Senior Voice -

The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in March. This month’s presentation and discussion will continue focus on a training DVD by Teepa Snow.

March 3, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.

March 10, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.

March 17, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.

March 24, Open house at Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program in Blazy Mall, Soldotna, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the lending library, durable medical equipment loan closet and more while enjoying a cup of coffee and friendly conversation.

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 or 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 12 and 26) at Homer Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hosted by Pam Hooker. Call for more information, 235-4555.

Palmer caregiver support group meets at Palmer Senior Center (aka Mat-Su Senior Services) the first Friday of each month (March 6), 10 to 11:30 a.m. Contact Janice Downing, Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, 746-3413.

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, 463-6177 or 463-6181.

The Ketchikan Family Caregiver Support Group meets the second Friday of each month (March 13), 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 (March 27). 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

Ketchikan, 225-8080

Kodiak, 486-6181

Nome, 443-4507

Family caregiver tip of the month

This winter is one most Alaskans will remember as more of an old-fashioned Alaska winter with the cold, snow, more cold and lots to deal with from the yoyo effect of the climate. Now we have the virus scare looming with folks returning to their respective countries from China, and dealing with decontamination and possible passing of the virus to others. What’s a caregiver to do? We can’t change the weather so take the extra precautions needed like careful driving and keeping emergency supplies on hand for that “just in case” situation during cold weather. Extra caution needs to be used when caring for someone with the flu or a virus: avoid close contact, wash your hands while singing ‘Happy Birthday’ two times, wash your hands a lot, and give yourself and the person you care for lots of fluids. Make sure you both have the flu and pneumonia shots up to date.

Always remember to “take care to give care,” that spring does come to Alaska and sometimes it’s sooner than later.

- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program