Alaska Memory Care Facilities

Alaska is considered as one of the most beautiful places to live. However, the extreme climatic conditions including the long, cold winters come with its own set of problems, restrictions and difficulties, especially for its senior citizens. Most seniors may need quality in-house care especially since healthcare clinics and facilities are spread out and not always quickly accessible. The same can definitely be said of memory care facilities in Alaska that are dedicated to serving patients dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

These two diseases are known to have some of the most devastating effects, robbing patients of their cognitive abilities, including memory loss and ability to carry out routine day to day functions. Thankfully, Alaska memory care communities are committed to addressing patients with these symptoms, providing the care and empathy required in a safe and comfortable atmosphere, while also giving them the much needed medical attention.

Alaska has 625 senior living facility providers, including 17 memory care-only communities, as well as many assisted living homes with secured memory care units. The state's senior population is among the fastest growing, with experts anticipating an increase in the number of sufferers. Currently, over 8,500 Alaskans suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's, creating the need for more memory care communities in Alaska.

Memory care describes specialized care offered by various facilities to assist seniors or the elderly and other people affected by memory impairment.

Numerous elderly Alaskans stay at home, often alone, throughout their sunset years and their safety is a matter of concern, not only to their family but also to the authorities.

The decision to transition a loved one into a memory care home in the state of Alaska isn't easy, and identifying when to do so can be even harder. This guide offers an insight into Alaska's memory care facilities, the regulations, and other related information.

Memory Care Costs in Alaska

The high quality of care that’s accorded to seniors with dementia in Alaska does not come cheap. The average cost of memory care in this state is between to $5,400 to $7,160 monthly, amounting to between $64,600 to $85,920 annually. The cost is more in Fairbanks where the average is $8,280 monthly and $99,360 annually. All in all, Alaska’s memory care facilities rank seventh in the country in terms of being the most expensive, just above Rhode Island, Illinois and Pennsylvania based on average monthly cost of care.

With that being said, it is both unfair and difficult to compare Alaska Alzheimer’s care facilities with other states, given its topography, distance and rugged terrain compared to the rest of the continental United States.

The bulk of dementia care facilities in Alaska are located in the city of Anchorage. The city accounts for more than half of the total state population, since the vast majority of the state is mountainous and inhabitable. Anchorage provides a fitting backdrop for quality dementia care homes where prices range from around $100 per day for the most affordable, and up to $300 per day for the costliest facilities.
If you're looking for affordable care for a loved one, then treatment options in rural Alaska are also worth considering. The cost of memory care can vary depending on a number of features and amenities. Some facilities are part of a larger skilled nursing facility or assisted living center, yet with a ward specifically designed for Alzheimer’s or dementia care. Meanwhile, select memory care facilities in Alaska are 100 percent reserved and dedicated for dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Alaska's Memory Care Features

Facilities

Assisted living facilities for sufferers of Alzheimer's disease or the associated dementia, include state-approved door alarms with external access to prevent a resident from wandering. A one-person bedroom should be at least 80 sq. ft while a two-person bedroom should be at least 140 sq. ft.

A room can accommodate a maximum number of two residents.  The ratio of sink, toilet, and shower to residents is 1:6, which means there should be one sink, toilet and shower for every six residents. The state does not expect the building structure to have a dementia-friendly design.

In other states, hallways and rooms in memory care facilities should comprise dementia-friendly elements such as easily navigable layouts for those who often get lost and experience confusion. Therefore, you'll want to inspect any residence closely before transitioning a loved one.  

Admissions & Process

All Alaskans need to sign service contract before they move in. Moving into a memory care facility on short notice is difficult because you must agree to a contract that requires detailed information on the following: ailments and physical disabilities, living preferences, and daily activities the person can and cannot do on his or her own.

The process begins by scheduling an appointment with a family physician or a specialist for an expert assessment. The state does not allow a standard form for evaluations. Anyone moving into such facilities is entitled to know about the residents' rights, rules for visitors, access to phones and even grievance filing procedures.

Alaska, unlike most states, does not require memory care communities to offer a breakdown of all fees and costs. Request a written list, so there are no surprises or hidden costs and you get a very clear estimate of the residence charges, including optional services before your loved one moves in.

Training & Staff

While Alaska does not have staffing-ratio prerequisites in its memory care communities, the staff must be on-hand always to serve residents' needs. Every facility should also have personnel trained in first aid and CPR.

Criminal background checks are mandatory for all workers and care home administrators should be at least 21 years of age with adequate experience and the necessary education to obtain a state license. The state establishes what experience and education are sufficient depending on the population at a particular facility.

