​Moving does not necessarily mean moving into a care setting. There are many housing options designed for people who want to remain independent while changing their home environment.

Independent Living

Independent housing generally means having your own apartment, condo, house or other private living space and managing your own daily activities. You may arrange outside services if you need them.
 

For someone who is tired of maintaining a large home but doesn't need care, moving to a smaller 
apartment or condominium may provide a simpler lifestyle without changing how independently they live.

55+ Housing

55+ housing is generally designed for people who meet a minimum age requirement. It may include 
apartments, condos or other types of housing.

Some communities are simply age-restricted housing, while others may offer common spaces, activities or social opportunities. The amount of support varies, so it is important to understand what is actually included rather than assuming that all 55+ housing is the same.

Retirement or Enriched Living

Retirement and enriched living communities are generally designed to make everyday life easier while allowing residents to remain relatively independent. Depending on the community, services may include meals, housekeeping, activities, transportation, recreation and other conveniences.

Some communities may also have additional support available as needs change. Others may expect 
residents to arrange outside services themselves.

This is why it is important to ask what is included in the monthly cost and what happens if you need additional support.

Life Lease Housing

Life lease housing is a type of housing arrangement that falls somewhere between traditional renting and home ownership. Residents generally pay an upfront amount and an ongoing occupancy fee rather than purchasing the home in the traditional way.

Saskatchewan's Life Lease Program provides affordable housing for eligible moderate-income senior individuals and couples. Specific arrangements, costs and eligibility requirements vary.

Co-Housing

Co-housing combines private living spaces with shared spaces and a greater emphasis on community. Residents may have their own apartment or home while sharing common areas or participating in community activities.

Co-housing is different from simply living in an apartment or retirement community because the 
community relationship is generally a more intentional part of the housing model.

Affordable & Income-Based Housing

For people who meet certain income and eligibility requirements, Saskatchewan offers affordable and income-based housing options. These include the Social Housing Program and Seniors Housing Program.

These programs and properties can vary by community, availability and eligibility, so it is important to check what is available in the area where you want to live.

5. Housing With More Built-In Support

Some people want to remain in a community setting but would benefit from having more services 
available where they live. This is where terms such as assisted living, supportive living and personal care home often come into the conversation.

These terms can be confusing because there isn't one standard model that looks the same everywhere.

Assisted & Supportive Living

Assisted or supportive living generally combines housing with some level of assistance. Depending on the community, this might include meals, housekeeping, medication assistance, personal care, activities, transportation or help with some daily tasks.

The amount of support can vary significantly from one community to another. One setting may be 
primarily independent living with optional services, while another may provide more hands-on assistance.
 

When considering these options, don't rely on the name alone. Ask the provider exactly what support is available, what is included in the monthly fee, what costs extra and whether services can increase if your needs change.

Licensed Personal Care Homes

A Personal Care Home is a licensed residential setting that provides lodging, meals and assistance with or supervision of activities of daily living. Personal care homes in Saskatchewan are privately owned and operated and are licensed and monitored by the Ministry of Health.

Personal care homes can be quite different from one another in size, environment, services and cost. Some are small residential homes, while others are larger facilities.

It is important to understand what level of assistance the home can provide, how care needs are assessed, what is included in the cost, what additional services cost and what happens if a resident's needs increase.
 

Eligible lower-income residents may also qualify for the Personal Care Home Benefit, which can help with the cost of living in a licensed personal care home.

Special Care Homes / Long-Term Care

Special care homes, often referred to as long-term care or nursing homes, provide a higher level of 
ongoing care for people whose needs can no longer be adequately met in the community.

Admission is based on an assessment rather than simply choosing a preferred housing option. The 
assessment considers factors such as functional ability, physical health, mental status, living environment and available informal support.

Special care homes provide care and assistance with daily living, as well as access to health services 
based on residents' needs.
 
Some special care homes also provide temporary services, including respite and convalescent care. This means that not every stay in a special care home is necessarily permanent.

Some situations call for specialized or temporary support rather than a permanent change in housing.

Memory Care

Some communities and care settings provide specialized environments and support for people living with dementia or other memory-related needs. The type and amount of support can vary considerably, so it is important to ask what experience and services are available.

Respite Care

Respite provides temporary support for an older adult and/or gives a family caregiver a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite may be available in different settings, including some home care and residential settings, depending on eligibility and availability.

Adult Day Programs

Adult Day Programs provide support to older adults and individuals living with disabilities. Programs may offer social and recreational activities, meals, assistance with some daily activities and opportunities for connection. They can also provide valuable relief for family caregivers by giving them time during the day for work, appointments, errands or rest.

