The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in October. This month’s training focus “Awakening the Five Senses of Persons Living with Dementia.”
Oct. 2, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Oct. 9, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Oct. 16, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Oct. 23, open house and workshop at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program office in Soldotna, Blazy Mall, Suite #209, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the lending library, durable goods loan closet, ask questions or just enjoy some company. Or attend the 11 a.m. workshop on Adult Coloring. Psychologists believe coloring stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses and creativity. It is even prescribed as a relaxation and de-stressing technique for people with dementia.
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 (Oct. 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. Call for more information, toll free 866-746-6177.
The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (Oct. 12), 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 (Oct. 26). 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
Are you prepared? Our world is experiencing natural disasters regularly and winter will soon be setting in here in Alaska. The preparation I am addressing here however is: What happens to you, the caregiver, when the person you are caring for dies? There will be the usual things to handle such as notifications, estate matters and such, however the priority should be you. Your basic needs of getting enough rest and nutrition and hydration are critical to your future well-being and health. You do not want to neglect yourself and become sick. Grief is hard and for a time it may be difficult to do much of anything. Advice may come from a lot of different directions but you need to take a deep breath and give yourself time to make decisions. Don’t do this alone; involve others -- family if they can work with you, or possibly an attorney or other counselor. Whatever you do, don’t neglect yourself. Attend your local caregiver support meetings and share your thoughts and feelings with others. This is the best way to honor your loved one, by taking care of yourself.
- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support program
