is $690, includes ALL utilities 450 Sq. feet
- One bedroom suite monthly rent is $850, includes ALL utilities 550 Sq. feet
Kanerva House (Seniors Over 65)
- One bedroom suite monthly rent is $850, includes ALL utilities 550 Sq. feet
DO YOU HAVE A WAIT LIST? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Once you fill out an application, it will be reviewed and upon approval your name will be placed on our waiting list for a period of six months. If we are unable to offer accommodation within that time period, it will be necessary for you to re-apply. If you are offered accommodation and do not accept, your name will be moved to the bottom of the waiting list. In the event of a vacancy, your application will be considered in the order in which it was received.
IF I CAN’T AFFORD TO PAY THE RENT, CAN MY SON OR DAUGHTER PAY FOR ME?
No. You must be currently employed with consecutive employment for at least six months and/or proof of income to qualify. Required income must be approximately three times the rent, with a good credit report and proof of income (i.e. copy of your tax assessment from the latest taxation year). The criteria for prospective residents that apply to Riverview Village must earn a total household income of less than $70,475.00 annually in order to qualify for the affordable accommodation.
Sundance (Life Lease)
WHAT IS A LIFE LEASE?
Life Lease is a home-ownership arrangement, with the added advantage of guaranteed buyback. A reasonable monthly fee is charged, that covers the costs of maintenance and upkeep, building insurance, heating and lighting in common areas, and more.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LIFE LEASE?
Sundance on the Green offers people 55+ a friendly community with the freedom to live actively and independently. A Life Lease purchase with a guaranteed buyback provides a sense of security, community and quality of life.
Advantages for a Life Lease Holder:
- Grounds and buildings maintenance are fully maintained
- Guaranteed buyback! Call us at 403-254-9800 for details.
- No worry move out; no real estate fees
- Stress free living as Bethany owns and manages the property
- Rental Suites available
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO LIVE IN A LIFE LEASE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY?
Anyone 55+ who is able to live actively and independently is welcomed to live in Sundance on the Green. A Life Lease purchase with a guaranteed buyback provides a sense of security, community and quality of life.
CAN I ACCESS HOME CARE?
Yes. Anyone living in Alberta with a valid health care card can receive home care services, as long as their needs can be met safely in their place of residence. Home care provides help with activities of daily living that the resident cannot do themselves or cannot get help with from another source; these are often activities that are considered necessary for the resident to safely maintain their health.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO MOVE?
If you have to move, you will have a guaranteed buyback. You can have a no worry move out; no real estate fees and the assurance of Bethany as the owner and property manager over the long term.