With senior centers still closed for most activities, the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold all December peer support meetings on Tuesdays, 1 p.m., at its office at 44539 Sterling Highway, Suite 202 in the Blazy Mall in Soldotna. Social distancing will be respected, and masks will be worn at the meetings, and virtual attendance via Zoom can be arranged for those who can’t make it in person. Different topics will be discussed at each meeting. Bring your questions and ideas..
You may also schedule one-on-one appointments and if you have questions concerning help in the home, staff can refer you to community resources.
There is no charge for these services and everyone is invited to attend.
For more information, call Rachael or Judy at 907-262-1280.
The Homer Family Caregiver meetings will meet online via Zoom, hosted by Gay Wellman and the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. For the schedule and other information, call 1-907-822-5620.
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
Some of you may have seen the movie “High Anxiety” years ago. Our society is experiencing a degree of this anxiety today during these trying times.
Anxiety has been called “the dizziness of reason”. As caregivers we deal with anxiety daily with those we care for, and those we care for may have anxiety due to illness or the life situation they are experiencing. Here are some natural ways to help reduce this “dizziness of reason”.
1. Deep breathing. Exhale completely then inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath to the count of seven, slowly release through your mount to the count of eight.
2. Re-Focus. Look around and name three things you see, then three sounds you hear, then move three parts of your body. Changing the focus this way should help take it from the cause of anxiety.
3. Find a funny video to watch. Laughter is the best medicine. Enjoy some old movies.
4. Put things in perspective. Focus on what you know to be true, do not focus on what is unknown and don’t assume the worst.
These are just a sample of many ways to use a healthy approach to dealing with the “dizziness of reason” during these challenging times. Stay positive, eat healthy, get a good night’s sleep and thank you for the caregiving that you do.
- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program.
