This Week's Updates

Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 10/31/2025 11:13 AM AKDT

Alaska Commission on Aging logo

November is Family Caregiver Month & Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month 

ACoA Free Community Webinar: Kinship Family Support with Haa Yatx’u Saani, Volunteers of America Alaska and Generations United Dec 11 

Our Grandparents Day Kinship Family Support Webinar is now happening December 11th, and we hope you will join us for this wealth of information! All are welcome to learn about supports in Alaska for relatives raising children, featuring Southeast Alaska's Kinship Navigator Program Haa Yatx’u Saani, Volunteers of America Alaska , and Generations United on Thursday, December 11th at 12pm. Are you a grandparent or relative raising children in your family? Do you want to learn what supports exist for kinship families in Alaska? Join us!

Save the date and stay tuned for the Zoom link. 

For questions or help accessing Zoom, call our Program Coordinator at 907-230-0871 or email us at doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov. 

ACoA Magnets: Free for Community Organizations & Providers to Distribute 

ACoA Magnet
Would you like to distribute our helpful magnets to your community members? Contact us at 907-230-0871 or email doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov and we'd be happy to send them! Facebook post here.

ACoA Free Community Webinar Postponed: Social Security 101 with Regional SSA 

Social Security Administration Regional Public Affairs Specialist Nathan Cole (who covers Alaska) will be joining us for an exclusive conversation on Social Security 101 with Q&A to follow. We will reschedule this webinar when the government shutdown ends. 
Looking for help on a particular topic of SSA? Please email us your requests so we can share with the presenter: doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov.

Alaska Home Modifications & Upgrades Funding: Deadline to Support Extended

AGEnet & the Alaska Independent Living Network are working to restore funding to the Home Modification and Upgrades Program.
This program is one of Alaska’s most important strategies to allow seniors and people with disabilities to avoid falls, age in place, and delay or avoid moving to a more restrictive and expensive setting, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Learn more here. The deadline to support is this Friday.

Alaska Department of Health: Fresh Start Program 

Fresh Start, a statewide Alaska Department of Health campaign, is expanding access to free and low-cost programs that help adults improve their health and reduce their dementia risk. Alaskans can now find support for goals such as losing weight, preventing or managing diabetes, lowering blood pressure, and quitting tobacco all in one place at freshstart.alaska.gov. The campaign connects participants with trained coaches and, in many cases, fellow Alaskans working toward similar goals. With new partnerships including local organizations and an online option through Health and Lifestyle Training (HALT), Fresh Start offers more opportunities for residents in every community to join and succeed.

For Public Release: Alaska's Draft Preliminary Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Initiatives

In accordance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) CMS-RHT-26-001: Rural Health Transformation Program, Alaska will apply for Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program funding. Established earlier this year through the passage of H.R. 1, the RHTP provides $50 billion in funding over five years to improve rural health care across all fifty states. This landmark investment creates a unique opportunity for Alaska, where the vast majority of communities are rural or frontier, and Alaskan community members and health care providers face significant geographic and operational challenges.

This document outlines Alaska’s six draft, preliminary RHTP initiatives, including for each a description and list of potential uses of funds. These initiatives were informed by stakeholder feedback previously gathered by the State. Note that this is a preliminary document; the listed uses of funds are illustrative, not exhaustive, subject to CMS approval, and may change.

Watch Alaska Legislative Presentation: H.R. 1 Impacts to Alaska and Update on Rural Health Transformation Fund by Commissioner Heidi Hedberg; Emily Ricci, Deputy Commissioner; Deb Etheridge, DPA Director; and Betsy Wood, Health Care Policy Advisor.

Remaining 2025 Alaska Health Fairs

Health fairs are free community events, and everyone is welcome to attend! Walk-ins are always welcome! If you would like to make an appointment online for a specific time, please visit www.alaskahealthfair.org.

  • Talkeetna – 11/1/2025, 8:00am - 12:00pm – Talkeetna Community Health Fair, Upper Susitna Community & Senior Center, 16463 E Helena Dr, Talkeetna, AK
  • Anchorage – 11/8/2025, 8:00am - 1:00pm – Community Health Fair at St. John's Church, 1801 O'Malley Rd., Anchorage, AK 99507
  • Fairbanks – 11/8/2025, 8:30am - 11:30am – Fairbanks Community Health Fair at University Park Elementary Gym, 554 Loftus Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99709
  • Anchorage – 11/15/2025, 8:00am - 12:00pm – Alaska Pacific University Community Health Fair, Carr Gottstein Academic Center on 4225 University Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508
  • Fairbanks – 11/18/2025, 8am - 1pm – Fairbanks Office Draw, 725 26th Ave., Suite 201 (Food Bank Bldg), Fairbanks, AK 99701
  • Sitka – 11/22/2025, 8:00am - 12:00pm – Sitka Community Health Fair, Herrigan Centennial Hall - 330 Harbor Drive, Sitka AK 99835

Alaska Training Cooperative Update 

AKTC Monthly Training Offerings: please share this hyperlink with staff, stakeholders and interested parties.  
 
