Assisted Living in Alaska

Seniors in Alaska enjoy a unique lifestyle, but at a price. The state’s low population density, extreme climate, and isolated location all contribute to a high cost of living and much higher-than-average prices for senior long-term care. If you are looking for assisted living in Alaska for yourself or a loved one, it is important to know what your options are for facilities, financial assistance, and other senior benefits.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Alaska

When looking for an assisted living facility for yourself or a loved one, it is crucial to do some research and examine all of your options prior to making a selection. Our comprehensive directory is a great place to start the process. Use the tool below to compare facility price, amenities, size, and more.

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Alaska

Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Alaska.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Alaska

Recently, the average cost of senior living options has increased from 2022 to 2023 due to inflation. Alaska care expenses have risen by approximately 4% over the past year and are projected to increase by a further 6.5% in 2024. Costs in Alaska are higher than the national average of $4,459, which is expected to rise by 10% to $4,802 in 2024.

In the neighboring states of California and Montana, senior care costs are similarly high at $4,946 and $5,257, respectively. While costs in Washington and Idaho have both shown increases of 14.5% and 14%, respectively.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

When deciding between senior care options, it is important to factor in budget, care requirements and personal preferences. At $6,768 per month, assisted living offers daily support while encouraging independence. Memory care costs significantly more at $8,149 but provides specialized services for those with memory loss disorders. Seniors who are self-reliant but would like access to community amenities and emergency assistance as needed should consider independent living at $4,485.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Alaska

Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Medicaid Waiver

Alaska Medicaid, sometimes referred to as DenaliCare, does not directly cover the cost of assisted living. The state does offer a Home and Community Based Waiver program called the Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Medicaid Waiver, that eligible Alaskans can use to help cover the cost of long-term care, including assisted living. However, the ALI Waiver is not an entitled benefit like Medicaid itself, so even those who meet the eligibility requirements for the waiver may not be able to access it. At times there may be a waitlist for the program, though there is currently not a waitlist for the ALI Waiver.

The ALI Waiver is designed to give seniors who require a nursing home level of care freedom to choose their own care providers and settings. Recipients may use the waiver to access services like transportation, meals, environmental modifications, or assisted living so that they can remain in their communities rather than move to a nursing home.

Who is Eligible?

In order to be eligible for the ALI Waiver, applicants must be an Alaska resident, be 65 years of age or older (or be under the age of 65 but have a developmental disability), and require a nursing facility level of care. Other eligibility requirements include:

• Assets must not exceed a value of $2,000 per single individual, excluding the value of one’s home if the home has equity of less than $572,000
• Monthly income must not exceed $2,250 per single individual, or $3,375 total per married couple if both spouses are applying for the program

How to Apply

To apply, seniors should contact their local ADRC. They will be connected with a care coordinator who will guide them through the application process, conduct an evaluation of their level of care needs, and help develop a support plan for the waiver if the applicant is approved. View this brochure for contact information for the ADRC and care coordinators.

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.

• Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.

• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Alaska

In Alaska, a multitude of resources are available to support seniors during their retirement years. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on various local entities, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to the type of care they provide for effortless navigation.

Cash Assistance Programs

In Alaska, financial aid programs are available to support low-income seniors in maintaining their home-based living. These programs offer tax relief, essential service discounts, and assistance with home heating and cooling expenses.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Seniors in Alaska, whether residing independently or in a senior living facility, have access to various local financial aid options. These entities assist in offsetting certain in-home or long-term care expenses and link them to beneficial community resources.

Food Assistance Programs

In Alaska, various local initiatives are dedicated to promoting senior health through balanced nutrition. They offer services like meal delivery, communal dining, and food banks, ensuring elderly residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.

Free Used Medical Equipment

In Alaska, numerous groups are addressing the steep expense of new medical equipment. They gather gently used items like wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, providing them to local seniors and individuals in need.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Alaska, numerous programs are available to aid seniors and individuals with disabilities in financing home modifications and repairs. These programs, offering grants or loans, have diverse eligibility requirements specifically designed for retirees.

Senior Centers

In Alaska, senior centers serve as a hub for older adults, providing recreational activities, events, and valuable resources. These centers also offer wellness programs, nutritional guidance, and assistance with senior-related concerns.

Social Security Offices

In Alaska, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.

