Alaska · Caregiver Support
Caring for an aging loved one is one of the hardest jobs there is — and you shouldn't have to do it alone. Below are 32 verified Alaska programs offering emotional support, respite, training, financial help, peer groups, and legal planning — most of them completely free.
Last updated July 2026
Start here in Alaska
Alaska Family Caregiver Support Program — Counseling
One call connects Alaska family caregivers to free counseling, respite, training, and support groups through their local Area Agency on Aging.
Statewide
Individual counseling, support groups, and caregiver training for unpaid family caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's or dementia. Also serves grandparents 55+ raising grandchildren.
Access through Alaska Division of Senior and Disabilities Services
Statewide — in person and virtual
Free care coaching, family consultations, and emotional support for dementia caregivers. Education specialists provide detailed guidance and connect caregivers to statewide resources.
Toll-free: 800-478-1080. Serves caregivers of any disability not just dementia
Statewide
Around the clock support for dementia caregivers. Available in over 200 languages. Confidential emotional support, crisis assistance, and local resource referrals.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays
Statewide
Free 24/7 confidential emotional support for caregivers in distress or crisis. Available by call or text. Alaska has high caregiver stress rates due to geographic isolation.
Text or call 988 anytime
Statewide
Free 24/7 connection to local health and human services including emotional support, crisis intervention, and caregiver resources across Alaska.
Available by phone statewide including rural communities
Statewide
Temporary respite care and limited supplemental services such as transportation and home modifications for family caregivers. Provided through state Division of Senior and Disabilities Services.
Priority given to caregivers with greatest need. Contact ADRC at 907-269-3666
Statewide — regional ADRC sites
ADRC specialists connect caregivers to respite services that fit their circumstances regardless of age or income. Walk callers through all long-term support options available locally.
No wrong door — single point of entry for all caregiver services in Alaska
Available in Anchorage and select communities
Adult day programs for individuals with Alzheimer's or related disorders in protective group settings. Provides therapeutic activities and social interaction while giving caregivers meaningful time off.
Access through your local ADRC — search ADS Provider List for locations
Anchorage and surrounding areas
Respite care for grandparents and relative caregivers raising children. No license or legal custody required. Limited funds also available to help pay for necessities like gas and household supplies.
Also provides case management and family therapy for kinship caregivers
Statewide — search by Alaska zip code
Searchable database of nearly 3,000 respite service providers. Search by Alaska zip code or community to find local and regional respite options.
Run by ARCH National Respite Network — helpful for rural Alaska communities
Statewide — Veterans only
At least 30 days annual respite care for caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Access through Alaska VA Medical Center in Anchorage.
Must be caring for a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare
Statewide — in person and virtual
Free Caregiving 101 class, Savvy Caregiver evidence-based program, Mind Aerobics brain fitness classes, memory screenings, and specialized dementia care training for family caregivers.
Online support groups and classes available — critical for rural Alaska caregivers
Statewide
Caregiver training programs covering skills improvement, stress management, and decision-making for family caregivers. Provided through state Division of Senior and Disabilities Services.
Access through local ADRC or Division of Senior and Disabilities Services
Statewide — in person and virtual
Free education programs, online courses, and virtual workshops for dementia caregivers across Alaska. Critical resource given geographic isolation of many Alaska communities.
Virtual options make this accessible to rural and remote Alaska caregivers
Statewide
Mini-grants up to $2,500 for individuals with Alzheimer's or related dementia. Funds equipment, supplies, and services that improve quality of life and support caregivers.
Grants awarded through agencies on behalf of beneficiaries — not direct to individuals
National — available to all Alaska caregivers
Comprehensive online caregiver education library including fact sheets, training programs, and Alaska-specific resource directory. Especially valuable for rural and remote Alaska caregivers.
Online access is critical given Alaska's geography — no in-person visit required
Statewide
Free caregiver tools, guides, and education. AARP Care Guide, financial worksheets, and Alaska-specific resource connections. New data released on Alaska family caregivers in 2025.
