he Fairbanks Pioneers' Home is the second of the six Pioneers' Homes to open and it began serving the community just in time for the big flood of 1967. The flood waters were so dangerous that residents, along with many other Fairbanksans, were evacuated to the University on "the hill." After the floodwaters receded and clean up was completed, operations normalized and new residents began to become part of the Pioneers' Home community.

The Fairbanks Home is centrally located in twelve beautiful acres of birch and spruce trees, convenient to the local senior center next door. This favorable location allows residents the opportunity to be involved in a variety of activities outside, but near the Home. Both staff and residents take great pride in maintaining the wonderful flower, herb and vegetable gardens that are part of the Pioneers' Home complex.

Click to enlarge

The Assisted Living license for the Fairbanks Home is for 101 residents and includes a secure 16 bed special care neighborhood called Homestead. Staff in this neighborhood are specially trained to care for Alzheimer's residents and they, along with their colleagues from the other neighborhoods, know that affection, compassion and dignity are at the core of every meaningful day. Four different levels of care are provided in the other two Homes' neighborhoods, Aurora and Moosewood.

As a registered Eden® Home the staff take seriously the role of engaging and sharing the lives of the residents. The Fairbanks Pioneers' Home is home to a dog and cat, a variety of birds and a large aviary in one of the hallway solariums. Adjacent to the aviary area the residents and staff have also created a "Kids Corner" where residents' grandchildren and other visiting children can play during their visits. Another intergenerational opportunity is "read with Gramma," where friends from a local day care come to read with the residents each week. These frequent visits encourage the development of relationships between children and elders, and fosters kindness between the generations.

Residents have the opportunity to go on shopping trips, visit homes of family and friends, participate in ice cream outings and board an annual train trip to Denali Park. Those who are unable to actively interact are provided with one to one activities such as hand massage, sensory activities and hugs. Whatever their level of participation, residents at the Fairbanks Pioneers' Home have the opportunity to enjoy spontaneous as well as planned activities.

Eight Senior Companions who assist and visit with residents are the backbone of an active volunteer program in the Home. And many more hours of service are donated by community groups, churches and individuals. All the dedication from such a diverse variety of people enriches lives of the residents, and enhances the quality of life for family members, friends and staff.

The Fairbanks Pioneers' Home is supported in part by an active Foundation made up of members of the business community, family members and friends of the Home. The Foundation sponsors fund-raisers such as the Golden Goose Race during Golden Days and uses the raised funds to purchase goods and services that directly benefit residents.

Many of the residents in the Fairbanks Pioneers' Home are the hardy, determined, and proud miners who tamed the Interior and settled on the banks of the mighty Chena River.