With senior centers still closed for most activities, the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold all March peer support meetings on Tuesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at its office at 44539 Sterling Highway, Suite 202 in the Blazy Mall in Soldotna. Social distancing will be respected, masks worn and hand sanitizer provided 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
February marked the start of the pre-Easter Lent season when a lot of people traditionally give something up or quit. As a caregiver what can you afford to give up? Take a short self-assessment of where you are at and what you could possibly do to help make your situation better.
1. Take a good look at the situation you have. Ask yourself about any conflicts you might have, your health situation, finances, work responsibilities, what help you might have or not have and the other things that are affecting you in addition to caregiving.
2. How does all of this make you feel? Are you overwhelmed? Try to look at these feelings realistically and recognize you can choose another way to feel.
3. Line up your thoughts with a faith tradition. Loving and serving others is the highest calling. You are not in control, be open to what comes next. Try journaling to get a good perspective.
4. Act. Actions that come with love can change people and situations. Transform your thinking to make it meaningful to you in your circumstances.
By taking a look at your caregiving situation in this manner, you are giving up being overwhelmed and turning feelings over to your faith tradition and letting go to help make your situation better.
- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support program.
