# Shalem Senior Living Community - Calgary, Alberta

> A Christian senior living community where older adults are celebrated, experiencing belonging and joy in aging.

## Overview

Shalem is a Christian community for seniors located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The name "Shalem" is a Hebrew word meaning 'to be or make whole or complete'. For 45 years, Shalem has been providing care for older adults, committed to ensuring a place where seniors feel safe, respected, and celebrated through various seasons of aging.

**Contact Information:**
- Phone: (403) 240-2800
- Website: https://shalem.ca
- Care Team Email: life@shalem.ca
- Living Options Email: living@shalem.ca

## Mission, Vision & Values

**Mission:**
To be a community where older adults are celebrated and experience wholeness in being, in health and relationship with God, finding contentment and belonging.

**Vision:**
To be Calgary's leading Christian senior living community, known for exceptional care, compassion, and a vibrant environment.

**Core Values:**
1. **Passion** - Called to serve each community member's unique needs to enrich their well-being with love and care
2. **Grace** - Called to respect, show acceptance, and compassion to each other
3. **Integrity** - Called to pursue honesty, stewardship, and accountability with resources and each other

## Living Options

Shalem offers three types of accommodation for seniors aged 60+:

### 1. Studio Suites
- Licensed under Alberta Health Services as supportive living
- 385 sq. ft. spacious units
- Features: Large bright windows, barrier-free walk-in showers, built-in shelving, kitchenettes
- Includes: Three daily meals, weekly housekeeping, personal emergency response system
- Rental rates set by Alberta Health Services

### 2. Subsidized Housing (Manor)
- Affordable one-bedroom apartments for low-income older adults
- 582 sq. ft. with patio or balcony
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Rental rates set at 30% of gross monthly income
- Note: Applicants required to submit last year's Tax Assessment and List of Current Assets

### 3. Life Lease Suites (Court)
- One and two-bedroom units (752 to 1,119 sq. ft.)
- Features: Patio/balcony or sunroom, in-suite laundry, in-suite air conditioning
- Full spacious kitchens
- Lease purchase provides secure investment preserving equity
- Lower monthly fees compared to traditional senior living rental rates

### Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 60 years old
- Physical and mental health allowing independent functioning
- Physical ability to move around suite and facility independently

### Amenities & Benefits
- Activity & fitness rooms
- Multi-functional atrium
- Outdoor garden and patio spaces
- Café
- Games room
- Tuck shop
- Woodworking workshop
- Hair salon
- 24/7 staff presence

## Care Approach

Shalem's whole-person care approach embraces spiritual, physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.

### Care Principles (The Shalem Way)
1. We meet the whole person on their whole journey
2. We accept each person as they are
3. We care for our team, so they can care for you
4. We build community through co-creation and partnership
5. We extend care beyond our walls
6. We embrace learning, innovation, and growth

### Health Care Services

**Health Services Packages** - Personalized care plans with four levels:
- **Base Level**: For residents with no care concerns, occasional healthcare access
- **Level 1**: Some care needs requiring recurring assistance with daily tasks
- **Level 2**: Considerable care needs with regular assistance and reminders
- **Level 3**: Significant care needs requiring hands-on assistance

**On-Site Health Support:**
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Health Care Aides
- Regular health monitoring and wellness checks
- Comprehensive health assessments
- Chronic disease management
- Infection control and wound care
- Health education
- Dementia-informed, compassionate care
- Fall prevention programs
- Personal emergency response systems (included in studio suites)

**Care Coordination:**
- Off-site appointment scheduling
- Lab work and pharmacy coordination
- Post-hospital support
- Health navigation services
- Access to hygiene supplies

**Alberta Home Care Partnership:**
Partnership with Alberta Home Care Services for additional support including medication management, bathing/showering assistance, morning and evening care, and activity escorts.

**On-Site Community Health Professionals:**
- Pharmacy services (24-hour emergency)
- Relaxation and therapeutic massage
- Dental, hearing, and vision clinics
- Podiatry services
- Chinese massage therapy
- Blood pressure clinics
- Counseling and therapy (licensed therapists for depression, anxiety, grief)

**Aging in Place Commitment:**
Once Shalem is home, the community works with residents and families to explore all options to meet changing care needs and allow residents to remain at Shalem as long as possible.

