AREF grant enables expansion of services

Through a grant from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, the Kerby Centre have launched an expanded Calgary Seniors' Housing Directory that will also be available on the Internet.

The new directory includes detailed information about seniors' housing options in Calgary and will empower seniors and their families to make informed decisions to choose an option to meet their unique needs.

The directory was available through the Kerby Centre before, but now has expanded so that housing is listed in detail by city district, management group with their hours, number of units in the block, whether or not they allow pets, if it's a rent or lease and if there is any extra costs, plus the proximity to bus lines and shopping centres. The 114-page book will be reprinted every year but will always be available free online - with constantly updated changes.

"Funding the Kerby Centre to produce this valuable resource provided the opportunity to increase consumer awareness about a key real estate issue," said Kim Mustard, communications coordinator for AREF.

With the minimal use of the Internet by seniors, the hard copy version will be a valuable tool, according to Shirley Reddy, housing coordinator of the Kerby Centre.

"Family members will go on the net," said Reddy. "But the seniors still like the hard copy.

"When they're not used to the net it can be kind of intimidating."

AREF gave the grant because the directory is of use to Realtors as well. It's another way agents can use the technology to find adequate spaces for their clients.

"Their benefit is getting the information out there," said Reddy. "We've had a few real estate agents ask for that information, so it's of use for them because a lot them are on the internet."

Seniors' housing information is in high demand, and with low vacancy rates and constant changes in the marketplace, it is extremely difficult for seniors and their families to research all the available options on their own.

It can take months to find proper housing facilities for some seniors, so Reddy suggests keeping up to date by going online.

"We also recommend that, if possible, they do look at the Web site because if there's any changes it will be right up to date there," she said.

Once a person searches the directory, and possibly the Web, the can weigh their alternatives. Often, they may be able to find options that will keep them in the home they have.

"Maybe they can stay where they are with the right support system," said Reddy. "Sometimes it's so overwhelming for them to move because they don't know where to turn. This way we can provide the information for them when they need it."

The Kerby Centre was established in 1973 and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older persons in Calgary.

The Alberta Real Estate Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit organization that supports real estate initiatives that benefit the industry and people of Alberta.