The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in April. This month’s focus: Proper body mechanics and back safety.
April 5, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
April 12, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
April 19, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.
April 21, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, 3 p.m.
April 26, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Support meetings allow you to share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. If you are helping a family member of friend by being a caregiver, learn what kind of help is available. There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend.
For more information, call Shelley or Judy at (907) 262-1280.
The Homer Family Caregiver meetings take place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (April 14 and 28) at Homer Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Call for more information, 235-4555.
Southeast
The Juneau Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month (April 13) 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 (April 8), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.
The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (April 20). 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, 235-4555
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
Caregiving affects the caregiver in many different ways and one of those ways is not getting a good night’s sleep. Caregivers exert a tremendous amount of energy daily -- it has been compared to powering a nuclear submarine. If this applies to you and you find yourself exhausted and have tried everything, try some unconventional methods:
• Try visualizing peaceful things, such as sitting by a stream watching the water.
• Tell yourself you have to get up and get exercise.
• Try herbal tea or an herb such as St. John’s Wort.
• Try writing about your day or turn it into poetry.
• Listen to a relaxing tape, like sounds of nature or flowing water.
If unconventional and conventional methods don’t work, you may need to see a doctor yourself. Remember taking care of the caregiver needs to be your first priority and that is you. Be sure to attend your local support group meeting.
– Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program
