Senior Care Choices in Alaska

With a strong desire to promote personal dignity and respect, Alaskan seniors are provided support and services necessary to live and age in their own communities in the least restrictive environment as is possible.

In 1913, Alaska began a proud history of service to senior Alaskans with the creation of the first Pioneer Home in Sitka. Over the years 5 additional homes have been built and now over 460 great Alaskan pioneers from the first half of the 20th century are now being served. These six "Pioneer Homes" are licensed as Assisted Living Homes and are owned and operated by the State of Alaska. They can be found in Ketchican, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Palmer and the original one in Sitka. Click Here to read more about this unique state program designed to treat state pioneers with true dignity.

Along with the Pioneer Home program, Alaska also has provided licensing for a number of Assisted Living Homes throughout the state. These state licensed facilities provide Alaskans a place they can call home and feel a part of the community. Throughout Alaska options for Assisted Living Homes, ranging from a small home licensed for only one person to a large Assisted Living Community of 224 residents. The majority of Assisted Living Homes in Alaska are for between 4 and 8 residents. For a complete picture of all the state requirments of Assisted Living Homes click here.

Moving any senior from their own home environment provides both challenges and opportunities. There is no question that we all desire our familiar living enviroment surrounded by our family and friends regardless of our age. Exploring such options as Meals on Wheels, In Home Care, (In Home Care companies are state licensed in Alaska) or Adult Day care may provide an alternative to a move outside the home. Moving to a more social environment, where there is an opportunity for interaction with other people on a daily basis, can often lead to increased vitality and quality of life for seniors. Consider carefully all your options before any firm committments or decisions are made.

Like every state, Alaskans also are provided with Nursing Home options. Today's Nursing Homes are often a more short-term environment providing Rehabilitation and Restorative Medicare-funded programs. A long-term Nursing home option may be an appropriate setting for a senior requiring skilled nursing services.