The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in February. This month’s training features part two of a DVD presentation with Teepa Snow, “Progression of Dementia: Seeing Gems, Not Loss.” Teepa Snow explains the appropriate levels of care needed during different stages of dementia, which types of behaviors to expect, appropriate activity and much more.
Feb. 5, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 12, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 19, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 26, Open house at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program in Blazy Mall, Soldotna, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the lending library, durable medical equipment loan closet and more while enjoying a cup of coffee and friendly conversation. Be sure to attend the workshop presentation at 11 a.m. with Marcella Livesay, Kenai Peninsula Branch Manager of ResCare.
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. 14 and 28) 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 (Feb. 8), 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 (Feb. 22). 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
As we approach longer days with more daylight it makes no difference in the work of a caregiver—your caregiving role is still a 24-hour day. Time is precious and so are you. Take time to share your burdens by attending a support group near you and relieve some of those burdens created by your 24-hour day. We celebrate Valentine’s Day this month, a day to honor our loved ones. Many of you are caring for loved ones that may be experiencing dementia and Alzheimer’s. This quote best describes what you can give your loved one for Valentine’s Day:
“There is one thing Alzheimer’s cannot take away, and that is love. Love is not a memory – it’s a feeling that resides in your heart and soul.”
Happy Valentine’s Day to all caregivers.
- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program
