Assisted Living in Homer, Alaska

SeniorScore™ for Homer, Alaska
Assisted Living Costs in Homer, Alaska
Assisted Living Directory for Homer, Alaska
Free Assisted Living Resources in Homer, Alaska

Assisted living residents in Homer, Alaska, enjoy a desirable location on the scenic Kenai Peninsula. Residents have access to breathtaking natural areas and picturesque harbors filled with halibut fishing vessels. This popular tourist destination features numerous boutiques, art galleries and restaurants that give the community a colorful and uniquely sophisticated feel. The community also hosts a number of annual events, including a peony festival, Independence Day parade and several wintertime celebrations.

Although Homer has just under 6,000 residents, seniors account for nearly 20% of the population, which is slightly more than the national average. The area’s senior citizens are served by six assisted living facilities that charge approximately $6,045 per month for their services. Although rates are higher than the U.S. average, the area is more affordable than other parts of Alaska, which makes it a smart choice for older adults who want to control their costs.

SeniorScore™ for Homer, Alaska

The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

SeniorScore™ Overview

Homer scores higher than the Alaska average of 53.
Homer scores significantly lower than the national average of 72.

Health & Safety

There is an average number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
There are no hospitals within close range of the city.
There is 1 senior living facility in close proximity to the city (South Peninsula Hospital LTC).
There is a low number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
There is a very low number of fire stations serving the city.
The average life expectancy is 78.3, compared to the national average of 78.6.
There are no pharmacies within close range of the city.
The area has a high property crime rate.
The area has a high violent crime rate.

Recreation & Leisure

The city has an average percentage of seniors in the population (30% of residents).
There is 1 golf course in or around the city (Kachemak Bay Lynx Golf).
There are 6 parks near the city center, including Halibut Cove Adventures, Bay State Park, and Homer Spit Campground.
There are no churches in or near the city.
There are no malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
There are no grocery stores within city.
There are no movie theatres in or near the city.
There are no gyms or health clubs in or near the city.

Finances

The property taxes average 2.21% of total income, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
The property taxes average 0.78% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
The city sales taxes averages 3.75%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
Alaska has an average state income tax of 0.00%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
The city's mean household income is $68,044, which is higher than the national average of $64,580.
The city's median household income is $52,996, which is higher than the national median of $51,560.
The city's per capita income is $28,847, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
Assisted living costs average $70,230 per year, which are very high compared to national figures.
Nursing home costs average $302,950 per year, which are very high compared to national costs.
Adult daycare costs average $29,640 per year, which are very high compared to national numbers.
Home healthcare costs average $57,200 annually, which are very high compared to national costs.
The unemployment rate is about 7.41%, which is average compared to national averages.
The overall cost of living is very high compared to national averages.
1% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.

General Quality of Life

Homer receives ideal levels of rainfall each year.
Homer has very harsh mean temperatures, with very cold winters and pleasant summers.
Homer has a very sparse population density of 9.2 people per square mile.
Residents of Homer have a very short daily commute time.
Homer has a very low public school quality ranking.
The city has a low public school safety rating.
This city has a high graduation rate of 92.46%.

Assisted Living Costs in Homer, Alaska

Assisted living prices in Homer are based on data from the nearest major metropolitan area, which is Anchorage. According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, local seniors pay $6,045 per month for assisted living. Although prices are approximately 40% higher than the U.S. average of $4,300, residents spend about $600 less than the state median of $6,633. This equates to a 9% savings.

When looking at the cost of assisted living, Homer is more affordable than other communities in Alaska and some parts of the Pacific Northwest. In Fairbanks, residents pay approximately $1,200 more per month for assisted living. The median cost of care in this community is $7,250 per month. Seattle, Washington, which has a median of $6,750, is more expensive by a margin of $705 per month or $8,400 per year. However, other cities in Washington are more affordable. In Mount Vernon, Washington, rates drop to $5,850 per month. Seniors can save roughly $1,300 per month in Bellingham, Washington, where the median cost of care is $4,738. Although rates are higher than the national average, seniors in this community save almost 22% on long-term care.

Homer: $6,045
Fairbanks: $7,250
Bellingham, WA: $4,738
Mount Vernon, WA: $5,850
Seattle, WA: $6,750

See Details

Free Assisted Living Resources in Homer, Alaska

Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center, Homer

The Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center serves as the federally designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for seniors in Homer and surrounding communities. It provides a wealth of resources for older adults, including recreational opportunities, assistive technology, Medicare counseling and information about government programs that can pay for assisted living and community-based supports.

265 E. Pioneer Avenue, Suite 201, Homer AK 99603

(907) 235-7911

http://www.peninsulailc.org

Homer Senior Citizens

Homer Senior Citizens has been serving older adults in the local area since 1973. It operates a community center, and it partners with other community-based organizations to provide a full continuum of care. Area residents aged 55 and older can contact this nonprofit to learn more about independent and assisted housing, congregate dining, educational opportunities and senior transportation. The center offers free and paid memberships that include a monthly newsletter, free notary services and discounted fitness classes.

3935 Svedlund Street, Homer, AK 99603

(907) 235-7655

https://homerseniorcitizensinc.wildapricot.org

Alaska Long Term Care Ombudsman

Alaska’s Long Term Care Ombudsman is dedicated to advocating for individuals who reside in the state’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The ombudsman advises seniors and families on their rights and investigates instances of abuse and neglect. It also addresses concerns about discharge, eviction, guardians, legal representatives, personal freedoms and dining options. Seniors can request assistance online, by phone or by email.

3745 Community Park Loop, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99508

(907) 334-4480

http://www.akoltco.org

Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Kenai Office

This legal aid society has been providing free advice and representation to seniors and low-income Alaskans since 1967. Homer residents can contact the organization’s Kenai office with questions related to consumer rights, family law, health care, government benefits and veterans programs. ALSC’s Elder Law Project helps residents aged 60 and older who need assistance with Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, living wills, estate plans, housing and financial benefits, such as Social Security and the Alaska Senior Assistance Program.

110 N. Willow Street, Suite 132, Kenai, AK 99611

(907) 395-0352

http://www.alsc-law.org

Homer VA Clinic

Part of the Alaska VA Healthcare System, Homer’s VA Clinic offers primary medical care and behavioral health services to military veterans and qualifying family members. The clinic is open Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The VA health care system also includes vet centers and regional benefits offices. Additional resources are available through the American Legion and the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

4141 Pennock Street, Homer, AK 99603

(888) 353-7574

https://www.alaska.va.gov/locations/Homer_VA_Clinic_Alaska.asp

Hospice of Homer

This nonprofit health care agency has been providing compassionate end-of-life care and supportive services since 1985. Thanks to a partnership with the South Peninsula Hospital, its Medical Equipment Loan Program offers hospital beds, wheelchairs, chair lifts, knee scooters and other devices at no cost. It also operates an educational lending library and Volunteer Visitor and Phone Friends programs that reduce isolation while providing meaningful volunteer opportunities.

265 E. Pioneer Avenue, Suite 3, Homer, AK 99603

(907) 235-6899

https://www.hospiceofhomer.org/medical-equipment-loa-program