If you're looking for a "Senior Helpline" in Alaska, you'll find that there isn't one single hotline specifically called that, but rather a network of services and helplines designed to support older Alaskans and their caregivers. These resources cover a wide range of needs, from general information and referrals to specialized assistance for health, legal issues, or elder abuse. ### **Alaska Senior Helplines and Resources** **I. General Information and Referral Lines** These are excellent starting points for finding information about various senior services. 1. **Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) – Statewide:** - **Phone:** **1-877-625-2372** or **1-800-478-9996** - **Purpose:** ADRCs are a central source of reliable information and assistance regarding long-term care needs for older adults, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers. They can help you understand options for in-home care, transportation, assistive technology, waiver services, and more. They connect you with local services. - **Website:** You can often find regional ADRC contact information by searching online for "Aging and Disability Resource Center Alaska" or checking the Alaska Department of Health website. 2. **Alaska 2-1-1 (United Way of Anchorage):** - **Phone:** **Dial 2-1-1** (within Alaska) or **1-800-478-2221** (outside Anchorage) - **Text:** Text your zip code to **898-211** - **Purpose:** A free, confidential service that connects people to local resources, including a comprehensive database of senior services, such as housing, healthcare, legal aid, senior meal programs, and crisis services. **II. Elder Abuse & Protection Helplines** If you suspect or are experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 1. **Adult Protective Services (APS) – State of Alaska:** - **To Report Harm:** **1-800-478-9996** (in-state only) or **(907) 269-3666** - **Purpose:** Investigates reports of abandonment, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), exploitation (including financial exploitation), neglect, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults (Alaskans who may not be able to protect themselves due to age, illness, or disability). - **Online Reporting:** You can also submit a report online via the Alaska Department of Health website by searching for "Adult Protective Services Report of Harm Alaska." 2. **Long-Term Care Ombudsman – State of Alaska:** - **Phone:** **1-800-730-6393** or **(907) 334-4480** - **Purpose:** Investigates and resolves complaints made by or on behalf of residents in nursing homes, assisted living homes, and other long-term care facilities. They advocate for residents' rights and quality of life. 3. **Office of Elder Fraud Assistance – State of Alaska:** - **Phone:** **(907) 334-5989** - **Purpose:** Investigates claims regarding the financial exploitation of Alaskans over age 60 and may seek civil remedies on behalf of seniors who are unable to bring a complaint without assistance. **III. Caregiver Support & Resources** For individuals caring for older adults. 1. **Alaska's Family Caregiver Support Program (various grantees):** - **Purpose:** Provides information, assistance, counseling, support groups, training, respite care, and supplemental services to family caregivers of older adults (60+) and grandparents (55+) raising grandchildren. - **Contact:** The main contact for the state program is often through the Division of Senior & Disabilities Services (SDS) at **(907) 269-3666** or **[email protected]**. They can connect you to specific regional grantees like Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska or various Senior Centers. 2. **Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska:** - **Phone:** **(907) 561-3313** - **Purpose:** Connects caregivers with information, caregiving classes, support groups, care coaching, memory screenings, and mini-grant funding specifically for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. - **National Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline:** **1-800-272-3900** (Offers confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, and families.) **IV. Legal & Medicare Assistance** 1. **Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) – Senior Legal Services:** - **Phone:** **(907) 272-9431** (Anchorage) or **1-800-478-2572** (Toll-Free statewide) - **Purpose:** Offers free civil legal services to low-income Alaskans, including seniors, for issues such as healthcare rights, housing, elder abuse, and end-of-life planning (wills, powers of attorney). 2. **Medicare Information Office / State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP):** - **Phone:** **1-800-478-6065** - **Purpose:** Provides one-on-one counseling to Medicare beneficiaries on how to understand and get the most out of their Medicare benefits, as well as tips on how to spot and report Medicare errors, waste, and fraud. **V. Other Notable Resources** - **Alaska Commission on Aging:** **(907) 465-3250** or email **[email protected]**. Plans and advocates for statewide senior services. - **The Senior Voice Newspaper:** Published monthly by OPAG (Older Persons Action Group). While not a helpline, it's a valuable resource for news, events, and information relevant to seniors. You can call **1-800-478-1059** for more info. - **Local Senior Centers:** Many communities in Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Palmer, Nikiski, Kodiak, etc.) have local senior centers that offer social activities, meal programs, fitness classes, and local resource referrals. Search for "Senior Center [Your City/Town], Alaska" to find local contacts. When contacting any of these helplines, be ready to explain your situation clearly. The more information you can provide, the better they can assist you or connect you with the appropriate resources. Here are resources for **Senior Helplines and Support Services** in **Alaska**: ### **1. Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) - Senior & Disability Services** - **Purpose**: Provides a variety of services to seniors, including information and referrals, long-term care, and health services. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 465-3250 (Main) - **Toll-Free**: 1-800-478-9996 - **Website**: [www.dhss.alaska.gov](http://dhss.alaska.gov) - **Services**: - Offers resources for senior health, financial assistance, and support services. - Provides referrals for senior care, aging services, and benefits. - Includes programs like Medicaid, food assistance, and home and community-based services. --- ### **2. Alaska 2-1-1 (United Way of Anchorage)** - **Purpose**: A free, confidential service that connects people to local resources, including those for seniors in need of assistance or support. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: Dial **2-1-1** or **1-800-478-2221** (outside Anchorage) - **Text**: Text your zip code to 898-211 - **Website**: [www.alaska211.org](https://www.alaska211.org) - **Services**: - Provides a comprehensive resource database for senior services, including housing, healthcare, legal aid, and other support. - Offers information on long-term care, senior food programs, and crisis services. --- ### **3. Senior & Disabilities Services (SDS) Long-Term Care** - **Purpose**: Offers long-term care services for elderly individuals, including in-home care, residential services, and nursing home placement assistance. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 465-3030 (Anchorage) - **Toll-Free**: 1-800-478-9996 - **Website**: [www.dhss.alaska.gov/dsds](http://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds) - **Services**: - Provides financial assistance for long-term care services, including home health services and residential care. - Offers case management to help seniors and families navigate long-term care options. --- ### **4. AARP Alaska** - **Purpose**: AARP works to advocate for seniors, provide resources on aging, and assist with issues related to healthcare, financial security, and living independently. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 222-5200 (Anchorage office) - **Toll-Free**: 1-866-295-7270 - **Website**: [www.aarp.org/states/ak](https://www.aarp.org/states/ak) - **Services**: - Provides resources on financial assistance, healthcare programs, and living options for seniors. - Offers educational programs on issues affecting seniors, including retirement, caregiving, and community involvement. --- ### **5. Anchorage Senior Activity Center** - **Purpose**: Provides social, recreational, and health services to seniors in the Anchorage area. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 770-2000 - **Website**: [www.senioractivitycenter.org](https://www.senioractivitycenter.org) - **Services**: - Offers meal programs, fitness activities, educational classes, and social events for seniors. - Provides information on senior services and connects older adults to necessary support. --- ### **6. Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) - Senior Legal Services** - **Purpose**: Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income seniors, focusing on issues like housing, benefits, and elder abuse. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 272-9431 (Anchorage) - **Toll-Free**: 1-800-478-5400 - **Website**: [www.alsc-law.org](https://www.alsc-law.org) - **Services**: - Offers legal help for seniors dealing with issues such as healthcare rights, housing, and elder abuse. - Provides guidance on end-of-life planning, wills, and powers of attorney. --- ### **7. Senior Connection** - **Purpose**: Offers a variety of services to seniors, including transportation, companionship, and socialization programs. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 222-1500 (Anchorage) - **Website**: [www.seniorconnection.org](https://www.seniorconnection.org) - **Services**: - Provides transportation, home visits, and a variety of programs designed to combat loneliness and isolation. - Offers referrals to additional services for seniors in need. --- ### **8. Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)** - **Purpose**: Serves as a gateway for information and services for older Alaskans and people with disabilities. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-478-9996 - **Website**: [www.alaskaadrc.org](https://www.alaskaadrc.org) - **Services**: - Provides referrals for senior care, including home health services, financial assistance programs, and community resources. - Assists with navigating the Alaska Medicaid and long-term care systems. --- ### **9. Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA)** - **Purpose**: Provides support and resources for seniors facing mental health challenges, including those related to aging. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 269-7960 - **Website**: [www.mhtrust.org](https://www.mhtrust.org) - **Services**: - Offers mental health resources and programs for seniors facing depression, anxiety, and other age-related mental health challenges. - Provides grants and funding for senior mental health programs. --- These resources offer a range of services for seniors in Alaska, from **healthcare and housing support** to **legal assistance** and **social programs** designed to enhance the well-being of older adults. If you're looking for **emergency support** or more specialized services, each of these organizations can help with information and referrals.