The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in February. This month’s focus is caregiver training, featuring part one of a training DVD presentation with Teepa Snow. The DVD is titled “It’s All In Your Approach.”
Feb. 7, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 14, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 15, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, hosted by Paula Koch, 3 p.m.
Feb. 21, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center,1 p.m.
Feb. 28, 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 Sharon or Judy at (907) 262-1280.
The Homer Family Caregiver meetings take place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (Feb. 9 and 23) at Homer Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by Pam Hooker. Call for more information, 235-4555.
Southeast
The Senior and Caregiver Resource Center at Southeast Senior Services in Juneau offers a call-in support group for residents of Southeast Alaska. The meeting time is the second Thursday of each month (Feb. 9) at noon. Call for more information, toll free 866-746-6177.
The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (Feb. 10), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.
The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (Feb. 15). 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
“February brings promise of spring with all of the changes nature and life can bring.” When you are a caregiver you are fully aware of the changes that “life” can bring, you experience it daily. If you know someone who is a caregiver of a family member or a friend, February has an excellent opportunity to salute them. Give them a valentine in the form of a Treasure Box. Fill that box with special things like a recipe for easy preparation meals, a gift of relaxation in the form of a massage, manicure, gift card, restaurant card, or a movie ticket to help them unwind from their hectic schedule. Write them an appreciation poem, and include the gift of time and arrange to relieve them or provide respite. There are so many things they need and they are such special people that give of themselves to make life better for others.
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program salutes you, caregivers – you are special February Valentines.
– Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program
