I will soon be turning sixty-five, what income can I expect and how do I apply?

• One year prior to turning 65 you need to apply for your Federal pensions - Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
• Three months prior to turning 65 you apply for your provincial pension, Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB). This is the program that covers Blue Cross, Dental and Optical needs and is income based. Special needs assistance is attached to ASB and is dependant on income level as well.
• Contact Calgary Seniors' Resource Society at 266-6200 if you need further information or help with the forms and applications.

My rent is going up and I can't afford to pay anymore. Where can I find affordable housing and how do I apply?

• We can send you a seniors' housing directory which lists all subsidized housing in Calgary as well as contact information for applications. An Outreach worker is available to help.

What is Home Care? What does it provide and how can my parents be assessed?

• Home Care is provided by the Provincial Health Care system, and is for medical and personal health needs. You are assessed by a health care coordinator who determines how much care is needed, including bathing, medication monitoring, blood pressure, and wound care. Home Care may suggest you contact Calgary Family Services for housekeeping which offers services at reduced rates.
• You can contact Calgary Seniors' Resource Society at 266-6200 for more information or support.

Do you know of any Doctors who are accepting new patients or where I can find that information?

• Calgary Seniors' Resource Society can provide a list of doctors accepting patients provided by the Calgary Health Region.
• The Alexandra Seniors' Health Centre specializes in senior health issues. Contact the Alex by calling 266-2622 or 920-0011.

Taking care of my home (eg: lawn care, snow shoveling, repairs) is becoming a problem, where can I look for support?

• Contact 311 which is the city's new number for information on any city services. They will refer you to community services in your area.
• You can also call Calgary Seniors' Resource Society at 266-6200 and an Outreach worker may be able to refer you to services in your area or will help you to assess your needs.

My husband died last year and I have no family or friends here. Is there someone who could come by and see me?

• Calgary Seniors' Resource Society has volunteer based programs which support seniors' independence and provide companionship. If you would like to know more, contact us at 266-6200.

I think my mom/dad is having difficulty remembering things and I'm worried about them living alone. I don't know if they may have Alzheimer's. Where can I get information and/or an assessment?

• Contact your parents' doctor and express your concerns. The doctor will make a referral if applicable to 'Rockyview Seniors Health' for a complete assessment.
• Contact the Alzheimer's society for information at 290-0110.
• Contact Home Care for an assessment at 943-1600.

I help my parents with their finances, but I'm not sure what documents I need to make this legal. Where do I go for this information?

• You should call Calgary Seniors' Resource Society and ask for information from one of our qualified Outreach Workers. They will be able to answer basic legal questions as well as power of attorney and personal directives procedures.