It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Canadians, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in our country have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic WheelerStallard Museum gets harder without someone by their side. However, as seniors grow older, sometimes they cannot live independently without someone by their side to provide care. Unfortunately, many older Canadians aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Aspen Woods, AB is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I highly recommend choosing this company. Excellent care toward their clients and willing to answer”
“Very friendly and reliable people! Easy to work with and provide exceptional care. Would recommend”
“ABC provides very caring, reliable and qualified support. I would highly recommend them. With their”
“Very happy with the exceptional care.”
“ABC provided great care and we would highly recommend and will use again.”
“Friendly staff and reliable service, would highly recommend!”
“Great people! Calgary needed this service and now it’s here”
“So professional and caring! I am very happy with the care provided to my loved”
“Always Best Care was amazing all around. The care our loved one received was fantastic.”
“Very trustworthy owners with huge experience in the industry. Highly recommend”
“I highly recommend choosing this company. Excellent care toward their clients and willing to answer any questions. Reliable, friendly and supportive!”
“Very friendly and reliable people! Easy to work with and provide exceptional care. Would recommend to anyone!”
“ABC provides very caring, reliable and qualified support. I would highly recommend them. With their excellent staff, they make the process for getting care as easy and worry free as possible.”
“Very happy with the exceptional care.”
“ABC provided great care and we would highly recommend and will use again.”
“Friendly staff and reliable service, would highly recommend!”
“Great people! Calgary needed this service and now it’s here”
“So professional and caring! I am very happy with the care provided to my loved one. Would highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care was amazing all around. The care our loved one received was fantastic. They were reliable, considerate and kind. I highly recommend their service for your family member!”
“Very trustworthy owners with huge experience in the industry. Highly recommend”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite activities and hobbies while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Aspen Landing Pond with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy other activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress helps reduce the risks of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Monarch or visit Ashcroft Ghost Town, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
When it comes to non-medical home care, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
Studies on aging have found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Aspen Woods, AB, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the CBC, aging in place can be more affordable than living in a retirement home, which can cost thousands of dollars a month, with no extra care included.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With ABC's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Aspen Woods, AB understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced ABC Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your Care Plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Aspen Woods, AB 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The Alberta government is promising to build 16 new schools and fund two school modernizations in Calgary, Airdrie and Chestermere if its latest budget is approved.However, those projects are still in the planning and design stages — meaning they're still at least two years away from opening, according to Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides.In an interview with CBC on Thursday, Nicolaides said it's important for his government to "take action as quickly as possible" because many schools in the Calgary metrop...
The Alberta government is promising to build 16 new schools and fund two school modernizations in Calgary, Airdrie and Chestermere if its latest budget is approved.
However, those projects are still in the planning and design stages — meaning they're still at least two years away from opening, according to Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides.
In an interview with CBC on Thursday, Nicolaides said it's important for his government to "take action as quickly as possible" because many schools in the Calgary metropolitan area are near or at capacity.
"We've heard the concerns loud and clear, and this is a demonstration of how [seriously] we're taking this," said Nicolaides.
The money is going toward kickstarting 10 new schools for the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), three for the Calgary Catholic School District, two for Rocky View Schools (one in Airdrie and one in Chestermere) and one for the Almadina Language Charter Academy.
In northwest Calgary, French school École de la Rose sauvage is set to be modernized. If the budget passes, the province will also modernize a building in Quarry Park for Foundations for the Future Charter Academy.
The announcement, made publicly on Friday afternoon, comes as Calgary public schools face an unprecedented space crunch. While enrolment growth is expected to slow in the coming years, school districts have had to convert hallways and staff spaces into classrooms, as well as close off schools that are at capacity to new students.
The province said all 18 school projects will add 14,400 new and updated student spaces to Calgary and its surrounding communities.
"It's going to help to alleviate and reduce class sizes, reduce transportation times, help students access schools right in their communities, and will have a lot of cascading impacts," said Nicolaides.
In combination with previously approved schools, there will be 49 school projects underway in Calgary and area, according to a release from the province.
The budget, introduced in the legislature in late February, allocates $10.4 billion in total education spending — which includes $2.6 billion over three years to build and modernize Alberta schools.
Last month, the province announced funding for the construction of 11 new schools across Alberta. That includes three schools in Calgary — all in northeast communities — as well as one each in Airdrie, Chestermere and Okotoks.
The announcements have checked off all but one of the CBE's highest priority (Year 1) new school requests in its three-year school capital plan for 2025-28. The remaining request is for an elementary school in Walden.
Nicolaides said the Alberta government is also putting money toward bringing temporary classrooms to crowded schools, since it will take some time before the announced schools become operational.
The budget includes $150 million over three years to the province's modular classroom program.
"Obviously, they're not permanent solutions, but they can act as a very effective, immediate pressure release valve."
