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Here are 2 memory care facilities in Barrow, Alaska. These care homes for dementia and Alzheimer in Barrow may be part of assisted living facilities and communities, or are stand-alone memory care units. Costs for memory care facilities in Barrow, AK will vary between facilities.
Memory care in Barrow, Alaska, typically involves specialized services for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. The cost of memory care in Barrow tends to be higher than the national average, primarily due to the remote location and limited availability of facilities. On average, the monthly cost for memory care in Barrow is estimated to be around $7,000 to $8,500, depending on the level of care required and the facility's amenities.
In Alaska overall, memory care costs can vary, but they are generally higher than the national average due to the state's geographical isolation and the cost of providing healthcare services in remote areas. On average, memory care across the state ranges from $6,000 to $8,000 per month. Larger cities like Anchorage or Fairbanks may have slightly lower rates compared to Barrow, due to better access to healthcare services and more competition among facilities.
When comparing Barrow to other nearby cities in Alaska, memory care costs in Barrow tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum. For example, in Fairbanks, the average cost for memory care is around $6,500 to $7,500 per month, while in Anchorage, it can range from $5,500 to $7,000. Barrow's higher costs are influenced by the logistical challenges of providing services in a remote location and the lack of a large number of dedicated memory care facilities.
Other types of senior living in Barrow, such as independent living or assisted living, tend to be more affordable than memory care. Independent living options in Barrow typically range from $4,000 to $5,500 per month, while assisted living may cost between $5,000 and $6,500 per month. The additional specialized care required for memory care, including round-the-clock monitoring and dementia-specific programs, makes it more expensive than other types of senior living.
Memory care in Barrow is a specialized service that comes at a premium, mainly due to the high cost of providing healthcare in a remote area. While memory care costs in Barrow are higher than in many parts of Alaska, they are in line with the costs of similar services in smaller communities with fewer resources.
Hope - Barrow specializes in providing dementia care services in North Slope Borough county, Alaska. It can accommodate a maximum of 6 senior citizens. Hope - Barrow offers luxury amenities that include programs for family members, help with toileting 24/7 and high ratio of caregivers to residents to any seniors who reside in Barrow, AK and nearby areas. Hope - Barrow is situated at 5115 Herman Street, 99723 zip code and can possibly allow Medicaid and Medicare to cover some costs associated with its care.
Aimaagvik Assisted Living allows dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to get memory care in Barrow, Alaska. It can house no more than 12 older adults at a time. It includes amenities such as wandering prevention system, help with grooming and getting dressed and special Alzheimer’s programs to decrease frustration and is situated at 5452 North Star Street, in 99723 zip code area in North Slope Borough county. Aimaagvik Assisted Living is duly licensed in Alaska to provide memory care and assisted living, with license # 101209.
Memory care is an essential service for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, providing a safe environment with specialized care. In Barrow, Alaska, families often face the challenge of covering the costs of memory care, which can be substantial. Understanding how to pay for memory care in Barrow, Alaska, involves knowing the available options, including Medicare coverage.
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals over 65 and those with certain disabilities, generally does not cover long-term memory care in a residential facility. However, there are specific aspects of care that Medicare can assist with in certain situations.
Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, including short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) following a hospital discharge. This coverage may be applicable if the individual with dementia requires rehabilitation services or skilled nursing care following hospitalization. However, Medicare Part A only covers these services for a limited time—up to 100 days in a SNF, and only if the individual has met specific criteria, such as having a three-day hospital stay prior to admission.
Medicare Part B covers outpatient services, including doctor visits and certain therapies. If your loved one in Barrow, Alaska, needs therapy services related to dementia, such as physical, speech, or occupational therapy, these may be covered under Medicare Part B. But, this does not extend to the daily care needs provided in a memory care facility. Medicare Part B does not cover the room and board or the general custodial care typically provided in a memory care facility.
For those who qualify, Medicaid is a more likely option for covering the costs of memory care in Barrow, Alaska. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that assists low-income individuals and families with healthcare costs. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid may cover long-term care services in a skilled nursing facility or an assisted living facility that offers memory care services.
In Alaska, Medicaid covers both institutional care in a nursing home and home and community-based services, which may include in-home support or assisted living, if the individual’s needs meet specific eligibility criteria. For residents of Barrow, Alaska, Medicaid will typically cover memory care services if the person is eligible for both Medicaid and long-term care services. The eligibility requirements for Medicaid in Alaska are based on financial need, including income and asset limits.
Another way to pay for memory care in Barrow, Alaska, is through long-term care insurance. This type of insurance is designed to cover services related to long-term care needs, including those offered in memory care facilities. Long-term care insurance policies vary widely, but they often cover a range of services, including memory care, depending on the specifics of the policy.
It is important to check whether a particular long-term care insurance policy will cover the costs of memory care services in Barrow, Alaska. Some policies may have specific provisions about where care can be received, and not all policies cover memory care in assisted living or nursing homes. If you or a loved one already have long-term care insurance, review the policy details to see if it will help with memory care costs.
For veterans or surviving spouses of veterans living in Barrow, Alaska, there may also be financial assistance available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers Aid and Attendance benefits, which can help cover the costs of memory care for veterans who require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. These benefits are designed for individuals who are eligible for a VA pension and need additional care, including memory care services.
