The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in March. This month’s theme is National Brain Awareness Month.

March 2, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.

March 10, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.

March 12, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program in the Blazy Mall, 5 p.m.

March 17, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.

March 17, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, 3 p.m. Hosted by Paula Koch.

March 31, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Please join and share your experiences as a caregiver, or support someone who is a caregiver. If you are helping a family member of 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 (907) 262-1280.

The Homer Family Caregiver meetings take place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (March 12 and 26) at Homer Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Call for more information, 235-4555.

Southeast

The Juneau Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month (March 11) in the conference room of KTOO’s studio, 360 Egan Drive, noon to 1:30 p.m.

The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (March 13), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.

The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (March 18). For more information, call Brave Heart Volunteers, 747-4600.

For information on caregiver support group meetings around the state:

Anchorage, 561-3313

Fairbanks, 452-2277

Homer, 235-4555

Juneau, 463-6164 or 463-6198

Ketchikan, 225-8080

Kodiak, 486-6181

Nome, 443-4507

Palmer/Wasilla, 746-3413

Sitka, 747-4600

Family caregiver tip of the month

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. Research shows that Traumatic Brain Injury, better known as TBI, can be prevented.

Males have higher rates compared to women, and adults age 65 and older have the highest rates of brain injury related hospitalization.

Brain injury occurs usually as the result of a fall, car accident or other type of activity. Being aware of the signs and symptoms can help recovery that otherwise undetected can result in long term problems. Symptoms fall into four categories:

• difficulty thinking clearly with headache and/or fuzzy or blurry vision

• feeling slowed down with nausea or vomiting and dizziness

• difficulty concentrating that can be accompanied with sensitivity to noise or light and balance problems

• difficulty remembering new information, with feeling tired and having no energy.

When caring for a loved one take measures to prevent falls. If your loved one falls and it results in head injury, have them checked by a professional and watch for any of the listed symptoms.

Getting help quickly may speed recovery. Attend your local support group meeting this month and find out more on brain injury.

– Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program