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 through a nurturing environment and dementia care programs. However, the growing demand for dementia care and the challenges of maintaining a skilled workforce require immediate attention and action.
The challenges of dementia care
It is often a heartbreaking realization for families when they notice their loved ones experiencing cognitive changes. For many, this realization comes during visits when changes in memory, behavior or daily functioning become apparent. At Alaska Pioneer Homes, staff members witness these changes daily as they provide care for residents. While families may struggle to come to terms with these changes, the staff's dedication ensures that residents continue to live with dignity and receive respect with a caring, principled approach in a homelike environment as their cognitive abilities decline.
Currently, 53.5% of the approximately 450 residents in Alaska Pioneer Homes require around-the-clock care. This includes support for activities of daily living (ADLs) and ensuring residents' safety, such as preventing wandering that could put their lives at risk. However, providing this level of care is increasingly difficult due to a shortage of trained staff. In some homes, like the Fairbanks Pioneer Home, needed beds remain unoccupied because of a critical shortage of direct care staff to provide the residents' care.
The workforce crisis in dementia care
The shortage of trained caregivers is a critical issue that must be addressed to meet the growing demand for dementia care throughout Alaska’s assisted living facilities. While introductory skills are valuable, specialized training is essential for providing the high level of care required by residents with advanced cognitive changes. The lack of available staff not only impacts the residents but also places a significant burden on existing caregivers, who must work tirelessly to fill the gaps.
To address this crisis, it is crucial to invest in workforce development programs that focus on dementia awareness and care. By providing training opportunities and creating pathways for career growth, we can attract and retain skilled caregivers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of Alaska's seniors.
Pioneer Homes Dementia Apprenticeship Program
The apprenticeship features in-depth training in dementia care and other long-term care specialties. This training program represents a partnership between the Alaska Dept. of Family and Community Services, Division of Alaska Pioneer Homes; Alaska State Employees Association; Alaska Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development, and the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. This program, funded by the Dept. of Labor, allows Pioneer Home employees an opportunity to take additional classes focusing on dementia along with providing a mentor so staff can practice newly learned skills.
How you can help
As Alaskans, we all have a role to play in supporting our aging population and the caregivers who dedicate their lives to this important work. Here are some ways you can make a difference:
Recognize that ADRD and cognitive changes can occur in your family or with close friends.
Be informed and get educated about dementia and cognitive changes by accessing community, state and online resources, including options for care.
Explore resources that can help prepare for or adapt to the care required with dementia as one ages.
Encourage family members and friends to consider careers in caregiving and support them in pursuing specialized training.
Raise awareness about the challenges of dementia care and the importance of supporting caregivers in your community.
A shared responsibility
The senior population in Alaska is growing, and with it, ADRD and the demand for quality dementia care. By working together, we can ensure that our loved ones receive the care they deserve, whether at home or in assisted living facilities like Alaska Pioneer Homes. Let us champion programs that enable aging in place for as long as possible and support the transition to assisted living that addresses both physical and/or cognitive changes when needed. Together, we can strive for a future where every Alaskan can age gracefully in a safe and nurturing environment.
Bob Pawlowski is the Alaska Pioneer Homes Advisory Board Chair and is a commissioner of the Alaska Commission on Aging.
