The ABCs of Choosing an ALH in AK – A list of some questions to ask and things to look for when choosing an assisted living home.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) – ADRCs help people access the long-term services and supports available in their communities, such as transportation, assistive technology, or in-home care. Call (877) 625-2372 for the ADRC closest to you.
Alaska Commission on Aging – The Commission is charged with planning and advocacy for statewide senior services, promoting the dignity and independence of all older Alaskans. Call (907) 465-3250 or email hss.acoa@alaska.gov.
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska – A non-profit organization that provides family consultations, care coordination, in-home services and education programs to family caregivers, health care professionals, elders, and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Call (907) 561-3313, outside Anchorage (800) 478-1080.
DHSS Adult Protective Services (APS) – Investigates reports of harm and provides protective services to vulnerable adults aged 18 and older. To make a report of harm, call (907) 269-3666 or (800) 478-9996.
Alaska Legal Services – Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) is a private, nonprofit law firm established in 1967 providing free civil legal assistance to low-income Alaskans. Offices are located in 11 locations statewide. Alaskans over the age of 60 are generally provided assistance without regard to income, although a priority is placed on providing assistance to seniors in social or economic need.
State Elder Fraud and Assistance – Investigates claims regarding the financial exploitation of Alaskans 60 and older, and seeks civil remedies on behalf of seniors unable to bring a complaint without assistance. Call (907) 334-5989 or file a complaint online.
Medicaid Fraud Control Unit – Investigates and prosecutes Medicaid fraud and the abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of patients in any facility that accepts Medicaid funds. Call (907) 269-6279 or file a complaint online.
Disability Law Center – The mission of the Disability Law Center of Alaska is to provide protection and advocacy services to Alaskans with disabilities, through legal representation, education and strategic advocacy. Designated under federal law as Alaska’s Protection and Advocacy Agency, Disability Law Center has offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. Call (800) 478-1234.
DHSS Health Facilities Licensing and Certification – Survey, licenses, and investigates complaints against health care facilities in Alaska, including skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes).
Call (907) 334-2482 in Anchorage. The toll-free after-hours complaint hotline outside of Anchorage is (888) 387-9387.
DHSS Assisted Living Licensing – Inspects, licenses and investigates complaints against assisted living homes in Alaska. The Licensing program website posts a list of currently licensed homes. For more information, call (907) 269-3640 in Anchorage.
Older Persons Action Group– Established in 1968, the Older Persons Action Group, Inc. (OPAG) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving services, developing programs, educating, promoting and implementing changes to help Alaska’s Seniors live healthy productive lives. Some of OPAG’s services are Medicare/Mediaid counseling and The Senior Voice monthly newspaper, https://www.seniorvoicealaska.com/
To read all of the Ombudsman’s articles in the Senior Voice click here.