AARP membership not required for most resources
Statewide — Veterans only
Skills training, coaching, peer support mentoring, online programs, and REACH VA stress management coaching for caregivers of all era veterans enrolled in VA healthcare.
No formal application required — contact Alaska VA Medical Center CSP team
Statewide
Allows Medicaid recipients to hire and manage their own personal care assistant including family members (not spouses). Provides compensation to qualifying family caregivers.
Spouse cannot be paid caregiver under this program. Contact ADRC for eligibility
Statewide
Home and Community Based Waiver helping elderly and disabled individuals stay home instead of nursing facility. Family members can be paid as caregivers under consumer-directed option.
Must be enrolled in Medicaid. Contact case worker for eligibility assessment
Statewide — unlicensed relative caregivers of children
Annual stipend grants for unlicensed relative caregivers of children. General stipend plus respite stipend for self-care. Funded by Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
Annual application process — check website for current year dates and amounts
Statewide — Veterans only
Monthly stipend for caregivers of eligible veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Also includes CHAMPVA health insurance and free legal and financial planning services.
Must be caring for veteran with 70%+ service-connected disability rating
Statewide
Federal program providing supplemental services, counseling, training, and limited financial assistance to family caregivers across Alaska. Accessed through state Division of Senior and Disabilities Services.
Call Alaska Department of Health to connect to local services
Statewide — in person and virtual
Free caregiver support groups, online Caregiver Connection community, and virtual groups specifically designed for Alaska's geographically dispersed population.
Virtual options critical for rural Alaska caregivers who cannot travel to in-person groups
Statewide — in person and virtual
Caregiver support groups from Anchorage to Soldotna and Ketchikan. Trained facilitators lead groups via phone, video, or in person. ALZConnected free online community available 24/7.
Call helpline to find group closest to your location or a virtual option
Statewide
Caregiver support groups established through local Area Agencies on Aging and Division of Senior and Disabilities Services. Available in communities across Alaska.
Contact ADRC at 907-269-3666 to find a group in your area
National — available to all Alaska caregivers
Free online peer community of 25,000+ caregivers. Active 24/7. Especially valuable for isolated Alaska caregivers who may not have local in-person support options.
AARP membership not required. Particularly helpful for rural and remote Alaska caregivers
Statewide — offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and other communities
Free civil legal services to older people, caregivers, and low-income Alaska residents. Covers elder law, advance directives, powers of attorney, Medicaid, and housing issues.
AlaskaLawHelp.org also provides online legal resources
Statewide — offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau
Free disability-related legal assistance and advocacy for Alaska residents and their caregivers. Protection and advocacy services, legal representation, and education.
Local number: 907-565-1002. Federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency for Alaska
Statewide
Free advocacy for caregivers dealing with nursing home or assisted living concerns. Investigates complaints, protects rights, and provides caregiver resource guide for Alaska families.
Local number: 907-334-4480. Publishes comprehensive Alaska Caregiver Resource Guide
Statewide
Free counseling for Medicare beneficiaries and their families in Alaska. Helps caregivers better understand and use Medicare benefits, navigate coverage options, and avoid fraud.
Local number: 907-269-3680. Unbiased counseling — not insurance sales
Statewide — regional ADRC sites
Free benefits screening, options counseling, and planning assistance for caregivers navigating long-term care decisions. Connects to legal and financial planning resources statewide.
No wrong door — connects caregivers to all state and federal programs available in Alaska
Honest answers to what Alaska family caregivers ask most.
Your care plan keeps every Alaska caregiver resource — phone numbers, eligibility, and next steps — in one calm, organized place.
Always free — no credit card required.
Source: LTCareNav.com research, updated on July 2026. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility rules change frequently — please verify contact information directly with each organization before referral. This page is informational and not legal, medical, or financial advice.