Moreover, administrators should have 18 hours of continuing education yearly. New staff should undergo orientation within 14 days of employment during which they should:

• Identify the residence's procedures and policies
• Identify reporting requirements
• Recognize neglect or abuse
• Identify reporting prerequisites

Evictions

An Alaskan facility that provides memory care shouldn't house or admit residents whose needs surpass what they can provide. That is, if the facility cannot accommodate a resident with later-or middle-stage dementia, that person would have to find another accommodation. Rules don't dictate that someone can face eviction for disruptive behavior or nonpayment.

However, residences might have their own policies regarding the measures to take in case of non-payment or aggressive behavior toward personnel and fellow residents. Prior to moving a loved one into a memory care facility, you should understand the grounds for eviction and have it in writing.

At least 30 days' notice is necessary before a resident can be asked to move out. However, regulations don't expect the current facility to find you a new facility for your loved one, if an eviction becomes necessary.

Amenities in Alaska's Memory Care Facilities

Alaska's care communities for dementia and Alzheimer’s provide similar basic services for their residents. However, some amenities might differ based on the location. Standard amenities at Alaska's facilities include meal service, grooming assistance, and medical care.

Most facilities will comprise a unique therapy program or exercise routine to help residents remain engaged and active. In some instances, transportation to offsite locations might exist for social events such as sporadic shopping trips.

Alaska Memory Care vs. Assisted Living

Most people confuse the two terms. Assisted living facilities are places where caregivers assist seniors who can still take care of themselves. When it comes to memory care in Alaska, caregivers have special training in handling those with memory conditions.

The construction of these facilities is planned with the safety and security of their residents in mind. Assisted living facilities might accept those in the initial stages of Alzheimer's or dementia, but there's minimal support for those in the later stages.

When is Your Loved One Ready for Memory Care in Alaska?

You're concerned about your safety

Over time, dementia progresses into considerable personality changes and can develop into agitation and confusion, which could lead to violence or even threats of violence. If you notice these signs in a loved one and are concerned about your safety and that of others, it might be time to consider memory care. These communities know how to handle these changes and help residents work through their emotions positively.

Neglect of Personal Hygiene

Wrinkled or unwashed clothing, unkempt hair, body odor, and other hygiene issues are signs that it might be time to transition to a memory care community. The services offered at memory care comprise personal care and help with daily activities that help residents live with dignity.

Subpar Living Conditions

Early stages of dementia may at times manifests as hoarding. If your loved one no longer cares for his or her home, has piled mail, spoiled food in the refrigerator, and other household messes, it might be time for memory care; these facilities will allow your loved one to live in a clean and hygienic environment.

Questions to Ask Alaskan Memory Care Communities during a Tour

The decision and search for a quality memory care facility should not be a hasty one. While taking the decision of moving an elderly loved one to a memory care community can be overwhelming, a lot of research, asking the right questions and getting references will help you make a more informed decision.

These communities are purposely designed to fulfill the needs of those diagnosed with memory loss. Before you set out on the search for the perfect community, obtain all medical information regarding the symptoms and diagnosis along with their financial information and insurance cover. As you search for the right memory care community in Alaska for your loved one, make sure you ask them the right questions to put your mind at ease. Some of the questions to ask include:

What care level does this community offer?

The ever-evolving signs of a memory-loss diagnosis might imply that varying care levels will be necessary throughout a resident's lifetime.  Moving from one facility to another might trigger signs of depression, unease, or anxiety. Ensure that the community you're touring can handle the existing symptoms with the capacity to help with various possible outcomes.

What kind of training does your personnel have?

The signs of Alzheimer's or dementia need special tools and skills to offer superior care. Inquire from the community you're touring about the frequency of training and the kinds of training provided. Look for training that targets memory care specifically.

Do you have a Nurse? How many hours are they on staff?

The timely treatment of health needs is crucial in offering the best results for senior residents. Having a licensed staff nurse 24 hours daily is ideal to allow for the fast processing of orders.

What to Look for in an Alaska Memory Care Community

Safety

Your loved one must be safe. Individuals with dementia typically wander or experience disorientation. These communities have enough security arrangements and checks in place to ensure residents are constantly safe. This includes thoughtfully designed spaces, safe open areas and well-trained personnel.

Reassuring Environment

Patients with memory loss must feel oriented and secure in their living environments. Comfortable, relaxed, and reassuring environments help them feel well-cared for. This feeling of comfort will extend naturally to friends and family members who can concentrate on spending quality time throughout their visits.

Life Quality and Dignity

The care and unique attention that residents receive in such facilities ensures that they live a full and quality life despite the circumstances while giving family and friends the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved one is safe and happy.

Tailored Health Care

Those exhibiting memory loss require personalized care compared to other residents. For instance, many memory care facilities in Alaska offer specialized diets, medications and activities to keep the progress of the disease in check.

Living a quality life is not impossible even if a loved one has dementia or Alzheimer's. In particular, Alaska’s memory care communities provide specialized settings where a loved one can reside and thrive. In fact, the best facilities make their residents feel at home even though they’re in a place probably far from home.