Note: Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults and Dementia Care Skills training registration fees are covered by the Alaska Statewide Dementia Training Project. Questions? Contact Riki at racook@alaska.edu

Native Movement: Anchorage Elder Harvest Feast this Sunday

Join Native Movement once again to share a meal with our elders! Sunday, November 2nd at 5:30pm, 2522 Arctic Blvd. Feel free to bring any foods to share, traditional foods, a story, or just yourself.
All are welcome! Bring your family and get ready to take in elder wisdom. 

Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program November Schedule

Dining with DementiaKPFCSP November Schedule
KPFCSP is offering a series of Dining with Dementia trainings this November in honor of National Family Caregivers Month, led by Care Coordinator Valerie Flake. These sessions provide caregivers with practical guidance on how to engage and connect with loved ones living with dementia through shared mealtime experiences. The public is invited to attend at any of the following locations: Soldotna Library on November 10th (1–2 PM), Ninilchik Senior Center on November 18th (10:30–11:30 AM), and Sterling Senior Center on November 20th (1–2 PM). All sessions are free and open to the community. Facebook page here.

Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging: Evidence-Based Programs 

The Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA) invites organizations and professionals to a free webinar series showcasing four nationally recognized, evidence-based programs, each approved for Older Americans Act Title IIID funding. These sessions will take place from 8am - 9am AKT on the following dates:

  • November 4 – Stand Up for Your Health: Helps older adults reduce sedentary time by standing and moving more, cutting sitting time by an average of 68 minutes daily while improving function and reducing pain.

  • November 5 – Mind Over Matter (MOM): Supports women in managing bladder and bowel leakage, with 71% of participants reporting reduced bladder incontinence.

  • November 6 – Stepping On & Pisando Fuerte: Proven fall-prevention programs, available in English and Spanish, that reduce falls by 31%, the highest reduction among all available interventions.

All sessions are free, virtual, and open to community partners nationwide interested in bringing these programs to local older adults. Register here.

Questions ahead of time? Contact info@wihealthyaging.org

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium: Skilled Nursing Facility Update 

Crews have reached an exciting milestone in the construction of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) project this month. On October 16, the building’s final interior and exterior footings and the stem walls were completed. This is big news, as the last significant milestone achieved in this project was in March of 2025 when site preparation and general foundations were completed.
As cold weather creeps in, a temporary gas line has been installed on site while crews continue to install siding for phase 1. Framing of the first-floor walls is still ongoing, as is fireproofing of the second floor in phase 1. Upcoming Milestones:
  • Receive the last two shipments of steel
  • Fireproof in phases 2 and 3
  • Move to permanent utilities for the facility
Learn more about the SNF project, here: https://anthc.org/capital-investments/

National Native News: Loss of SNAP, LIHEAP funding would be 'life threatening' this winter

"The government shutdown is creating a lot of uncertainty and disruption for Native American and Alaska Native communities, and for tribal organizations that administer federal programs. Ben Mallott, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), told the Senate Indian Affairs Committee Wednesday that the prospect that both of those programs would run out of money, just as winter begins, puts some Alaskans in a life-threatening bind, as Liz Ruskin reports." 

Listen and read here.

Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska: Anchorage First Friday at Black Cup Nov 7 

Join Alzheimer’s Resource Alaska (ARA) for a special First Friday on November 7th from 5pm - 7pm at Black Cup Coffee (Midtown) featuring artwork from our Artist in Residence program and ArtLinks classes, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and stories of Alaskans living with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (ADRD). ARA's ArtLinks program, where creativity meets connection, brings people with memory loss and their care partners together to create, express, and simply enjoy the process, no art experience required. Through a blend of artistic mediums, music, movement, and memory-rich conversations, participants explore self-expression in a supportive and joyful environment. Each piece on display reflects not only artistic talent, but also the deep connections and shared experiences that make this community so special.
This spirit of creativity and connection perfectly reflects what November represents: Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregiver Month, a time to come together to raise awareness, celebrate caregivers, and support those impacted by memory loss.
Enjoy refreshments provided by ARA and coffee, tea, and mocktails for purchase from Black Cup.
This event is free and open to everyone. Come connect, learn, and celebrate the art and resilience of our community!

Facebook event page here.

Denakkanaaga Upcoming Fairbanks Plant Medicine Event & Webinar Nov 10 

Denakkanaaga Title VI Informational Session on Plants as Medicine; By: Dr. Allison Kelliher, Family & Integrative Physician, Traditional Healer, Director of Indigenous Healing at Tanana Chiefs Conference.

Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 from 1pm – 3pm at Denakkanaaga: 101 Dunkel Street, Ste. 135, Fairbanks. 

Join by Teleconference: 1-844-563-4422, Code 631791.

Facebook post here.

ADvancing States Updates

Webinar Series of Savvy Saving Seniors Financial Education: The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is hosting a FREE two-part webinar series for professionals interested in learning more about the Savvy Saving Seniors financial education curriculum.