Last fall, the CBE asked the province for 64 more portable classrooms to 17 of its most crowded schools for the 2025-26 school year.
Nicolaides said the CBE's request paints a picture of just how much space is needed in the city, but the details around where and how many portables will be delivered haven't been determined yet.
"[If] the budget is passed, we'll then be able to make some final decisions about how many modulars we'll be able to purchase and where exactly they will go."
He said he's also keeping a close eye on how U.S. tariffs might affect the cost of getting schools built, and the province will continue to alter their plans based on the fluid situation.
With more than a third of CBE schools operating at 100 per cent utilization or higher, board chair Patricia Bolger said Friday on CBC's The Homestretch that she's thrilled to receive this funding.
"With no schools built in two years, we will be fully at 100 per cent utilization, so really they can't come quickly enough," said Bolger.
In a statement, the Calgary Catholic School District's board chair thanked the provincial government for the funding.
"There is an urgency to get the shovels in the ground to serve our growing communities. We hope these three schools will quickly move through the process to full construction funding so more students can live and learn in our Catholic faith close to home," said Shannon Cook.
Wing Li with public education advocacy group Support Our Students Alberta said new schools are desperately needed in Calgary, but she worries about the timeline of these projects given the pressure schools are facing now.
Li said she was hoping to see more about getting shovels in the ground faster.
"We see this current situation in schools — being overcrowded — urgent. We're living a crisis day-to-day for space, but also for lack of staff," said Li.
Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers' Association, said new buildings are always welcome, but he wonders who will staff those schools once they open.
The education minister said the province is allocating $1.1 billion over three years to hire over 4,000 teachers and staff, but Schilling said he wants to see more investment at the university level to get more people entering the profession.
"Teachers are burning themselves out trying to support all of these kids without the necessary means. And I feel that we are going to see more exodus of teachers from the profession and more kids slip through the cracks."
Both Li and Schilling raised concerns about public funding going toward two charter schools.
The provincial government is aiming to alleviate pressures on education in Calgary and across Alberta with more funding and schools.Article contentArticle contentRapid population growth in Alberta over the past several years has led to pressures on schools, with enrolment growing by almost 89,000 students since 2020, the province says.Article contentMuch of the growth is concentrated in the Calgary metro region —...
The provincial government is aiming to alleviate pressures on education in Calgary and across Alberta with more funding and schools.
Article content
Article content
Rapid population growth in Alberta over the past several years has led to pressures on schools, with enrolment growing by almost 89,000 students since 2020, the province says.
Article content
Much of the growth is concentrated in the Calgary metro region — more than a third of the Calgary Board of Education’s 250 schools are operating at 100 per cent utilization or higher.
Article content
Article content
If budget 2025 is passed, 16 new school projects will be on the way for Calgary, Premier Danielle Smith and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced Friday.
Article content
Noon News Roundup
Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.
Article content
“The number of students in our schools is growing quickly, and we’re acting quickly as well to accommodate this historic growth,” Nicolaides told reporters.
Article content
There are also plans for new schools in Calgary-area communities, including Airdrie and Chestermere, which are getting a new elementary school and high school respectively.
Article content
Article content
Six schools are in the works for northeast Calgary, in addition to the three previously announced.
Article content
The Calgary Catholic School District will get a new K to 9 school in Cornerstone, while the Calgary Board of Education is slated for two schools in that community, another in Cityscape and one in Livingston. The Almadina Language Charter Academy will also be expanded.
Article content
Four schools in south Calgary include new junior highs in Aspen Woods and Mahogany, a K-9 school in Walden and modernization of the Foundations for the Future Charter Academy.
Article content
Article content
There are also five new schools in the works for northwest Calgary — a K to 4 in Nolan Hill, a grades 5 to 9 in Sherwood, a grades 6 to 9 in Sage Hill-Kincora, and a K to 9 in Carrington.
Article content
Conseil scolaire FrancoSud francophone school will also be modernized under the proposed budget.
Article content
Much of the projects are still in planning and design stages, meaning they’re two to four years from opening.
Article content
“Our goal is that through the school construction accelerator program, these schools will quickly move from design to shovels in the ground,” said Patricia Bolger, CBE’s board chair.
Article content
Article content
Article content
All told, there are 18 school-related projects in the Calgary metro area, which would add 14,400 new and updated student spaces, according to the province.
Article content
“These new schools will go a long way to make life better for Calgarians,” said Nicolaides, adding that parents and students will have their commute times “drastically reduced” by having schools closer to home.
Parents with kids in a Calgary daycare chain say they feel taken advantage of after new provincial rules took effect on April 1 that set a flat monthly rate of $326 for basic care but also allow operators to charge any amount on top of that for "optional" services.In practice, the parents say, the new $330-per-month "meal service fee" at Clever Daycare hasn't actually been optional."There's no outside food allowed in the facility, and therefore we're not able to opt out of the meal fee," said one p...
