Choosing a senior living community for an aging parent, sibling, or relative can be challenging, especially with unique needs to consider.
Older adults and family members often wonder if the state of Alaska provides assisted living. While the state does not directly provide these services, it regulates and oversees Alaskan assisted living communities to ensure they meet high standards of care. These communities are privately operated but must comply with state regulations to offer a supportive environment for residents.
Use this guide of assisted living tips when choosing a community in Alaska.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a type of housing designed for seniors who need some help with daily activities but want to maintain as much independence as possible. These facilities support older adults with personal care, meals, housekeeping, and medical services.
Residents can receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating, while still enjoying a sense of autonomy.
Assisted living residents live in private apartments or rooms that they can personalize to feel like home. The floor plans can vary, with options ranging from studio apartments to larger one—or two-bedroom units. This allows residents to choose a space that best suits their needs and preferences.
A key feature of assisted living is the emphasis on social activities. These communities host a variety of events and programs designed to keep residents engaged and active. This can include exercise classes, art and music programs, movie nights, and outings to local attractions. These activities coordinate entertainment and help seniors maintain social connections and a sense of community.
One of the major benefits of assisted living is the availability of dining services. Residents typically enjoy three nutritious meals a day in a communal dining room, where they can socialize with their peers. Special dietary needs are often accommodated, ensuring that everyone receives healthy and enjoyable meals.
Assisted living also ensures important health-related services. This includes medication management, where team members ensure that residents take their medications correctly and on time. Regular health check-ups and access to health care professionals are also common features.
Some facilities may have on-site medical workers, while communities like Baxter Senior Living coordinate with local health care professionals.
It’s important to note that assisted living is different from a nursing home. While both provide care and support, the level of care in a nursing home is more intensive. Nursing homes are designed for individuals who require constant medical supervision and assistance with almost all daily activities.
Assisted living in Alaska is intended for seniors who are relatively independent but need some help with ADLs. This allows residents to enjoy a higher degree of freedom and privacy.
How to Choose an Assisted Living Community in Alaska
Living in the Final Frontier introduces a unique lifestyle, and finding an assisted living facility that matches this can make a big difference in the quality of life for seniors. Here’s what to consider when looking at assisted living in the state of Alaska.
Location
Location is crucial. Consider if the facility is near family and friends, local amenities, and medical services. Anchorage, for instance, is home to some of the largest hospitals in Alaska, making it a practical choice for those needing regular medical attention.
Types of Senior Care
Evaluate your loved one’s specific needs. Do they need round-the-clock assistance or just occasional help with tasks like taking medications or bathing? Understanding these needs will help you choose the right type of care.
Many seniors are fine with basic assisted living, but others need specialized memory care for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Baxter Senior Living is unique by offering multiple services under one roof:
- Assisted living
- Assisted living plus
- Memory care
- Respite care
Community and Activities
A vibrant community can significantly enhance the life of a resident. Look for facilities that organize a variety of activities to keep seniors engaged physically, mentally, and socially. Common activities include exercise classes, movie nights, wildlife visits, and outings.
Team and Care Quality
The quality of the team is vital. Ensure there are enough trained caregivers and that they have a good team member-to-resident ratio. Check online reviews and state inspection reports to get an idea of the facility’s reputation.
The team at Baxter Senior Living is renowned for award-winning care and support.
Privacy and Living Space
Many seniors value privacy. It could be the solitude that brought you or a loved one to Alaska. Look for communities with private apartments and the ability to personalize their space. Ask if residents can bring their own furniture and if the facility has secure storage for valuables. Moving to assisted living should be a chance to start fresh and design a new home.
Baxter Senior Living has some of the largest assisted living apartments in Alaska. Our modern floor plans include:
- Regular housekeeping services
- Kitchenette
- Accessible bathrooms with grab bars
- Walk-in showers
- Storage space
- Utilities
Meals and Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential for seniors. Check if the facility has a dietitian and arranges meal plans that cater to specific dietary needs. Meals should be healthy, varied, and enjoyable, with options for communal dining to encourage social interaction.
We have a real chef at Baxter Senior Living who loves making healthy meals for seniors.
Cost
Cost is a significant factor. Compare prices and what is included in the fees. Some facilities might offer all-inclusive rates, while others charge separately for different services. Make sure to understand the financial aspects before making a decision. Ask the community if they accept long-term care insurance or veterans benefits.
Why choose Baxter Senior Living for assisted living in Alaska?
Baxter Senior Living in Anchorage has a comprehensive range of services for seniors, including assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Here’s what sets us apart:
- 24-Hour Care: Trained team members are available around the clock.
- Privacy and Comfort: Residents have private rooms that they can personalize.
- Planned Activities: A variety of activities are available to keep residents engaged, including rooftop concerts.
- Quality Meals: Meals are prepared by chefs and supervised by a dietitian.
- Housekeeping and Maintenance: Regular housekeeping and maintenance services are included.
- Pet-Friendly: Small pets are allowed, adding to the homely feel.
- Resort-Inspired Community: We purpose-built our community to give Alaskan assisted living residents a beautiful place to call home.
Contact Us For Your Assisted Living Checklist
Choosing an assisted living community in Alaska requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure the best possible care for your loved one. Baxter Senior Living offers a supportive, engaging, and caring environment tailored to seniors’ needs.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule a tour.
