Assisted Living in Juneau, AK: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Residential assisted living in Juneau, Alaska, provides a nurturing and supportive environment for individuals aged 55 and older, offering personalized assistance with daily living activities to promote independence. Alaska is ranked 31st in the nation for its assisted living facilities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality senior care. Communities in Juneau offer services such as personal care, medication management, meal preparation, housekeeping, and engaging social activities, ensuring a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors.
Some are available for private pay, and others for Medicaid-paid residents. Assisted Living provides protective oversight, personal services, social care needed because of impaired capacity to live independently, and regular supervision on a 24-hour basis.
Assisted Living Communities near Juneau, Alaska
About Assisted Living in Juneau, AK
In Juneau, Alaska, where the tranquil coastal landscapes meet a heartfelt community spirit, the journey through meeting the physical or cognitive care needs of an individual with home care management can often be both complex and costly. Assisted living communities in Juneau have become pivotal, providing a meaningful alternative to home care by offering specialized services in a supportive environment.
Types of Assisted Living Facilities in Juneau: Juneau offers an array of licensed assisted living facilities, each designed to address a broad spectrum of physical and mental health needs:
- Minimal Care Facilities: Geared towards individuals who need little assistance, these places usually provide housing and meals, allowing residents to maintain a level of independence.
- Intermediate Care Facilities: Designed for those requiring more day-to-day help, these facilities might assist with activities like bathing, dressing, and some medical monitoring.
- Advanced Care Facilities: Serving individuals who require intensive care, these establishments offer comprehensive services, including mobility assistance, medication management, and specialized healthcare.
Considerations when looking for Senior housing in Juneau, AK
There are no assisted living communities located within the city limits of Juneau, however there are other options such as adult care homes or independent living. The estimated population of Juneau is 31,555 with 14.8% of that number being those ages 65 and older. In Juneau, the summers are cool and wet; the winters are long, freezing, snowy, and windy; and it is overcast year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 25°F to 65°F and is rarely below 7°F or above 75°F.
Cities Near Juneau, AK
- Alaska Douglas, AK: Merely about 3 miles west of Juneau.
- Auke Bay, AK: Roughly 13 miles north of Juneau.
- Thane, AK: Approximately 5 miles southeast of Juneau.
- Hoonah, AK: Around 40 miles west of Juneau by water; no direct road access.
- Gustavus, AK: Approximately 48 miles west of Juneau by water; no direct road access.
Cost of Assisted Living in Juneau, AK
Selecting an assisted living facility in Juneau, Alaska necessitates thoughtful financial planning. Costs can fluctuate significantly depending on specific care needs, additional amenities, and the facility’s location. Alaska, in general, observes higher assisted living expenses compared to the national average, approximately $6,450 per month. Ensuring a comprehensive comparison of services and costs across various facilities is crucial in identifying an appropriate option that aligns with your loved one’s needs and budget.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Local Hospital and Healthcare Providers in Juneau, AK
- Bartlett Regional Hospital
- Address: 3260 Hospital Dr, Juneau, AK 99801
- Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: (907) 796-8900
- Juneau Urgent and Family Care
- Address: 8505 Old Dairy Rd, Juneau, AK 99801
- Operating Hours: Varies; please call for hours
- Phone: (907) 790-4111
- Valley Medical Care
- Address: 3220 Hospital Dr, Juneau, AK 99801
- Operating Hours: Varies; please call for hours
- Phone: (907) 789-6206
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
Resources and Links- Alaska
Alaska Commission on Aging The mission of the Alaska Commission on Aging is to ensure the dignity and independence of all older Alaskans, and to assist them to lead useful and meaningful lives through planning, advocacy, education, and interagency cooperation.
State of Alaska – Long Term Care Ombudsman Federal and State law authorize the Ombudsman to identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, seniors in long term care facilities. State law also authorizes the Ombudsman to resolve problems relating to the “residential circumstances” of seniors who live in their own homes.
Alaska Federal Health Care Partnership The AFHCP office strives daily to exploit new technologies to enhance access to care and improve clinical outcomes; capitalize on sharing capacity and special expertise to better meet patient care requirements; reduce the cost to members for continuing education by providing locally available high quality educational opportunities; reduce members costs by leveraging the partners’ collective purchasing power; encourage cross agency cooperation at all levels.
Adult Protective Services Use Adult Protective Services to report any incident in which a vulnerable adult suffers harm from abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect or self-neglect.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
