The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in May. This month’s focus is on National Physical Fitness and Sport Month. Join for a time of caring and sharing, followed by a walk outside.
May 2, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
May 9, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
May 16, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center,1 p.m.
May 17, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, hosted by Paula Koch, 3 p.m.
May 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 Sharon or Judy at (907) 262-1280.
The Homer Family Caregiver meetings take place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (May 11 and 25) 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 (May 11) at noon. Call for more information, toll free 866-746-6177.
The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (May 12), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.
The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (May 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
There is no question about it, spring is in the air. Spring also brings the onset of many allergens. If you have allergies they can make one miserable with coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses, and dealing with finding out just what one is allergic to can be equally challenging.
It has been said that in addition to treatment, the best way to fight allergies is to learn ways to avoid them. Here are a few allergy fighting tricks you may not have tried that may work.
• Wear sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. Allergy-irritated eyes are more sensitive to sunlight, dark glasses that wrap around to block the wind are best.
• Houseplants can be another source as the soil can let mold spores into your home. Keep houseplants to a minimum and out of the bedroom.
• Kill dust mites with a hot wash. Dust mites live in bedding, stuffed toys and other places. Washing in water that is 130 degrees F or higher will help with this indoor-allergen.
• Hay fever is known as a seasonal allergic rhinitis. Seasonal pollens affect hay fever – try to identify your trigger season and escape to the beach or other places where pollen count is not so high.
• Mold thrives in moisture. Help control mold by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep humidity close to 50 percent.
These are just a few things you can do to help with the allergy season. Don’t forget to visit your local allergist for more help on what you can do to avoid and control allergies.
– Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program