Tax Assistance

Numerous tax aid resources are available in Alaska for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. These include potential exemptions on medical costs, property tax reductions, and other tax relief initiatives.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Organizations are available to aid low-income seniors in {catalog.city} struggling with home maintenance costs, including utility and energy bills. Emergency funding may also be accessible for those at risk of utility service termination due to unpaid bills.

Veteran’s Services

Veteran services in Alaska offer invaluable assistance to retired military personnel. These local entities guide veterans in utilizing their rightful benefits and provide counsel on diverse matters.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Alaska

The Division of Health Care Services of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services oversees assisted living laws and regulations for all residential facilities in the state. Some of the regulations include:

Assisted Living Service Plans

All residents must receive an assisted living plan within 30 days of their admission to a facility. The plan is developed by the facility administrator and the resident and/or their representative, in conjunction with a physical statement from the resident’s doctor including their medical history and current medication and/or therapy regimen. It must include:

• A description of the resident’s abilities and limitations in regards to activities of daily living (ADLs), and how the facility will provide any necessary assistance with these activities
• The resident’s healthcare needs, if any, and how those needs will be met
• The resident’s preferences for roommates and living environment

The plan must be approved by the resident or the resident’s representative. They may revise the plan if necessary. If the assisted living plan includes health-related needs and services, the resident must be reevaluated every 3 months. If the plan does not state that the facility will provide health-related services to the resident, the resident must be reevaluated annually.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Assisted living communities in Alaska are designed to provide residents with assistance with ADLs, not skilled nursing care. Residents cannot require skilled nursing care for a period greater than 45 consecutive days.

All residents must sign a residential service contract prior to moving into a facility. The contract must detail the facility’s rates, the resident’s rights, specifically describe the accommodations and services the assisted living facility (ALF) will provide, and the policies and procedures for terminating the contract.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

ALFs in Alaska are permitted to provide services including:

• Assistance with ADLs including laundry services, cleaning, and food preparation
• Health-related services including assistance with medication administration and nursing services for up to 45 days
• Recreational and social activities
• Transportation
• Monitoring

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Medicaid does not directly cover assisted living, but seniors can use the Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Waiver program to help finance the cost of a long-term care facility. The ALI Waiver is an HCBS Waiver program, and is not an entitled benefit.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Units in assisted living facilities in Alaska are not required to be apartment-style, and may be single-occupancy or double-occupancy; there may not be more than two residents per room. Single occupancy rooms must be a minimum of 80 square feet, and double occupancy rooms must be a minimum of 140 square feet. There must be at least one toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower for every six people in the facility (including both residents and facility staff).

Medication Management Regulations

Any staff member of the facility may assist residents with medication self-administration. This includes:

• Reminding a resident to take their medication
• Opening the container or packing for a resident
• Reading the medication label to a resident
• Observing the resident take their medication
• Checking the resident’s dosage against the medication label
• Reassuring a resident that they are taking the dosage as prescribed

Licensed nurses may directly administer medication to residents. They may also delegate administration to other facility staff members, if the staff member has undergone a Board of Nursing-approved training program taught by an RN or LPN.

Staffing Requirements

ALFs must employ an administrator to oversee day-to-day operations of the facility, and care providers to work directly with residents and provide residents with services that meet their needs. At least one care provider must be CPR certified and have first-aid training.

There are no state-mandated staffing ratios, but facilities must employ a sufficient number of care providers to meet the needs of residents as outlined in residents’ assisted living plans.

Staff Training Requirements

All employees must undergo an orientation of the facility’s policies and procedures within 14 days of the start of their employment. The orientation must cover emergency preparedness and procedures, fire safety, residents’ rights, medication management, and reporting requirements for elder abuse.

Each year, administrators must complete 18 hours of continuing education and care providers must complete 12 hours of continuing education.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

All potential employees of a residential care facility in Alaska must undergo a background check. No person who has been convicted of crimes such as a felony, domestic violence, or indecent exposure may be employed by a residential care facility.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

Any instances of elder abuse, exploitation, or neglect should be reported to the Alaska Adult Protective Services. To make a report to Adult Protective Services, file a complaint online or call 1-800-478-9996 or 907-269-3666.

Any concerns about assisted living facilities not following the regulations should be reported to the long-term care ombudsman. To file a complaint with the office of the ombudsman, complete an online complaint form or call (907) 334-4480 or 1-800-730-6393.

Alaska COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/2/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

Sources: dhss.alaska.gov www.cdc.gov

*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.