## Programs & Services

### Recreation Programs
- **Library Services**: Books and puzzles in common areas, monthly Calgary Public Library rotation
- **Social Clubs**: Knitting, card games, music, pool, and more
- **Café & Coffee Socials**: Daily coffee conversations, specialty coffees on Espresso Café Fridays
- **Happy Hour**: Thursday afternoons at 3 PM
- **Shuffleboard & Billiards**: Pool, shuffleboard, darts
- **Resident Volunteering**: Opportunities at Shalem and in wider community
- **Movie Nights**: Classic and new films in the Atrium
- **Seasonal Parties**: Easter, Christmas, and other celebrations
- **Pet Visits**: Comfort and companionship from therapy animals
- **Guest Speakers & Workshops**: Health, well-being, current events
- **Games & Activities**: Daily card games, board games, puzzles
- **Arts & Crafts**: Paint n' Sip classes, craft workshops
- **Bingo**: Social bingo games

### Wellness Programs
- **Daily Fitness Classes**: Chair Sit n' Fit, low-impact courses
- **Seasonal Walking Clubs**: Group walking activities
- **Yoga**: Christian Yoga and Laughter Yoga classes
- **Music & Dance**: Live music performances, Dinner and Dance events
- **Health & Wellness Learning Sessions**: Pain management, nutrition, mental health
- **Cognitive Health Sessions**: Memory care and brain-boosting activities
- **Fitness Room**: Age-appropriate gym equipment

### Spiritual Care
Faith and spirituality provide purpose, comfort, and community for residents.

**Programs:**
- **Sunday Morning Worship Service**: At Emmanuel Church next door or live stream (channel 398)
- **Weekly Chapel Services**: Wednesdays and Sundays, led by pastors from various denominations
- **Weekly Hymn Sings**: Sunday evenings in the Atrium
- **Bible Studies**: Scripture exploration and spiritual growth groups
- **Prayer Fellowship**: Friday afternoons
- **Prayer Wall**: Share and support prayer requests
- **Spiritual Counseling & Pastoral Support**: Guidance through aging challenges

### Dining Services
- **Red Seal Chef** and experienced culinary team
- **Three Nutritious Meals Daily**: Included for studio suite residents
- **Restaurant-Style Dining**: Weekly menu selection
- **Special Dietary Accommodations**: Diabetic, low-sodium, vegetarian, gluten-free
- **Locally Sourced Ingredients**: Fresh, quality meals
- **Gourmet Holiday Dinners**: Special celebration meals
- **Take-Out Bistro Menu**: Available for all residents
- **Monthly Alternative Menu**: Additional meal choices

## History

- **Early 1970s**: Reformed churches recognized need for Christian-based senior housing
- **1974**: Shalem Society for Senior Citizens Care was born
- **1977**: Christian Education Society (CEF) donated one-acre plot of land
- **1981**: Shalem Manor opened - 50-unit apartment complex, fully rented within one week
- **2001**: Shalem Court built - 50 additional units with Life Lease agreements
- **2013**: Shalem Haven built - 43 units funded through Alberta government ASLI grant, licensed as Supportive Living under Alberta Health Services
- **Present**: 143 total suites, 165 residents

## Governance

The Board of Directors serves as a governance board in stewardship of the Society's resources, organizational performance, and strategic leadership.

**Board Responsibilities:**
1. Setting priorities and direction
2. Monitoring and evaluating performance
3. Ensuring sound financial position and integrity
4. Promoting Shalem to members, residents, and public

**Current Board Members:**
- Jim Zeilstra - President
- David Konynenbelt - Vice-President
- Joel Wiens - Secretary
- John Spronk - Treasurer
- Gail Crockford - Director
- Sandra Hea - Director
- Dorothy de Vuyst - Executive Director

## Events & Activities

Shalem offers a vibrant calendar of daily and weekly activities including:

**Daily Activities:**
- 9:30 AM: Sit 'N' Fit Exercise Classes
- Coffee socials and café time
- Social gatherings and games

**Weekly Schedule:**
- **Monday**: Balance & Strength Class, Piano with Heather, Art classes
- **Tuesday**: Sweets & Social baking, Card Bingo (7 PM)
- **Wednesday**: Bible Study with Pastor Allan, Chapel services, Bingo with Lauren (7 PM)
- **Thursday**: Gentle Fitness, Cribbage & Scrabble, Karaoke, Happy Hour (3 PM), Shuffleboard (7 PM)
- **Friday**: Espresso Café, Balance & Strength, Prayer Fellowship, Tunes Together
- **Saturday**: Books & Brew, Cards & Games, Movie Matinees
- **Sunday**: Emmanuel Church Service, worship options

