The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in July. This month’s focus is “Take care to give care,” with discussions on how caregivers can better care for themselves while they are caring for their loved one.
July 3, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
July 10, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
July 17, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.
July 24, open house and picnic at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program office in Soldotna, Blazy Mall, Suite #209, at 1 p.m. Check out the lending library, durable goods loan closet, ask questions or just enjoy a picnic lunch.
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 (July 12 and 26) 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. Call for more information, toll free 866-746-6177.
The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (July 13), upstairs at the Ketchikan-Saxman Senior Center, 2 to 3 p.m.
The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the fourth Friday of each month (July 27). 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
With the onset of summer, Farmers Markets are springing up all over the state. Have you looked into the markets near you? If not, you should because fresh grown Alaska vegetables are a real boon to your dietary needs to help keep you healthy in your caregiving role and also enhance the meals you might prepare for the person you are caring for. All vegetables are healthy but a new study just completed on older women who ate three or more vegetable servings per day found that cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are beneficial in reducing the stroke risk factor that contributes to thickening of your arteries. Another benefit of green leafy vegetables such as kale, collard greens, broccoli and bok choi is the calcium and magnesium content that is key to supporting bone health. So pack up your loved one, get out in the sun and get some fresh vegetables to enjoy for your caregiving health.
- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program
