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Alaska’s Pioneer Homes are a vital part of our state's commitment to providing quality care for our aging population, particularly those with dementia and cognitive changes. With six homes located across Alaska, these facilities offer assisted living services to seniors, including those facing cognitive challenges associated with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Related Diseases (ADRD). The dedicated staff at Alaska Pioneer Homes work tirelessly to ensure residents receive compassionate care, enabling them to maintain dignity and quality of life throug...
As someone with elderly parents who face mobility challenges, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for them to access their favorite downtown spots. Whether it’s finding an open handicapped parking space or dealing with the cost and time restrictions of parking meters, these barriers often make trips to their favorite locations stressful. That’s why the newly passed disability parking ordinance is a meaningful change for my family and countless others in Anchorage. This ordinance, which started on Dec. 1, 2024, will help people with...
As we head into tax season, let's talk about a scam that's been making the rounds: the IRS Impostor Scam. Did you know that in 2023, impostor scams were the second most reported type of fraud? The Federal Trade Commission reported an astounding $2.69 billion lost to these scams, with over 850,000 incidents. Among these, government impostors were the most common, but scammers also pretended to be romantic interests, relatives needing help, or technical support providers. As you start collecting tax documents and readying to file, be on the...
The Alaska Radon Program is giving out free radon tests through the end of February. Radon is a colorless, odorless cancer-causing gas that is commonly found in Alaska. With homes zipped up tight for warmth, winter is a good time to test for the gas. Alaska residents may request a test kit at https://bit.ly/4aBXglx. Click “Request a kit” in the “Alaska Resources” panel on the right. Kits are mailed via USPS or people can pick up in Fairbanks or Anchorage. Details on pick-up locations and times are in the kit request page. For more informa...
Dear Savvy Senior: Is there a rule of thumb on how long someone should keep their old financial paperwork? I have file cabinets full of old receipts, bank and brokerage statements, tax returns and more that I would like to toss. - Recently Retired Dear Recently: It’s a great question. As we get older and our financial life gets more complicated, it’s difficult to know how long to keep old financial records and paperwork and when it’s safe to get rid of them. Some things you’ll need to hold on to for your whole life and others for just a month o...
Do you need help with a basic tax return? Tax-Aide volunteers provide free tax help to low- to middle-income Alaskans of all ages at sites across the state. You do not need to be an AARP member. Last year, Tax-Aide volunteers helped with 4,655 tax returns in Alaska. To locate the nearest Tax-Aide site, you can use the online AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator or call 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service of United Way that helps Alaskans find the assistance they need....
Megan Edge is ACLU Prison Project Director. Earlier in her career she worked at the Alaska Dept. of Corrections. This is part of a longer interview with Edge conducted by Lawrence D. Weiss. What are some of the key issues regarding seniors in the Alaska prison system? There's more than 400 people over the age of 60 that are incarcerated in our jails and prisons on any given day. They are one of the most vulnerable prison populations and also one of the most expensive populations. It is a...
Today, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. It is a brain condition that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Since the onset of Alzheimer’s can occur in younger people before they retire, it may affect their ability to work as the disease progresses. Our benefits and services are especially vital to people with early-onset Alzheimer’s who are unable to work and may have no other source of income. They may want to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Incom...
Ever wonder how to get help with daily living tasks or skills through the Alaska Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW) or Personal Care Services (PCS)? To get help from the Waiver program or Personal Care Services, first you need to have Medicaid. Medicaid is health insurance for people with low income. People get Medicaid by applying for it with the Division of Public Assistance. Medicaid pays for medical care. It can also pay for help with everyday living and activities, like a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). To get Medicaid, adults...
This coming year, the Fairbanks Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will offer “Take Charge Tuesdays,” free monthly workshops on a variety of topics, starting with “Power of Attorney Documents: Who Needs One, Why They Matter, and What They Mean,” on Jan. 14. They will be held at the Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore Street, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Other topics in coming months will discuss advance care directives, assisted living, estate planning, behavioral health, hospice, how to manage benefits applications, and more. Organiz...
Have you received unsolicited spam texts with a message that appears to be from your bank, credit card company or a shipping company such as FedEx? How about a message just saying “Hi. How are you?” These are called “smishing” scams—scams which involve a text message on your cell phone. Statistics show that people read nearly all their texts, but may not answer calls from unknown numbers nor respond to emails. Scammers know this, and use smishing to get personal information like your Social Security number, date of birth and usernames...
Are you a grandparent who drives with your grandkids? We want to help keep everyone safe. The Center for Safe Alaskans has a new service called Drive Safe and Fit that checks two important things: - Your grandchild's car seat - How well your car fits you as the driver December 2-6 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. This makes it the perfect time to check that both you and your grandkids are safe in the car. Why you should get a Drive Safe and Fit check For your grandkids: Did you know that t...
he Anchorage and Chugiak senior centers are hosting free legal clinics this December to help seniors navigate legal questions and access resources, brought to you by Alaska Legal Services Corp. Chugiak Senior Center: Date: December 3 Clinic: Begins at 10 a.m. 907-688-2677 Anchorage Senior Center: Date: December 17 One-hour presentation prior to clinic: 10 a.m. Clinic: Begins at 11 a.m. 907-770-2000 Participants will have 30-minute one-on-one sessions with an attorney during the clinics. While these sessions do not offer legal advice, the attorn...
Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military. Veterans Day is intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated and to underscore the fact that all those who served have protected the freedoms that we enjoy every day. There are more than 11 million adults age 60 and older alive today who have served in the military. Older veterans face a variety of challenges including health, financial and housing...
Senior Voice was recently recognized for excellence, winning eight awards in the annual contest sponsored by the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA), a nationwide network of publishers focusing on boomer and senior readers. Awards were announced Sept. 11, 2024, at the annual NAMPA conference, held virtually online this year. Entries were independently judged by a panel including journalists, proofreaders, librarians and geriatric professionals. Senior Voice entries competed in Division A, for circulations below 25,000. Senior...
Alaska Commission on Aging The Alaska Commission on Aging invites you to join our next teleconference on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. This session will focus on senior centers in Alaska and the unique challenges they face across the state. The goal is to gather insights and develop evidence-based recommendations for the governor, legislature and advocacy groups. We are excited to feature presentations from Pat Branson and Darlene Supplee, followed by breakout sessions for regional discussions. Participants are encouraged to come...
The Social Security Administration continues to partner with locations throughout Alaska to offer secure video service, a convenient and no cost service option that allows people to talk directly to a Social Security employee through a secure computer link that includes two-way video and sound. The video service is available at these locations: In Nome, Norton Sound Health Corporation, 1000 Grek Kruschek. Video service is available for walk-ins on a first come, first served basis, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Kenai Senior Ce...
We are excited to share that most of our local offices now have new American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant kiosks. These new kiosks are designed to enhance accessibility and ease of use for all visitors, particularly those who are blind or have low vision. They have several features and benefits to ensure a seamless check-in process, including: Standardized cabinetry (meeting specific height and width requirements). Audio headphone jack sockets. Integrated braille instructions for how to use the kiosk. Accessible keypads. Built-In...
Interested in learning more about fellow businesses and agencies providing senior services in the Anchorage and Mat-Su area? Want to get the word out about your own service? The monthly Service Providers Breakfast, sponsored by Older Persons Action Group, Inc., is an opportunity for all the above. Informal, early and free, the event begins at 8 a.m., second Wednesday, at a different host location each month. Breakfast provided. The next date is Nov. 13, hosted by Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. Email Older Persons Action Group, Inc. at a...
The Alaska Commission on Aging will hold its quarterly meeting on Sept. 11 in Kotzebue. The meeting can be accessed via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81651990145. A public comment period is scheduled for 1 p.m., during which community members are invited to share thoughts and concerns. The quarterly meeting will focus on addressing the needs and challenges faced by Alaska's senior population, with a special emphasis on the unique circumstances in Kotzebue and the surrounding region. Prior to the meeting, the commission will host an Elder...
Older Persons Action Group, Inc., earned honors for its monthly, statewide publication Senior Voice in the 33rd annual National Mature Media Awards Program. The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the senior market, recognizes the nation's finest marketing, communications, educational materials and programs designed and produced for older adults. Entries were judged by a panel of mature market experts from across the United States for overall exc...
Social Security works with our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. OIG may impose a penalty against anyone who: Mails misleading solicitations that appear to be from or authorized by Social Security. Operates an impostor website or social media account designed to look like it belongs to or is...
The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program check booklets, available at local senior centers and other agencies, are eligible for use through Oct. 31, 2024. Each booklet includes $40 worth of checks for buying fresh Alaska-grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs and honey at participating farmers’ markets, authorized farms, and roadside stands within Alaska. Applicants must be at least 60 years old and meet low-income eligibility guidelines. Links to program information, booklet distribution locations and a downloadable application are at...
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting its 4th Annual Resource Fair on Wednesday, September 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This virtual event is designed to provide valuable tools and resources for veterans and their families. Participants can look forward to a variety of sessions, including "VA Benefits for Survivors 101," by the Office of Survivors Assistance, and "Home Modification and Home Fit Guides," by AARP. Additional resources will be available from the VA Office of Community Care and legal services. There will also be a...
“Inclusive Aging in Alaska: Thriving and Growing Together,” is the theme for the 10th Annual Alaska Disability and Aging Summit hosted by the Alaska Disability and Aging Coalition, Oct. 8 and 9 in Anchorage. The summit will be hybrid again this year, with attendees joining in on Zoom and in person at the Special Olympics Alaska Jim Balamaci Training Center and Campus at 3200 Mountain View Drive. The goal of the summit is to bring Alaskans together to further discuss the national and state trends regarding the aging population to include ind...