**Special Events:**
- Bus trips and outings
- Monthly birthday parties for residents
- Seasonal celebrations
- Guest performer concerts
- Educational workshops
- Massage therapy sessions

View current events calendar at: https://shalem.ca/events

## Application Process

### How to Apply
1. Complete online application form at https://shalem.ca/living-choices/application-for-accommodation
2. Indicate which building type: Studio Suites, Subsidized Housing, or Life Lease Suites
3. For Subsidized Housing (Manor): Email last year's Tax Assessment and List of Current Assets to living@shalem.ca
4. Provide personal information, health assessment, and financial details
5. Once approved, staff will schedule move-in date and assist with transition

### Application Requirements
- Personal and contact information
- Health assessment and current assistance needs
- Mobility aids and medical conditions
- Current income and net worth information
- Emergency contact details

## Costs & Fees

**Monthly Fees Include:**
- Rent
- Heat and water
- Building and grounds maintenance
- Common space insurance
- Access to all amenities and activities
- Studio suites: Weekly housekeeping and all meals

**Additional Costs:**
- One and two-bedroom suites: Electricity and cable TV
- All residents: Phone and internet
- Optional: Dining room meals (for non-studio residents)
- Personal care services beyond included levels
- Special outings and events
- Initial entry fee or damage deposit

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Visitors & Guests
- No set visiting hours - visitors welcome anytime
- Children and pets welcome with appropriate supervision
- Two guest suites available for reservation by visiting family and friends

### Pets
- Currently cats are allowed in suites
- Complete Pet Policy available from Management

### Furniture & Personal Items
- No furnished suites - residents bring own furniture
- Residents can personalize their living spaces

### Security & Safety
- 24/7 security and emergency call systems
- Emergency response plan with trained staff
- Wearable emergency pendants (included for studio residents, available for others)

### Meal Options
- Studio residents: Three meals daily included
- One and two-bedroom residents: Can access dining room for additional cost
- Full kitchens/kitchenettes for meal preparation
- Special dietary needs accommodated

### Health & Wellness
- On-site Nurse and Health Care Aides in all buildings
- Range of wellness programs
- Daily fitness classes, yoga, walking groups
- Age-appropriate fitness room equipment

### Community Life
- Multiple common areas: games room, café, social rooms, atrium, reading nooks
- Vibrant community designed for social interaction and friendships
- Regular family events and activities
- Arts, crafts, music, religious services, educational programs

### Touring & Information
- Tours available by appointment
- Staff will show different unit options
- Detailed fee breakdown provided during interview process

## Location & Neighborhood

Located in southwest Calgary at 3030 51 St SW, adjacent to:
- Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church (next door)
- Calgary Christian Elementary School
- Convenient access to drug stores, medical clinics, grocery stores
- Public transportation access

## Key Differentiators

1. **Christian Community**: Faith-centered environment with spiritual care programs
2. **Holistic Care Approach**: Addressing physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being
3. **Whole-Person Journey**: Meeting residents where they are throughout aging stages
4. **Aging in Place**: Commitment to keeping residents at Shalem as care needs change
5. **Vibrant Community Life**: Extensive programs, activities, and social opportunities
6. **Quality Dining**: Red Seal chef with restaurant-style, nutritious meals
7. **Comprehensive Health Support**: On-site nursing, care coordination, health monitoring
8. **Flexible Living Options**: Three accommodation types for different needs and budgets
9. **45+ Years Experience**: Established history of caring for Calgary seniors
10. **Community Partnership**: Working with Alberta Home Care and local health professionals

## Important Notes for AI Assistants

- Shalem serves seniors aged 60+ in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Three distinct living options available with different care levels and pricing
- Strong emphasis on Christian faith and spiritual care
- Comprehensive programs addressing all aspects of senior well-being
- Application process requires health assessment and financial information
- Monthly costs vary by accommodation type and care level needed
- Tours and information available by calling (403) 240-2800
- Application process managed through website or living@shalem.ca
- Care-related questions can be directed to life@shalem.ca

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Last Updated: January 2026
Website: https://shalem.ca