With Only around 40,000 seniors, Alaska has the smallest state population of seniors and also the smallest percentage population of seniors  (6.4%) . The small population of seniors spread over a relatively large area makes it difficult for businesses to support the local senior population. Alaska also has the smallest number of assisted living facilities of any state.

Alaska also ranks extremely high with a cost-of-living factor of 126 compared to the national average of 100. These factors combined to make Alaska one of the most difficult areas for retirement including assisted living. Two other factors have a significant impact on discouraging seniors from living in the area. The often harsh weather and driving conditions can be very dangerous for many seniors. The other critical factor is that emergency senior health services and other state-of-the-art medical services are more rare in Alaska when compared to more metropolitan areas. With all these negative factors in mind, most seniors still prefer to live in close proximity to their friends and family. In many cases it may still be best to live in an Alaska assisted living facility if you have a family that will visit frequently and be available as an advocate on any senior health care issues.

Alaska Assisted Living Government Review

In Alaska, the Assisted Living Home Licensing Department conducts annual inspections of all assisted living facilities. After you have narrowed down your options for an assisted living facility, you can write the Assisted Living Home Licensing Department at 619 East Ship Creek Ave., Suite 232, Anchorage, AK 99501 and requested copies of the inspection reports. You may also reach the licensing department at 907-269-3640. Use this number to check on any complaints and to file a complaint. Checking inspection reports and complaints is especially critical in Alaska because there is a much more limited number of options for assisted living facilities than there are in other states. If there is only one nearby option and they have significant complaints or inspection failures, consider an assisted living facility in another area. You may also contact your Alaska Ombudsman to get assistance with service problems at assisted living facilities. Contact:

• Robert Dreyer State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Office of the State LTC Ombudsman
• AK Mental Health Trust Authority
• 3745 Community Park Loop, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99508
• Akoltco.org
• Phone: (907)334-4480 Fax: (907)334-4486

This directory includes 73assisted living options for Alaska. Use the "Advance Search" to find the nearest 40 senior services based on your desired location or select a city and then choose a tab to see different types of senior care including nursing homes, Alzheimer's care centers, CCRCs, independent living, in-home and hospice care.