Free training, support for family caregivers
January 1, 2019
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in January. This month’s training features a DVD presentation with Teepa Snow, “Progression of Dementia: Seeing Gems, Not Loss.” Teepa Snow explains the appropriate levels of care needed during different stages of dementia, which types of behaviors to expect, appropriate activity and much more.
Jan. 1, no meeting at Sterling Senior Center due to holiday.
Jan. 8, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Jan. 15, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.
Jan. 22, Open house at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program in Blazy Mall, Soldotna, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to attend the presentation at 11 a.m. with Mike Tovoli, Geneva Woods.
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 (Jan. 10 and 24) 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 (Jan. 11), 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 (Jan. 25). 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
2018 has been quite a year, with warm climate changes and earthquakes thrown in your caregiving basket. Look forward to a new year and, whatever your caregiving role, read this poem and write that new song to help you along in 2019.
“A Sea Change in Care” by Barbara Greer
Let us hold hands as we let go
As we let go, as we let go
Of whom you once were
Of whom I once was
They are no longer here
Let us push our skill of memories
Across the water to a safer shore
We will find it later
Where songs drift on the air
Let us step into a seaworthy craft
To ply through storms of care
Ride the peaks and troughs
Endure the rains of doubt
Set anchor in the harbor of Hope
Let us be there
And write a new song
For what has been lost
And what gained therefrom
I can do the words, you can hum the tune
Do a New Year’s resolution and make it “Take care (of yourself) to give care (to others).” Happy New Year from the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Program.
- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program