Senior Voice -

The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in November. This month’s meeting topic: “The Art of Caregiving, Part Two,” with demonstrations on effective approaches to bathing, eating, dressing, transfers and how to respond to certain types of behaviors.

Nov. 7, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Nov. 14, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, hosted by Paula Koch, 3 p.m.

Nov. 21, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.

Nov. 28, 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 Thursdays of each month (Nov. 9 and 23) 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 (Nov. 9) at noon. Call for more information, toll free 866-746-6177.

The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (Nov. 10), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.

The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (Nov. 15). 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

November is Caregiver Appreciation Month. More and more individuals are finding that they need to help care for family members and others in need, a difficult and at times exhausting role to perform. We salute all of you in that role! We came across this poem by Lin M Watkins that expresses what you do and what you need to do for yourself.

“I AM A CAREGIVER”

“It’s what I do – 24/7, I’m here for you. And most of the time we do just fine. But once in a while, I need my own time. And when I take that necessary break, I’ve got to remember it’s for both our sake. I can’t take care of you unless I take care of me. So I work very hard at being guilt-free. I’ll always be here for you so don’t you fret. Together we’re making memories of us I’ll never forget.”

Attend the caregiver support meetings in your area, and you can also access online support groups. Always remember to “Take Care to Give Care”. You may be the most important person in someone’s life.

- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program