The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in August. This month’s focus is National Health Center Week, with presentations by Peninsula Community Health Services of Alaska.
Aug. 2, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Aug. 9, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Aug. 16, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Aug. 30, 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 (Aug. 11 and 25) at Homer Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Call for more information, 235-4555.
Southeast
The Juneau Family Caregiver Support Group is on hold until a new meeting space is found.
The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (Aug. 12), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.
The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (Aug. 17). 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
As a family caregiver it is your job to “be prepared.” This can be especially important when faced with a natural disaster such as a wind storm, flood or fire. So what can you do to make it easy on yourself and your loved ones, just in case? Here is an emergency care list to start with and possibly add to as you think of what might be needed.
• A battery powered radio and flashlight.
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Prescription medicines
• Water – one gallon per person
• Non perishable foods and can opener
`• Hygiene items (diapers, wipes, lotion)
• Change of clothing and rain gear
• Extra blankets or sleeping bags
List of phone numbers for doctor, relatives and friends
If pertinent, extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen tanks or other medical equipment.
This list is just a start that you can build on as needs arise. Ease your caregiving mind and create your Caregiver Emergency Plan today. It is better to be prepared than to find yourself needing help when you least expect an emergency and it happens.
– Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program
