Shaleece Haas » elderly

Caring for Elders in Rural Alaska

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:03:45 +0000

Matthew Malcolm on the drive from Fairbanks to Eagle, Alaska.

For Native elders who grew up in rural Alaska, the desire to die at home runs deep.

But taking care of elders in rugged and isolated villages is a complicated task. And for many, aging in place is not an option.

Reporter Shaleece Haas traveled to Eagle on the Upper Yukon to find out what’s at stake for Native elders in need of long-term care.

This story was produced with support from the MetLife Foundation Journalism in Aging Fellowship, a program of New America Media and the Gerontological Society of America.

To hear the story as it aired on the Alaska Public Radio Network, click HERE.

Old People Driving (excerpt)

admin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:18:48 +0000

This is a two-minute excerpt from my recent documentary film, Old People Driving. For more information about the film visit www.oldpeopledrivingmovie.com.

Not a Normal Age: Confronting elderly suicide

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:52:49 +0000

Advances in medicine mean that Americans are living longer. But they’re also living sicker. For many seniors, the burdens of old age are more than they can bear.

This 6-minute video explores the all-too-common phenomenon of elderly suicide.

Senior services halt new applications

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:23 +0000

Elderly and disabled Alaskans seeking Medicaid coverage for home-based care are going to have to wait. And no one knows how long.

Last week, the federal agency that oversees Medicaid, told Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services that they must stop accepting new applications for personal care and home-based services. But what they haven’t clarified is what the department needs to do to get the program started again.

To listen to the story as it aired on KCAW Raven Radio, click here.

Mentally ill seniors see gap in care

admin — Sat, 23 May 2009 21:31:39 +0000

Alaska has a robust senior care program, but one segment of the older population is having a difficult time finding the care they need: those with mental illness.

To listen to the story as it aired on Alaska News Nightly, click here.

Note: This story was awarded the 2009 Goldie Award for Best News Story, Student Division by the Alaska Broadcasters Association.