Parents with kids in a Calgary daycare chain say they feel taken advantage of after new provincial rules took effect on April 1 that set a flat monthly rate of $326 for basic care but also allow operators to charge any amount on top of that for "optional" services.
In practice, the parents say, the new $330-per-month "meal service fee" at Clever Daycare hasn't actually been optional.
"There's no outside food allowed in the facility, and therefore we're not able to opt out of the meal fee," said one parent, who didn't want to be identified because she worries speaking out might get her kid kicked out of the facility.
Another parent said her child used to be allowed to bring some light snacks in the morning but was told this week that was no longer allowed.
"They didn't let him eat his snack and they said no outside food," she said. "It was never an issue before. We used to do potlucks."
CBC News has agreed not to identify the parents, in order to avoid potential repercussions for their kids.
The parents recently received a new "Clever Daycare Parent Handbook," which includes a non-disparagement clause and warns that the operator "reserves the right to immediately terminate a child's enrolment" if parents violate the policy.
A spokesperson with Clever Daycare said the province's new regulations have "areas that still remain unclear" and noted meal services are also governed by other "health and safety protocols" under Alberta's Public Health Act.
"At Clever Daycare, our policy is to mitigate serious allergy risks, prevent cross-contamination, and uphold consistent food safety standards," Ahad Daneshvar said in an email to CBC News.
"This policy has been key to protecting children with life-threatening allergies, and changing it would significantly increase risk and liability. The E. coli outbreak in Calgary daycares in September 2023 highlighted how lapses in food handling can lead to severe health risks for children."
He noted the final report from the review panel that investigated that incident recommended all child-care providers be required to develop an "outside food" policy but that the province "should allow for flexibility across individual facilities."
"It is not recommended that such policies are strictly prescribed in government legislation," the report reads.
"As such, we are actively engaging in conversations with government stakeholders to advocate that allowing optional parent-provided meals undermines both the intent of current regulations and the review panel's clear direction for risk mitigation and proactive food safety management," Daneshvar said.
Clever Daycare operates three facilities in the city: in Glamorgan, Aspen Woods and the University District.
Daneshvar also said the company was awaiting "clarification" from the government on the new rules and informed parents on Wednesday that, in the meantime, it will cover the cost of the optional fees for the first week of April if they wish to opt out of them.
The province told CBC News, however, there is no grey area when it comes to this.
"Under the new regulations, providers may offer additional, optional services such as meals or diapers, but parents must be able to opt in or provide their own," Matt Jones, Alberta's minister of jobs, economy and trade, said in an email.
"Charging a meal fee while prohibiting outside food is not permitted, nor is charging a materials fee for diapers while requiring parents to use only the provider's supply."
Prior to April 1, in order to qualify for funding under the federal-provincial child-care agreement, daycares were limited in how much they could raise fees and were restricted from introducing additional fees beyond what they were already charging.
In addition to setting a flat base fee of $326 per month, the new regulations also allow for new fees to be charged for "optional services" such as field trips, food, transportation and certain goods like diapers and sunscreen.
"Parents must have the choice whether to participate in and pay for an optional service," the province said in a "What's Changing" fact sheet for operators.
The guidelines also specifically prohibit charging for operational or administrative services such as technology fees, toy fees or nap fees.
The province has said the new rules are aimed at making parents' costs more consistent and predictable, while also giving operators more flexibility.
Clever Daycare previously charged a $185 monthly meal fee, and parents say they have received no explanation for the nearly 80 per cent increase to $330.
Prektsha Tam took her kid out of Clever Daycare after she grew frustrated by its fee policies. She still worries about how Alberta's new rules will affect other families at daycares across the province.
"Lower income families now have to pay more than what they were paying before," she said, referring not just to the introduction of optional fees but also the loss of the income-based child-care subsidy, which ended April 1.
Tam says she was lucky to snag a spot in a brand-new daycare that just opened this week — and doesn't charge a meal fee — but she recognizes not all parents have a readily available alternative if they want to switch operators.
"There are super full waitlists everywhere," she said.
One of the parents whom CBC News agreed not to name said she's been looking around for other daycare providers but hasn't been able to find any with available space.
"So you're really kind of stuck where you are," she said.
Tam said the federal-provincial child-care agreement has brought daycare costs way down for parents, but she wonders if these latest changes have been effectively communicated.
"I think what the government is doing is good," she said. "But I think there needs to be more clear-cut instructions."
In its email to parents on Wednesday, Clever Daycare said it was awaiting a new document from the government with more specific guidelines "that should help child-care providers and parents better assess how optional services should be managed."
In the same email, it opened the door to allowing outside meals but put the onus on parents to not only opt out but actively explain how they would do so.
