Assisted Living in Alaska

A place of extremes, Alaska is the largest state in the country by land area yet has the least population density of all 50 United States (U.S.). Purchased by U.S. Secretary of State William Seward from Russia in 1867, Alaska was often referred to as “Seward’s Folly” by many Americans who could not see the potential of such a remote and cold land. The Gold Rush of the 1890s brought thousands of new settlers to the area and changed public perception for good.

Seniors who choose assisted living in Alaska are often pleasantly surprised not only by the temperature (which ranges from the 60s to 90s throughout the state during the summer) but by the state’s robust collection of arts and culture, and relatively low cost of living.

Assisted Living in Alaska Defined

Assisted living in Alaska is defined as a range of care comprised of more than just housing and food service, but does not include constant nursing or medical care. For more specialized medical care, a senior would need to enter a nursing home, more commonly known as a skilled nursing facility.

Assisted living care is offered in a residential setting and promotes independence while providing around-the-clock support and protective services relating to activities of daily living for each resident.

An Alaska assisted living home provides activities and services that:

• are in a central location, minimizing the need for residents to move;
• meet the needs of individual residents;
• encourage the independence, privacy and safety of residents;
• support family and community involvement.

Alaska assisted living facilities offer nutritious, balanced meals on a consistent schedule, as well as weekly housekeeping services. Necessities such as comfortable furniture, bedding and towels are provided as necessary.

Assisted living homes also offer assistance with basic living tasks ranging from dressing and bathing to using public transportation and practicing leisure activities. They also offer various social, educational and recreational activities for the enjoyment of residents.

In addition, assisted living communities may provide minor medical assistance and health monitoring, including supervision for seniors with disabilities.

Cost of Assisted Living in Alaska

Assisted living in Alaska is paid for through the personal savings of residents and/or their families. Although Medicare may pay for a limited time if more intensive care is required, it does not pay for services in assisted living homes. Some private insurers may offer coverage for assisted living care.

Communities of assisted living in Alaska charge approximately $3,700 to $8,100 a month for a private, one-bedroom unit. Different communities offer residential units of varying sizes, giving residents the ability to decide what works best for their financial needs.

Basic monthly rent usually includes:

• Meals
• Housekeeping services
• 24-hour staff support
• Most utilities
• Recreational programs

An additional fee may be charged for personal support services, such as medication assistance or help with bathing.

Here is a list of the average monthly rates* broken down by city for a one-bedroom, single-occupancy apartment in an Alaska assisted living facility:

*Genworth Financial 2011 Cost of Care Survey.

Regulation of Assisted Living in Alaska

Assisted living in Alaska is regulated by The Department of Health and Social Services, through the Division of Public Health’s Assisted Living Licensing Unit. For a center of assisted living in Alaska to become licensed, the community must submit an application and appropriate fees and allow an inspection by the licensing agency.

A standard license must be renewed every two years in order for the assisted living home to continue operating. All current and prospective employees are subject to a criminal background check.

Find Assisted Living in Alaska

Browse our comprehensive directory to find assisted living in Anchorage, Fort Yukon and other parts of Alaska.

Written by senior housing staff writer.