Senior Voice -

The Kenai Peninsula Famiy Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in August. This month’s meetings will highlight National Immunization Month, reviewing what shots are needed and when to get them since they can prevent serious diseases like the flu and pneumonia.

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

Aug. 8, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Aug. 15, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center,1 p.m.

Aug. 16, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, hosted by Paula Koch, 3 p.m.

Aug. 29, 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 Sharon or Judy at (907) 262-1280.

The Homer Family Caregiver meetings take place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (Aug. 10 and 17) at Homer Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by Pam Hooker. Call for more information, 235-4555.

Southeast

The Senior and Caregiver Resource Center at Southeast Senior Services in Juneau offers a call-in support group for residents of Southeast Alaska. The meeting time is the second Thursday of each month (Aug. 10) at noon. Call for more information, toll free 866-746-6177.

The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (Aug. 11), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.

The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (Aug. 16). 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 Alaska the seasons seem so fleeting and before you know it, it’s almost over. August can be one of the hottest months and it is surely one you need to enjoy before the days shorten and the nights cool. All of the flora and fauna are at their peak during this month, community fairs are being held and there is a lot to take in and enjoy. One thing to remember as a caregiver is that seniors don’t feel the heat the same way that younger people do and if the temperatures rise here are some hints on heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion causes loss of salt and fluid from the body and may involve headache, blurred vision, upset stomach, fatigue and even an increase in body temperature. To prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration: Keep plenty of fluids available and make sure they are being used; avoid direct sun, especially during peak times of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; limit exercise; make appointments for early in the day or later when it’s cooler; serve cool treats like ice cream and popsicles; use sunscreen and protective, loose clothing. If you notice heat stroke symptoms such as weakness, sweating, rapid pulse or fainting, have the person lie down in a cool place and raise their feet. Then apply cool wet cloths to their skin to cool them down and give them beverages to sip such as Gatorade, which has electrolytes. If no Gatorade, you can make a salted drink with one tsp of salt per quart of water and give a half cup every 15 minutes. Then get out and enjoy those nice days when it is not raining.

– Judy Warren

Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program