Aging Southeast

When the Alaska Legislature convenes later this month, it will consider a budget that makes no further cuts to Alaska’s Pioneer Homes.

Alaska’s Pioneer Homes have stopped accepting new residents, at least for a while. It’s one more impact of state budget cuts.

Alaska’s pioneer homes have far fewer beds than needed to meet demand. The region and state’s rapidly-growing senior population means waitlists have grown longer and longer.

Some Southeast Alaska families have stayed with the tradition of helping loved ones age in place. Elders live at home, with children and grandchildren, instead of an institution.

Many of Southeast’s seniors get breaks on property and sales taxes. But they also bring money into the economy, often without tying up jobs.

Ketchikan residents 65 and older volunteered more than 2,700 hours last year. And that’s just those reporting to AARP. Throughout the region, seniors fill gaps in social-services networks.