"If you do not wish to receive these services moving forward, we kindly ask that you officially email your centre director by the end of this week [and] … clearly outline how you will be managing the services yourself (e.g., providing meals daily)."
The government document with the additional guidelines, however, is now posted online and it specifically prohibits this approach.
"Participation in optional services must be voluntary, and parents must actively opt in," the guidelines say. "Automatic enrolment approaches that require a parent to opt out are not permitted."
The new rules are part of the final phase of the federal-provincial child-care agreement, which ends March 31, 2026.
Eight provinces and three territories have signed on to a new federal child-care agreement that will see them receive nearly $37 billion in funding from Ottawa from 2026 through to 2031. Alberta and Saskatchewan have not.
Data Journalist / Senior Reporter
Robson Fletcher's work for CBC Calgary focuses on data, analysis and investigative journalism. He joined CBC in 2015 after spending the previous decade working as a reporter and editor at newspapers in Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba.
Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) has announced the successful opening of a new Heal Wellness location in Calgary's Aspen Landing Shopping Center, Alberta. The store, operated by a multi-unit franchisee, had its soft opening on March 14th and grand opening on March 15th, 2025.This marks the fifth Heal Wellness store in Alberta, bringing the total system-wide locations to 18. The QSR chain, specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies, has a contractual commitment for 130 units. The comp...
Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) has announced the successful opening of a new Heal Wellness location in Calgary's Aspen Landing Shopping Center, Alberta. The store, operated by a multi-unit franchisee, had its soft opening on March 14th and grand opening on March 15th, 2025.
This marks the fifth Heal Wellness store in Alberta, bringing the total system-wide locations to 18. The QSR chain, specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies, has a contractual commitment for 130 units. The company reports strong franchise interest nationwide, with several locations under construction in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
Happy Belly currently has 521 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its emerging brands portfolio. The company plans to continue its expansion throughout 2025 and 2026, focusing on selecting optimal franchise partners and prime real estate locations.
Positive
Negative
03/17/2025 - 06:00 AM
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 17, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands is pleased to announce that it's Alberta multi-unit franchisee has successful opened another Heal Wellness location in Calgary's Aspen Landing Shopping Center. Heal Wellness ("Heal") is a fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies quick serve restaurant ("QSR"). After a successful soft opening on Friday, March 14th, this location had its grand opening on Saturday March 15th, 2025.
Heal Wellness
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/244824_7d75f96ca4440ac8_001full.jpg
"I want to congratulate our multi-unit franchisee on another successful opening. With five stores for Heal now operating in Alberta and more in development the growth in Western Canada is off to a good start," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly.
"Each new store opening accelerates our expansion across Canada, as Heal experiences hockey stick growth fueled by our first-mover advantage. Our latest opening brings the total number of Heal locations to 18 system-wide, with several more currently under construction in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. With a contractual commitment for 130 Heal units, we're seeing a surge in franchise interest from both franchisees and landlords nationwide, paving the way for predictable organic growth going forward."
"As we move into 2025, our focus is on accelerating growth through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. Currently, four of our QSR brands are under construction across Canada, and we expect to announce additional projects throughout the year as we secure new franchise agreements and premium real estate nationwide. This progress is a clear step forward in our mission to become a predictable, disciplined growth company. Happy Belly now has 521 contractually committed retail franchise locations across our emerging brands-whether in development, under construction, or already operating. We are steadily expanding this pipeline throughout 2025 and 2026, continually selecting the right franchise partners and securing optimal real estate to achieve our brands' development goals."
We are just getting started.
Neighborhood Aspen Landing in Calgary, with its vibrant, upscale community that is home to health-conscious, active residents who prioritize wellness and healthy eating is an ideal location for Heal. The shopping center at Aspen Landing is a hub for premium retail, dining, and fitness services, attracting a steady flow of foot traffic from both locals and visitors alike. With its family-friendly atmosphere, proximity to schools, fitness centers, and wellness-oriented businesses, Aspen Landing provides the perfect environment to thrive. The emphasis on healthy lifestyles in this community aligns seamlessly with Heal Wellness's mission, ensuring a strong customer base from the start.
About Heal WellnessHeal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.
FranchisingFor franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].
About Happy Belly Food GroupHappy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leading consolidator of emerging food brands.
Happy Belly Food Group
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/244824_7d75f96ca4440ac8_002full.jpg
Sean BlackChief Executive Officer
Shawn MonizChief Operating Officer
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
www: www.happybellyfg.com or email [email protected]If you wish to contact us please call: (604) 737-2303
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/244824
Heal Wellness currently has 18 locations system-wide, with 5 stores operating in Alberta.
Happy Belly has 521 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its emerging brands portfolio.
The location had its soft opening on March 14th, 2025, followed by the grand opening on March 15th, 2025.
Heal Wellness has contractual commitments for 130 units, with ongoing construction in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
403-768-4454
