The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following meetings and trainings in February. Because this is National Heart Month, caregiver trainings will focus on being heart healthy.
Feb. 4, Caregiver training at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 11, Caregiver training at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 17, no meeting, President’s Day
Feb. 25, Peer Support Meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend. Training sessions provide 2 hours of Continuing Education Units for people with CNAs.
For more information, call (907) 262-1280.
Southeast
The Juneau Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month (Feb. 12) in the conference room of KTOO’s studio, 360 Egan Drive, noon to 1:30 p.m.
The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (Feb. 14), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.
The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (Feb. 19). For more information, call Brave Heart Volunteers, 747-4600.
Other locations
For information on caregiver support group meetings around the state:
Anchorage, 561-3313
Fairbanks, 452-2277
Homer, 235-2295
Juneau, 463-6164 or 463-6198
Ketchikan, 225-8080
Kodiak, 486-6181
Nome, 443-4507
Palmer/Wasilla, 746-3413
Sitka, 747-4600
Family caregiver tip of the month
The National Family Caregivers Association states that the average caregiver is in her late 40s and tends directly to the needs of an elderly mother. Whether or not they fit this mold, these Americans spend about 20 hours a week or more helping a loved one.
If you are one of these statistics of any age and a caregiver, it is time to do a Caregiver’s Resolution.
Start by telling yourself that you are a “Fearless Caregiver”. As a “Fearless Caregiver” take stock of your strengths and weaknesses and build on the strengths. Be an advocate for your loved one with others involved in the caregiving such as family and health care professionals.
Make sure all legal documents are completed and you have access to them. If you need help, call the Family Caregivers Support Program in your area – they can help you.
Plan some respite hours for yourself to “Take a Break” and attend the support group meeting nearest you. Support groups are a resource to connect, share information, talk about experiences and much more.
– Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program
