Editor’s note: This schedule may change, due to coronavirus safety measures. Be sure to confirm with the host agency prior to visiting.
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in April. This month’s presentation and discussion will focus on age-related driving issues, as April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
April 7, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.
April 14, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
April 21, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.
April 28, 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. Hospice will present on the “Five Wishes” advance directives from 1 to 2 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 or 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 (April 9 and 23) at Homer Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by Pam Hooker. Call for more information, 235-4555.
Palmer caregiver support group meets at Palmer Senior Center (aka Mat-Su Senior Services) the first Friday of each month (April 3), 10 to 11:30 a.m. Contact Janice Downing, Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, 746-3413.
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, 463-6177 or 463-6181.
The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (April 10), 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 (April 24). 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
Ketchikan, 225-8080
Kodiak, 486-6181
Nome, 443-4507
Family caregiver tip of the month
April showers bring spring flowers, so the saying goes. Here in Alaska we hope for melting snow and warmer weather. The big concern aside from the weather is the coronavirus and how to avoid having our loved ones exposed. Here are a few hints for consideration.
Request visitors call first and ensure that they have not had exposure or visited places recently where exposure could have occurred. You may want to request no visitors and alternatively do cellphone face time to allow your loved one that experience instead but still maintain contact.
If doctor visits become necessary, call the doctor’s office first for possible alternatives that will avoid going out.
If it becomes absolutely necessary to go out, use the precaution of six feet distance from others and absolutely avoid crowds and gatherings.
No hand shaking or hugging.
If emergency becomes necessary, call the ER first and talk with qualified personnel prior to any action.
Get someone you trust to get you needed supplies and groceries. If you receive home-delivered meals, confirm the precautions used in the preparation of the meals.
As with everything you do for your loved one, use common sense, trust the doctor’s advice, and “take care to give care”.
- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program
