The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Wasilla, AK for 2023

 

Wasilla is the fourth-largest city in Alaska, located around 44 miles north of Anchorage. Known for its cold conditions and beautiful natural scenery, Wasilla provides easy access to the region’s abundant outdoor activities. The peaceful city has some 9,700 residents, with seniors aged 65 and older accounting for approximately 16.6% of the population. Seniors can benefit from zero income or sales taxes, and the state offers various financial assistance programs. The local senior center supports aging individuals with diverse programs, including transportation, wellness initiatives and social events.

Wasilla also has several assisted living facilities for seniors who need additional day-to-day help and can’t live independently. Communities provide a room and meals, and fees generally include housekeeping, laundry, medical transportation and an activity schedule. In Wasilla, assisted living costs around $6,765 per month, which is lower than the state average. Home and Community Based Waiver programs may partially pay toward care costs for eligible seniors.

Through this guide, seniors can discover more about assisted living in Wasilla. It lists local support resources and details assisted living regulations, as well as comparing care costs and providing seniors with options for paying for care.

Alaska Department of Health’s Division of Health Care Services oversees and licenses assisted living facilities in Wasilla and across Alaska. The division inspects facilities each year, investigates complaints and ensures legal compliance. It also maintains a list of licensed assisted living communities in the state.

 

• The overall cost of living in Wasilla is around 12% more than the U.S. average. However, local living costs are slightly lower than the state average. The state is reasonably tax-friendly for older adults, with no state income or sales tax. Additionally, all residents receive payment through the Permanent Fund Dividend, which can go some way toward balancing the higher living costs.
• Although health care costs are about 15% higher than the national average, rates are in-line with the state norm. Within the city, award-winning Mat-Su Regional Medical Center provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient and emergency services.
• Wasilla’s crime rates are significantly higher than national averages. On a scale up to 100, violent crime ranks 34.3 in Wasilla and 22.7 across the country. Property crime is much higher, at 83.9 compared with the national average of 35.4. Vulnerable seniors may feel more comfortable living in a secure community setting, surrounded by companions and staff. Assisted living could be a suitable solution for older adults concerned about crime.
• Nearby, Anchorage has been a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network since 2022. The city is dedicated to working toward being a more inclusive and livable community for people of ages. Wasilla received an AARP grant to improve public areas through increased seating and landscaping.
• Wasilla’s colder climate may appeal to seniors who dislike living in hot climates. Although temperatures are usually below freezing from November to March, summertime temperatures increase to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Active seniors can spend warmer days exploring the area’s abundant natural attractions. The city receives around 55 inches of snow each year, which is almost double the U.S. average of 28. However, rain is less common, with just 15 inches on average compared with the national figure of 38 inches.

 

In Wasilla, the median cost of assisted living is $6,765 per month.

Assisted living in Wasilla costs over $2,000 more than the national average of $4,500. However, the city’s assisted living communities generally charge less than the state average of $6,830. Rates run higher in Fairbanks, where seniors can expect to pay $7,250 per month for the same type of care. The average monthly fee of $6,750 in Seattle, WA, is comparable to that in Wasilla, but costs in Portland, OR, are roughly $1,790 lower each month.

In Wasilla, residential care settings tend to cost more than aging in place. Assisted living costs $1,045 more per month than in-home care. Older individuals who need the medical services of home health care typically pay around $5,815 each month. Adult day health care averages significantly less than assisted living, at $1,248 per month. However, nursing home care is substantially pricier than assisted living, running $24,282 per month for a semiprivate room.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Alaska page.