Editor’s note: This schedule may change, due to coronavirus safety measures. Be sure to confirm with the host agency prior to visiting.
With senior centers still closed, the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold all peer support meetings in July at its new office location, 44539 Sterling Highway, Suite 202 in the Blazy Mall in Soldotna, and online via Zoom. Social distancing will be respected, and masks will be worn at the office meetings. This month’s discussion topic will be “Caregiver Wellness: How to Combat Isolation.” The schedule is as follows:
July 7, 1 p.m.
July 14, 1 p.m.
July 21, 1 p.m.
There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend. If you can’t make a scheduled meeting, staff will be on hand in the new office weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the coffee pot is always on. Stop by for a visit.
For more information, call Rachael or Judy at 907-262-1280.
The Homer Family Caregiver meetings take place on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month (July 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 (July 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 (July 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 (July 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
“There’s no place like home”
Staying in your own home is a goal for many as they age in place. It can be possible but planning ahead is essential and becomes difficult as your needs may change. There are organizations and others that can help you with planning. How do you get started and look at present and future needs to help determine costs involved? If you are a caregiver for your loved one, it is critical that you do this assessment or have someone assist you to give yourself the necessary breaks in your caregiving world.
First start by looking at health needs and how they affect mobility, getting around, getting dressed, fixing meals, remembering to take medications, paying bills, home modifications needed and safety and any assistance needed now or in the near future.
Once you have a list of possible needs it’s time to look at where to go to get help. You have several options to get started:
1. Adult Disability & Resource Center (Independent Living Center)
2. National Family Caregiver Support Program
3. Care Coordinators
4. Physicians
5. Private consultants
By developing a plan, it will keep you connected and help ease your mind and those you care for to assist with your caregiving needs.
- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program
