The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in March. This month’s meeting topic is “The Power of Music in Caring for People with Dementia.” Come learn more about the therapeutic effects of music such as connection, remembering happier times, comfort and sense of belonging, lifting of spirits, and relieving boredom.

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

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

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

March 21, Caregiver support meeting at Anchor Point Senior Center, hosted by Paula Koch, 3 p.m.

March 27, open house at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program office in Soldotna, Blazy Mall, Suite #209, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the lending library, durable goods loan closet, ask questions or just visit over a cup of coffee.

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 (March 8 and 22) 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 (March 8) at noon. Call for more information, toll free 866-746-6177.

The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (March 9), upstairs at the Ketchikan Senior Center at noon.

The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month (March 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, 235-4555

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 this technology world of today we are filled with information daily generated by our news media on radio, newspaper, TV and computer. I am grateful for the information I have been hearing on

stroke and hearing the important message about “FAST” (see below). This past month my partner awoke me in the early morning with intolerable pain of a severe headache. At first he only wanted pain medication which was given to him, however when I heard him say his lip was getting numb I immediately called 911. We are fortunate to live close to central emergency services and paramedics were there within 15 minutes. The quick action by paramedics spared him from long term damage.

The message called “FAST,” on seeking medical attention for stroke, is highly important. F stands for face drooping; A is arms down or unable to raise up; S stands for strange or slurred speech; T stands for time and to call for help immediately. Do not hesitate to get help immediately to avoid long term damage and disability. I salute all emergency workers in the state of Alaska for the important work that you do.

- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Group program