The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in September. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted.
Sept. 6 Soldotna Senior Center, joining with the Alzheimer’s Association for presentation, “Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors,” 1 to 2 p.m.
Sept. 4 Kenai Senior Center, joining with the “Stronger Together” group, 1 to 2 p.m.
Sept. 19 Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m.
Sept. 24 Nikiski Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m.
Sept. 26 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai). Find out about direct care services with local care agencies, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 26 Homer Senior Center, 1 to 3 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 information or to offer suggestions on training topics, call Dani Kebschull at the Nikiski Senior Center, 907-776-7654 or email kpfcsp@nikiskiseniorcenter.org.
Kodiak Senior Center hosts the caregiver support group on the third Thursday of each month (Sept. 19) at 1 p.m. Call for information, 907-486-6181.
Around the state
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Willow. Call 1-800-478-1080 for details.
ARA also hosts a statewide call-in meeting on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of every month, 1 to 2 p.m. For information, call Gay Wellman, 907-822-5620 or 1-800-478-1080.
In Southeast Alaska, the Southeast Senior Services Senior and Caregiver Resource Center is available. Call Jennifer Garrison at 866-746-6177.
The national Alzheimer’s Association operates a 24-hour help line for caregivers, staffed by specialists and Masters-level clinicians, at 800-272-3900.
Online caregiver support for Alaska veterans
The Alaska VA Caregiver Wellness Cafe is held monthly on the first Thursday (Sept. 5) from 1 to 2 p.m. via the Teams software and is an informal virtual place to engage with other caregivers while learning about topics beneficial to your role as a caregiver. Enrollment in Alaska VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is not required to participate in the call. For information, call 907-375-2606.
