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

Jan. 6, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Jan. 13, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Jan. 15, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program in the Blazy Mall, 5 p.m.

Jan. 20, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Jan. 27, 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 (Jan. 14 and 28) at Homer Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Call for more information, 235-4556.

Southeast

The Juneau Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month (Jan. 14) 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 (Jan. 9), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.

The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (Jan. 21). 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, 235-2295

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

With the New Year comes the promise of fresh starts and a new beginning. Many people make New Year’s resolutions, however, resolving to start or stop doing certain things has no value unless you have motivation for what you are resolving to do.

Instead of resolutions, try starting a daily journal, taking one day at a time.

First, develop a daily recipe for having a good day. Start with one part patience, one part courage and one part work for the day. Add in one part of hope, kindness and generosity. Blend in one good deed and meditation. Season with a dash of happy thoughts, a sprinkle of fun and a cup of good humor. Pour all into a vessel of love and cook and serve this dish with a smile.

Make a fresh batch every day. Note the day’s events in your journal to help with your motivation. Along with the journal, resolve to attend a support group meeting in your area for motivational reinforcement.

Happy New Year!

– Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program