Aging

Health and Social Services was the department that received the deepest cuts. They include eliminating $5.18 million in cash assistance to seniors, and $3 million in behavioral health grants.

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.

For seniors in Southeast, health care and housing options are limited. But a couple of adult day programs are offering relief for care providers, families and friends. They’re often a stop-gap solution until space opens up in a home.

About 9,200 Southeast Alaskans are 65 and older. That’s almost a one-third increase over five years ago. It puts Southeast’s average age at about five years higher than Alaska as a whole.

The holidays can be difficult for families dealing with Alzheimer’s, especially if the person with the disease is the one who used to be the heart and soul of Christmas.

No sign has been found of an 74-year-old Unalakleet woman who went missing six days ago.