In Saskatchewan, Adult Day Programs are primarily accessed through community services and Home Care with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, though they are sometimes programs that may be accessed through a private service provider. Availability, eligibility, schedules and services vary by location.

The cost of housing, care and everyday support can be an important part of deciding what will work.
There are provincial and federal programs that may help eligible older adults with housing, home support, prescription costs or income.

Eligibility, benefit amounts and program rules can change. The Government of Saskatchewan Seniors Services page and Canada.ca are good starting points for current information. 
 

Use this section as a starting point and confirm current information directly with the program before making a housing or financial decision.
 

If You're Trying to Stay at Home
Saskatchewan Home Care
Publicly funded home care may provide services based on assessed needs.

Individualized Funding for Home Care
Eligible individuals may be able to receive funding to arrange and manage their own supportive home care services.

If Housing Costs Are a Concern
Seniors Housing Program
The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation's Seniors Housing Program provides affordable rental housing to eligible older adults. The program is particularly relevant to people looking for affordable independent housing.

Social Housing Program
Social housing provides safe and adequate housing for eligible people with low incomes, including 
seniors.

Saskatchewan Housing Benefit
The Saskatchewan Housing Benefit provides a monthly benefit to eligible Saskatchewan renters to help with shelter costs, including rent and utilities.

The current benefit amount depends on household circumstances and shelter costs. Effective July 1, 2026, the monthly benefit for eligible single people and couples ranges from $210 to $270 depending on the percentage of income spent on shelter. Different amounts apply to households with dependants.

If You're Considering a Life Lease
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Life Lease Program
The SHC Life Lease Program provides affordable housing for eligible moderate-income older adults and couples in exchange for a deposit and monthly occupancy fee.

Remember that life lease agreements can have important financial and contractual terms. Make sure you understand the agreement before signing.

If You're Considering a Personal Care Home
Personal Care Home Benefit
The Personal Care Home Benefit may provide monthly financial assistance to eligible older adults living in a licensed personal care home.

Eligibility depends on program requirements, so confirm current information before assuming you qualify.

If Your Income Is Limited
Seniors Income Plan
The Seniors Income Plan (SIP) provides financial assistance to Saskatchewan seniors with little or no income to help meet basic needs.

Guaranteed Income Supplement
The federal Guaranteed Income Supplement provides a monthly, tax-free payment to eligible low-income OAS recipients age 65 and older. Eligibility is based on income and other requirements.

Old Age Security
Old Age Security is a federal monthly pension available to eligible Canadians age 65 and older. Eligibility is based primarily on age and Canadian residence, rather than employment history.

If Prescription Costs Are a Concern
Saskatchewan Seniors' Drug Plan
Eligible Saskatchewan residents age 65 and older can pay $25 for eligible prescription drugs covered by the Saskatchewan Formulary or approved under Exception Drug Status. Eligibility is income-tested.

Other Programs Worth Knowing About
Depending on your circumstances, you may also want to explore:
• Canadian Dental Care Plan
• Special Support Program
• Senior Citizens' Ambulance Assistance Program
• Canada Pension Plan
• Other federal, provincial or municipal housing and support programs

Before deciding whether to stay where you are, add support or explore a different housing option, take some time to think about what you actually want your life to look like.

Consider what you enjoy about your current home and what has become difficult. Think about how much responsibility you want for cooking, cleaning, yard work and home maintenance. Consider transportation, accessibility, pets, location, privacy, social connection, activities and proximity to family.

Think about the support you need today and what might be helpful in the future. Could some support be added to your current home? If you are considering a community, what services are included and what would you need to arrange separately?

Finances are also important. Consider what you can comfortably afford, what is included in the monthly cost and what additional expenses could arise. Find out whether you may qualify for government programs or benefits.

Finally, ask what happens if your circumstances change. Can support be added? Can services be adjusted? Would you need to move again if you needed more assistance?

Sometimes the answer isn't a new home.

It might be more support where you already live, such as housekeeping, transportation, meal delivery, personal care, companionship or help from family and community organizations.

Sometimes a move makes sense because the current home no longer works well, the responsibilities have become too much, or the person wants a different lifestyle. Moving can be a positive choice even when someone doesn't need a higher level of care.

Sometimes a temporary solution, such as respite or convalescent care, is enough to address the situation for now.

And sometimes the best solution is a combination of housing, services and community supports.

The right fit is about more than the building. It is about how the person wants to live, what support they need and what matters most to them.