Anchorage offers an urban oasis in a state known for wild tundra and remote living. Seniors choosing to retire here can enjoy the spectacular landscapes and experience the magic of the Northern Lights without sacrificing the amenities of city living. The city’s estimated population is 291,247, and seniors who are at least 65 years old make up 11.1% of that total. By 2030, the state projects that the percentage of seniors in Anchorage will increase by 50%, bringing this population segment up to almost 17%.
Anchorage seniors can enjoy spectacular views of Alaska’s natural beauty and may catch a glimpse of native wildlife. Those who wish to step outside to get a better look can breathe in the fresh air confidently, knowing the Air Quality Index in Anchorage remains historically below unhealthy limits.
For seniors concerned about managing their medical conditions, the Providence Alaska Medical Center was designated as high-performing in geriatric care by the U.S. News & World Report, along with several other medical specialties. Other local hospitals include the Alaska Regional Hospital and the Alaska Native Medical Center, making Anchorage a safe option for seniors interested in home care.
Seniors looking for options to remain in their homes can expect to pay around $5,720 per month for home care and $5,815 for home health care, according to the Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. These averages are based on an estimated 44 hours of care per week, so the price may fluctuate depending on your needs. Home health care tends to be more expensive due to the additional medical and personal care assistance included with the service. Broken down to hourly wages, home care is around $30 per hour while home health care is slightly higher at $30.50 on average.
The cost of home care in Anchorage is equal to the Fairbanks and state averages of $5,720, but home health care is slightly higher at around $5,815 each month. These are both around $700 above the national mean for this type of care. Because Genworth only measures these two Alaskan cities, two northern Washington cities are included for comparison. For both types of care, Anchorage offers a lower cost than Bellingham and Mount Vernon, which are $6,483 and $7,245 per month, respectively.
Anchorage seniors can expect to pay significantly different monthly fees depending on the type of care they need. Adult day care offers the most savings at only $1,248 per month. Assisted living is somewhat more expensive than home care or home health care, with an average monthly charge of $6,765. The most expensive option available is nursing home care with a difference of close to $20,000, averaging out to around $24,282 each month for a semiprivate room.
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Anchorage, AK.
What You Should Know
The Senior Access Program offers grants to eligible seniors who are in need of home modifications to remain living independently in their homes. These grants can range from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on whether the applicant owns the home in question and their general cost of living, with larger grants going to those living in high-cost areas. This program works with local nonprofits and is only available to modify residence sizes that are classified as single-family homes up to fourplexes.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for a SAP grant, seniors must be at least 55 years old and must be able to prove medical need through documentation from a medical professional, caregiver or caseworker familiar with their situation. The property must be the principal residence of the applicant, and seniors must show proof of ownership or a valid rental agreement. Household income cannot be higher than the area median relative to the size of the household.
How to Get Started
Anchorage seniors can begin the application process by contacting the Alaska Community Development Corporation at (907) 746-5680.
What You Should Know
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services offers a program to assist low-income Alaskans with the expense of heating their homes in the winter. The program runs between October 1st and September 30th of the following year, and approved applicants get the benefit of a one-time payment made directly to their heating vendor.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors must be at no more than 150% of the federal poverty income level and must demonstrate a minimum of $200 per year in heating costs. The program is open to homeowners and renters.
How to Get Started
To apply, seniors can download the current year’s application and return the completed form to their local Public Assistance Office. In Anchorage, the phone number for this office is (800) 478-7778. Applications can be submitted in person, by fax or by email.
What You Should Know
Seniors who own or rent their homes can request assistance with weatherization to ensure they remain safe from the extreme Alaskan elements. Improvements are made to increase energy efficiency, lowering future energy costs for residents and providing a more comfortable experience in the home. Needed improvements are determined by trained weatherization assessors who will pass the order along to work crews or contractors to complete the project. Improvements are scheduled during the standard construction season, which may require seniors to wait until the following year for completion. Services can include insulation installation, controlled ventilation, moisture control and sealing any identifiable air leaks within the home. This program is available once every 15 years.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is determined by meeting the current income limits for federal funding. Seniors over the age of 55 receive special priority for this program. The home in question must be the senior’s primary residence and cannot be on the market for sale or rent.
How to Get Started
Applications can be downloaded online for seniors to complete and return to the Alaska Community Development Corporation. Seniors can have their questions answered by calling (800) 478-8080.
What You Should Know
The Older Alaskan Program is run by The Salvation Army, which partners with Meals on Wheels. It provides daily deliveries of hot, prepared meals and frozen options for reheating on weekends and holidays in an effort to help seniors maintain a nutritionally balanced diet and continue to live independently. The program also offers public group meals to encourage social interaction with peers. Meals are provided at no charge, but donations are welcome.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors who are at least 60 years old and who demonstrate physical limitations to independently carrying out their activities of daily living are eligible for this meal program.
How to Get Started
To sign up for delivered meals, seniors may contact the program by phone at (907) 349-0613. To participate in a group meal opportunity, seniors must fill out their client profiles on-site at the public meal location.
What You Should Know
For seniors to have the best chance of success at remaining in their homes, family members often act as caregivers. The Family Caregiver Support Program offers services to these caregivers to ensure they receive the support and education they need to care for their aging loved ones. Services can include Alzheimer’s and dementia resources, legal support, support groups and caregiver training opportunities. The program also includes opportunities for respite care, allowing caregivers the time they need to complete personal tasks or simply take a break to recharge.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone caring for a senior who is at least 60 years old is eligible to take part in this program.
How to Get Started
To access services, contact your nearest Aging and Disability Resource Center at (907) 343-7770.