Saving Saving Seniors is an evidence-informed program that equips older adults with support and information to protect their financial security. This webinar series will follow a train-the-trainer approach, and attendees will gain access to facilitator toolkits, presentation templates, and participant handbooks to host interactive workshops in their own communities.

Thursday, November 6th, and Thursday, November 13th. Click the link above to learn more and make a free NCOA account to register for the series. 

The journal Clinical Interventions in Aging is seeking submissions for an Article Collection on the role of telehealth and emerging technologies in advancing person-centered and high-quality health care for older adults. The deadline to submit is November 30. 

On October 16, Generations United released the 2025 update to the annual State of Grandfamilies and Kinship Care Report. About 2.5 million children across the country are being raised in grandfamilies or kinship care, in which grandparents, adult relatives, or close family friends care for children without their parents in the home. 

Grandparents and relatives raising children often live on fixed incomes and step in with little warning to care for children who have faced trauma, substance use, or loss. This report highlights the critical role these caregivers play in supporting children, families, and the nation’s child welfare system, as well as the challenges they face in doing so. The 2025 State of Grandfamilies and Kinship Care Update highlights:

  • National data on the economic and social impact of kin caregivers
  • The challenges families face in providing stability and care
  • Policy solutions that are cost-effective, targeted, and bipartisan-friendly
  • State-by-state data on children being raised by kin

The Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP) is seeking registrants for the free Aging Peer Action Learning (PAL) 2026 Cohort. This specialized cohort is designed to bring together entities serving older Americans and caregivers who can benefit from assistive technology devices and services. Members will have access to monthly learning events led by subject matter experts from January through June 2026. 

The Aging PAL Cohort is ideal for any organizations interested in building partnerships and gaining a deeper understanding of aging services, assistive technology projects, and related resources, including: 

  • AT Act Program Directors and key staff/partners 
  • Aging service leaders interested in establishing or enhancing partnerships with AT Act Programs 
  • Professionals seeking to gain a better understanding of aging services and assistive technology projects and resources

Closing out Residents' Rights Month: October is Residents’ Rights Month, an annual event designated by Consumer Voice to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their homes or communities. It is an opportunity to focus on and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and supports. This year’s theme, Stand with Me, highlighted the importance of solidarity and support for residents who stand up and advocate for their rights, as well as the value of encouraging the community to join residents in sharing their voices.

Navigating Conversations about Aging and Future Care: The Senior Authority on New Hampshire PBS released an episode, "Time to Talk" to discuss strategies for easing tension and opening dialogue for conversations about aging and future care. The episode explores how families can have these conversations while building mutual understanding and documenting personal priorities.

USAging’s Strengthening Social Connection in Communities (SSCC) initiative is calling for proposals to award 12-month seed grants to up to 10 organizations within the aging network. These grants, which will not exceed $35,000 each, should seek to enhance the health of older adults and their caregivers by replicating and sustaining evidence-based and evidence-informed social connection programs, partnerships, and referral processes in communities. Proposals are due Friday, December 5, at 11:59 p.m. 

Sign up to receive the ADvancing States free Weekly Friday Update here.

New AARP Report: Workers Ages 50 and Older are Employed Across All Major US Industries

Large sectors such as health services, professional business services, and wholesale and retail trade employ the highest numbers of older workers, while industries like agriculture, other services, public administration, and manufacturing have a greater share of their workforce in this age group. Employment patterns differ by factors such as sex, race and ethnicity, education level, and metro area status. These differences have implications for older-worker employment in the years ahead as some industries grow while others decline.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Health services, professional business services, and wholesale and retail trade employ the most workers ages 50 and older. 
  • Agriculture, other services, public administration, and manufacturing have the highest shares of 50-plus workers. 
  • From 2004 to 2024, employment for 50-plus workers declined in wholesale and retail trade, education, and manufacturing but grew in business and health services. 
  • Women 50-plus are most likely to work in the health and education industries; men 50-plus in business, manufacturing, and construction. 
  • Industry employment among the 50-plus varies by race, education, and metro area. 
Read more here.

CoGenerate Study: Faith Leaders on the Real Work of Intergenerational Collaboration

The report “Honest Conversations: Faith Leaders on the Real Work of Intergenerational Collaboration” by CoGenerate (with support from the Templeton Religion Trust) explores how faith communities are navigating generational divides and seeking deeper connection across age. Drawing on a nationally-representative survey and more than 40 candid interviews with leaders spanning age 20 to 85, the study offers four core insights: culture, conflict, power, and relationship into what helps and hinders “cogeneration” in faith spaces. 

Positive Approach to Care: New Teepa Snow Podcast Added

A beautiful building can still miss what matters. In the recent Dementia Care Partner Podcast Series, Teepa and Greg unpack why finding the right place for someone living with dementia is so challenging, and how families can navigate choices with clarity and confidence. 

You’ll learn: 

  • Why many options feel like luxury hotels—not true homes 
  • What to ask during tours—and what to observe between the lines 
  • How to trust your instincts about engagement, environment, and staffing 

Listen now (Episode 327) Why Finding the Right Place for Someone Living With Dementia is So Challenging: 
YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts

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