Senior Voice -

The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in August. This month’s focus is “Designing a Supportive Dementia Care Environment,” with showings from a training DVD by dementia expert Teepa Snow.

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

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

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

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

Aug. 28, Open house at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program office in Soldotna, Blazy Mall, Suite #209, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the lending library, durable goods loan closet, ask questions or just enjoy some company. Or attend the 11 a.m. workshop, presented by Ruthann Truesdell, Central Peninsula Hospital staff training coordinator and CNA instructor, in the Snoezelen Room at Heritage Place.

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 (Aug. 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. Call for more information, toll free 866-746-6177.

The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (Aug. 10), upstairs at the Ketchikan-Saxman Senior Center, 2 to 3 p.m.

The Sitka Family Caregiver Support Group meets the fourth Friday of each month (Aug. 24). 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

Life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference. -- Virginia Satir

One of the biggest hurdles one has as a caregiver is dealing with stress. We all handle stress differently, and it is unique to every individual. Here are some tips on what may work for you.

Look at how you feel about the circumstances that put you in your caregiving situation. Your perception of your situation will affect your stress level, either increasing stress or decreasing your stress level.

Set aside time each day to look at what is worrying you. Make a list at this time, it can be written or mental. Then when things arise during your caregiving day put the worry off until your special time that is set aside.

Establish an exercise routine for yourself and look at things you are interested in doing such as hobbies. Many times these can be done with the person you are caring for and you will both benefit.

As you ponder your worry list during your special time, is there something that you can change? Take action and develop a plan to consider options. Look at networking by going to support group meetings and talking with others in the same situations. Contact your local National Family Caregivers Support Program in your area and find out what resources are available to help you with stress, particularly things that can relieve you from time to time such as respite.

Practice your caregiver Bill of Rights.

- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program