The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in February. This month’s meeting topic is “Coping Skills,” using the training DVD from The Educated Caregiver to cover strategies on getting support, developing realistic expectations, and especially – especially important – taking care of yourself and your loved one..
Feb. 6, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 13, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 20, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 21, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, hosted by Paula Koch, 3 p.m.
Feb. 27, open house at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program office in Soldotna, Blazy Mall, Suite #209, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the lending library, durable goods loan closet, ask questions or just visit over a cup of coffee.
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 Thursdays 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. 8) 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. 9), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.
The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (Feb. 21). 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
When you choose to enjoy life you will get what you look for.
This quote is from a book called “Lunderisms,” written by a man now deceased, that I learned to appreciate for his humor and outlook on life. If you look at the quote and apply it to your caregiving situation you may find a different perspective for what you are doing. Caregiving is hard and affects each person in different ways. Try to look at which part of this makes you feel good -- the “look for”. Focus then on how you can improve the aspects of caregiving you least like. Take care of your own health and be sure you have gotten a flu shot. Try to maintain a balance of family, work and caregiving. Learn to deal with anger, frustration, and reach out to others that can help you by attending your local support group and calling on others who know your situation. Keep the attitude positive and just know you are making a difference in someone’s life. Thank you for choosing to care!
- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support program