The Aid and Attendance benefit is available to veterans, surviving spouses, and sometimes even the spouse of a living veteran, depending on the situation. For those in Barrow, Alaska, who meet the eligibility requirements, these benefits can provide valuable financial support for the costs of memory care in the area.
In cases where other financial assistance options are unavailable or insufficient, families in Barrow, Alaska, may need to rely on private pay to cover memory care costs. This can include using personal savings, selling assets, or utilizing other financial resources. While this may be a difficult option for many families, it is sometimes necessary to ensure that a loved one receives the level of care they need in a memory care facility.
Memory care in Barrow, Alaska, can be costly, and private pay is often used in conjunction with other forms of financial support. Some families may opt for a combination of funding sources to help with the costs. It’s important to plan ahead and explore all available resources to cover these expenses.
Residents of Barrow, Alaska, should also be aware of local resources that may help with paying for memory care. The Barrow Senior Center and other local organizations may offer information on programs or financial assistance specific to the area. In addition, there may be local charitable organizations or support groups that can offer assistance or help identify additional funding sources for memory care services.
Paying for memory care in Barrow, Alaska, involves exploring various options, including Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, and private pay. Each individual’s situation is unique, and families should carefully evaluate their loved one’s needs and financial resources to determine the best way to pay for memory care services. Whether through government programs, insurance policies, or local resources, residents of Barrow have several potential avenues to help cover the costs associated with this critical care.
Admission to memory care facilities in Barrow, Alaska, follows a structured process designed to ensure that individuals receive the appropriate level of care for their specific needs. Due to the remote location and unique challenges in Barrow, the admission process may differ slightly from other parts of Alaska or the lower 48 states. Below are the typical requirements and steps involved in admission to memory care facilities in Barrow.
The first step in the admission process is a comprehensive medical assessment. To be eligible for memory care in Barrow, an individual typically needs to have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. A physician or healthcare provider must officially diagnose the individual with one of these conditions. This diagnosis is critical because memory care facilities are designed to provide specialized care for individuals with cognitive impairments that affect memory, behavior, and daily functioning.
Memory care facilities in Barrow, like those throughout Alaska, are governed by state regulations requiring that a licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or neurologist, conduct this assessment. This ensures that only individuals who require memory-specific care are admitted.
Along with a formal diagnosis, most memory care facilities in Barrow will conduct a functional assessment to determine the individual’s level of cognitive decline and their daily living needs. This assessment helps staff determine the appropriate care plan and ensures the facility is equipped to meet those needs. It may include evaluating the person’s ability to perform daily activities like dressing, bathing, eating, and mobility.
In Barrow, because the population is smaller and access to healthcare resources can be limited, many facilities rely on local healthcare providers or mobile clinics to conduct these assessments. Additionally, facilities may coordinate with local health organizations or providers in Fairbanks or Anchorage for more specialized assessments.
Memory care facilities in Barrow are required to meet specific regulations regarding the level of care they can provide. These regulations are overseen by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Facilities must be licensed to provide memory care, and they must have staff trained in handling the specialized needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related conditions.
In addition to cognitive assessments, individuals applying for memory care may need to provide documentation of their general health. For example, those with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may need to demonstrate that their condition is stable and manageable. If the person has specific health concerns, such as the need for oxygen therapy or other specialized care, these must be addressed before admission.
Memory care in Barrow can be costly, and facilities typically require proof of financial ability to pay for the care provided. This may involve submitting information about personal finances, such as income, assets, and long-term care insurance coverage. In some cases, Alaska residents may be eligible for Medicaid or other state-funded programs that help cover the cost of memory care services, especially for those with limited financial resources. The Alaska Medicaid program covers long-term care services, including memory care, for those who meet the financial and medical eligibility requirements.
If the individual plans to use Medicaid or insurance to help pay for memory care, it’s important to verify that the facility accepts these payment options. In Barrow, some facilities may have limited options in terms of insurance and Medicaid acceptance, and it’s essential to confirm this early in the admission process.
Memory care facilities in Barrow, like many in Alaska, value family involvement in the care process. Many facilities require that family members participate in the admission process by providing a thorough medical history, sharing information about the individual’s preferences, routines, and any behavioral concerns. Family members may also need to sign consent forms related to medical treatment and care decisions.
Given the often remote and tight-knit nature of communities in Barrow, many families are closely involved in their loved one’s care, and the facilities emphasize communication with family members throughout the individual’s stay.
In Alaska, memory care facilities must comply with state-specific regulations outlined by the Department of Health and Social Services. These include guidelines on staffing ratios, training requirements, and safety standards. The Alaska regulations also address issues related to elder abuse prevention, resident rights, and the proper administration of medications.
Memory care facilities must also meet state requirements for emergency preparedness, given the challenges posed by the state’s harsh climate, especially in remote areas like Barrow. These facilities are required to have emergency plans in place for power outages, weather disruptions, and evacuation procedures, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.
The admission process for memory care in Barrow, Alaska, involves a thorough medical assessment, functional evaluation, financial verification, and adherence to state regulations. Given the isolated nature of Barrow, these facilities are well-equipped to handle the unique needs of individuals with dementia, ensuring that both medical and emotional needs are met in a supportive environment. Families should be prepared for a detailed process that includes communication with healthcare providers and financial institutions to ensure the best care for their loved one.
