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Welcome to the comprehensive Senior Resources Guide for the state of Alaska. This guide is designed to provide essential information and resources for elderly residents, their families, and caregivers. Whether you are looking for healthcare services, financial assistance, legal aid, transportation options, or recreational activities, this guide has you covered. We have organized the guide into various categories to make it easy to navigate and find the information you need. Each resource includes up-to-date contact information and relevant links to help you access the services you need.

Healthcare

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD). Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. To learn more about Medicare and Medicaid eligibility and benefits, visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers various health programs and services for seniors, including immunizations, chronic disease management, and health education. To learn more about the health programs and services offered by DHSS, visit their website.

Alaska Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

The Alaska Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a program that helps seniors prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. To learn more about the SMP program, visit the Alaska SMP website.

Senior Living Options

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities provide housing and supportive services for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. To find an assisted living facility in Alaska, visit the Alaska Assisted Living Association.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing care for seniors who require ongoing medical care and assistance with activities of daily living. To find a nursing home in Alaska, visit the Alaska Nursing Home Association.

Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities offer housing and social activities for seniors who are able to live independently but want the convenience of community living. To find an independent living community in Alaska, visit the Alaska Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

Home Care Services

Home Health Agencies

Home health agencies provide skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medical services in the home setting. To find a home health agency in Alaska, visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

Home Care Agencies

Home care agencies provide non-medical services, such as personal care, meal preparation, and light housekeeping, to seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living. To find a home care agency in Alaska, visit the Alaska Home Care and Hospice Association.

Hospice Care

Hospice care provides compassionate care for seniors who are terminally ill and their families. To find a hospice care provider in Alaska, visit the Alaska Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Financial Assistance

Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits to eligible individuals. To learn more about Social Security benefits and eligibility, visit the SSA website.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers various financial assistance programs for seniors, including the Alaska Senior Benefits Program and the Alaska Pioneer Homes Program. To learn more about the financial assistance programs offered by DHSS, visit their website.

Alaska Department of Revenue

The Alaska Department of Revenue (ADOR) offers property tax relief programs for seniors, including the Senior Citizen and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption and the Senior Citizen and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Deferral. To learn more about property tax relief programs for seniors, visit the ADOR website.

Legal Aid

Alaska Legal Services Corporation

The Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) provides free legal assistance to low-income seniors on a variety of civil legal issues, including housing, consumer rights, and healthcare. To learn more about the legal services offered by ALSC, visit their website.

Alaska Bar Association Elder Law Section

The Alaska Bar Association Elder Law Section provides resources and information on legal issues affecting seniors, including estate planning, guardianship, and long-term care planning. To learn more about the Elder Law Section, visit the Alaska Bar Association website.

Alaska Legal Help

Alaska Legal Help is a website that provides information and resources on a variety of legal issues, including housing, family law, and consumer rights. To learn more about the legal resources available on Alaska Legal Help, visit their website.

Transportation

Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) offers transportation services for seniors, including the Alaska Senior Citizen Transportation Program and the Alaska Rural Transportation Assistance Program. To learn more about transportation services for seniors, visit the DOT&PF website.

Alaska Public Transit Association

The Alaska Public Transit Association (APTA) provides information on public transit services for seniors, including fixed-route bus services, paratransit services, and senior transportation programs. To learn more about public transit services for seniors, visit the APTA website.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers transportation services for seniors, including the Alaska Senior Citizen Transportation Program and the Alaska Rural Transportation Assistance Program. To learn more about transportation services for seniors, visit the DHSS website.

Community and Recreational Activities

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers a variety of community and recreational activities for seniors, including exercise classes, art classes, and social events. To learn more about community and recreational activities for seniors, visit the DHSS website.

Alaska State Parks

Alaska State Parks offer a variety of recreational activities for seniors, including hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. To learn more about recreational activities at Alaska State Parks, visit the Alaska State Parks website.

Alaska Senior Games

The Alaska Senior Games is an annual event that offers a variety of sports and recreational activities for seniors. To learn more about the Alaska Senior Games, visit the Alaska Senior Games website.

Education and Employment Opportunities

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers educational and employment opportunities for seniors, including job training programs and adult education classes. To learn more about educational and employment opportunities for seniors, visit the DHSS website.

Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) offers job training programs and employment services for seniors. To learn more about job training programs and employment services for seniors, visit the DOLWD website.

University of Alaska

The University of Alaska offers adult education classes and job training programs for seniors. To learn more about adult education classes and job training programs, visit the University of Alaska website.

Volunteer Work

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers volunteer opportunities for seniors, including the Alaska Senior Corps Program and the Alaska Foster Grandparent Program. To learn more about volunteer opportunities for seniors, visit the DHSS website.

Alaska Association of Nonprofits

The Alaska Association of Nonprofits (AAN) offers volunteer opportunities for seniors at nonprofit organizations across the state. To learn more about volunteer opportunities for seniors, visit the AAN website.

Alaska Volunteer Lawyers Program

The Alaska Volunteer Lawyers Program (AVLP) offers volunteer opportunities for attorneys and legal professionals to provide free legal assistance to low-income seniors. To learn more about volunteer opportunities for attorneys and legal professionals, visit the AVLP website.

Health and Wellness Programs

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers health and wellness programs for seniors, including exercise classes, nutrition programs, and health screenings. To learn more about health and wellness programs for seniors, visit the DHSS website.

Alaska Department of Public Health

The Alaska Department of Public Health (ADPH) offers health and wellness programs for seniors, including chronic disease management programs and health education classes. To learn more about health and wellness programs for seniors, visit the ADPH website.

Alaska Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

The Alaska Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (DMHSA) offers mental health and wellness programs for seniors, including counseling services and support groups. To learn more about mental health and wellness programs for seniors, visit the DMHSA website.

Emergency Preparedness

Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers resources and information on emergency preparedness for seniors, including evacuation plans and emergency shelters. To learn more about emergency preparedness for seniors, visit the DHSEM website.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers resources and information on emergency preparedness for seniors, including emergency contact information and disaster preparedness tips. To learn more about emergency preparedness for seniors, visit the DHSS website.

Alaska Department of Public Health

The Alaska Department of Public Health (ADPH) offers resources and information on emergency preparedness for seniors, including health and safety tips for emergencies. To learn more about emergency preparedness for seniors, visit the ADPH website.

End-of-Life Planning

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers resources and information on end-of-life planning for seniors, including advance directives and funeral planning. To learn more about end-of-life planning for seniors, visit the DHSS website.

Alaska Department of Public Health

The Alaska Department of Public Health (ADPH) offers resources and information on end-of-life planning for seniors, including hospice care and palliative care. To learn more about end-of-life planning for seniors, visit the ADPH website.

Alaska State Bar Elder Law Section

The Alaska State Bar Elder Law Section provides resources and information on end-of-life planning for seniors, including estate planning and probate. To learn more about end-of-life planning for seniors, visit the Alaska State Bar website.

Support Groups and Counseling

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) offers support groups and counseling services for seniors, including grief counseling and caregiver support groups. To learn more about support groups and counseling services for seniors, visit the DHSS website.

Alaska Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

The Alaska Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (DMHSA) offers support groups and counseling services for seniors, including mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment. To learn more about support groups and counseling services for seniors, visit the DMHSA website.

Alaska Association of Nonprofits

The Alaska Association of Nonprofits (AAN) offers support groups and counseling services for seniors at nonprofit organizations across the state. To learn more about support groups and counseling services for seniors, visit the AAN website.

Contacts for State and Local Aging Agencies

Alaska Division of Senior and Disabilities Services

The Alaska Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (DSDS) is the state agency responsible for providing services and support to seniors and individuals with disabilities. To contact DSDS, visit their website.

Alaska Area Agencies on Aging

The Alaska Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provide services and support to seniors at the local level. To find the AAA serving your area, visit the Alaska Division of Senior and Disabilities Services website and click on “Area Agencies on Aging”.

Alaska Aging and Disability Resource Centers

The Alaska Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) provide information and assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities. To find the ADRC serving your area, visit the Alaska Division of Senior and Disabilities Services website and click on “Aging and Disability Resource Centers”.

Conclusion

This comprehensive Senior Resources Guide for Alaska residents is designed to provide essential information and resources for seniors, their families, and caregivers. From healthcare services to financial assistance, legal aid, transportation options, and recreational activities, this guide covers a wide range of topics to help seniors live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. We hope this guide is helpful to you and your loved ones.

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