The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in July. This month’s focus is part two of last month’s “End of Life Care and Letting Go,” featuring a DVD presentation with Teepa Snow.

July 5, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.

July 12, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.

July 19, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.

July 26, 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 Shelley or Judy at (907) 262-1280.

The Homer Family Caregiver meetings take place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (July 14 and 28) at Homer Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Call for more information, 235-4555.

Southeast

  The Juneau Family Caregiver Support Group is on hold until a new meeting space is found.

The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (July 8), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.

The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (July 20). 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

Happy Fourth of July! Here we are at the peak of our summer season and with the warm weather Alaska has been experiencing, it’s safe to say that this may be our warmest month. How do we stay safe in hot weather? Those with chronic medical conditions need extra attention in hot weather to ensure that they do not experience hyperthermia.

Some things that increase the risk of hyperthermia that you may not think about are dehydration, high blood pressure, salt-restricted diets, heart, lung and kidney diseases, use of multiple medications, and reduced sweating caused by medications. Keep these things in mind as you enjoy the month of July with your loved one to ensure their comfort and safety. Monitor the fluid intake and keep them cool.

Avoid any chance of hyperthermia that can become the life threatening form of heat stroke. Signs include significant increase in body temperature, confusion and combativeness, rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, rapid pulse and feeling faint. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911.

– Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program