Senior Voice -

The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in February. This month’s focus: National American Heart Month.

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

Feb. 9, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Feb. 16, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Feb. 23, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 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 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 (Feb. 11 and 25) 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 (Feb. 10) 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 (Feb. 12), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.

The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (Feb. 17). 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

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

In November we covered some of the aspects of being happy that is so important in your caregiving role. Here are a few more thoughts on happiness. Being happy in your work is easy to say but not so easy to do. Being happy in your caregiving role may mean that you have to overcome some obstacles that get in your way. Here are some suggestions to help you in your happiness role.

1. Focus on positives instead of the negatives. Positive thinking has a power of its own.

2. Challenge yourself to try something new each day.

3. Smile. A smile can change others’ thinking and perception.

4. Celebrate small accomplishments. Baby steps can lead to positive outcomes.

5. Attend a support group meeting. Support groups help you stay focused, and being focused helps you stay positive. Be happy.

– Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program