Older adults face many changes and sources of stress – they are not as strong as they used to be, people they love have died, children live further away, illness becomes more of a problem, relationships change and transitions happen. They may feel lonely, fearful, anxious, sad and things they used to do to cope may not work as well anymore.

Although it can be difficult, coping with all these changes is possible. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about, there is help.

Through counselling, people learn:

Calgary Family Services, the Older Adult Counselling Team provides counselling to adults age 65+ and their families. You have the choice of coming in to one of the easily accessible community offices for individual, family or group sessions, or you can participate in any of the groups, seminars and workshops that are offered. In some cases, it may be possible to arrange for in home counselling.

Eligibility and intake

Calgary Family Services offers supportive and confidential counselling services to anyone residing in Calgary and the surrounding areas.

Calgary Family Services is committed to providing easy access to counselling. We have counsellors located in numerous locations throughout the city. The Intake Coordinator will discuss with you the various locations, and work with you to choose the best location. All of our locations are wheelchair accessible.

To initiate the counselling process, call the Intake Coordinator at 403.205.5244.

If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, please call the Distress Center at 403.266.4357.

Cost

Fees for counselling are based on a sliding fee scale, according to the client's ability to pay. Fees will be established during the initial telephone call with the intake coordinator, at which time you will be asked your annual income. However, fee changes can be discussed if the established fee is not manageable or if family circumstances change.

Fees are payable each session by cash, cheque, Visa or MasterCard. If you meet with your counsellor at our downtown office, you will also be able to pay with Debit.

The City of Calgary's Family and Community Support Services, subsidizes Calgary Family Services Older Adult counselling program. Their generous subsidies provide for a sliding fee scale.

Read more about the counselling program (pdf)