Senior Voice -

Editor’s note: This schedule may change, due to coronavirus safety measures. Be sure to confirm with the host agency prior to visiting.

The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in May. This is Mental Health Month and the meeting discussion topic will be “Well into your Future, Maintaining Mental Health.”

May 5, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m.

May 12, Caregiver support meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 p.m.

May 19, Caregiver support meeting at Kenai Senior Center, 1 p.m.

May 26, 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. Hospice will present a workshop on the “Five Wishes” advance directives from 1 to 2 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 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 (May 14 and 28) 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 (May 1), 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 (May 8), 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 (May 22). 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

A young lad was asked if he understood why there is no school happening at this time. He said, “yes, because they are all out of toilet paper!”

We hope you all have toilet paper and more to help you through this COVID-19 concern.

The concern for seniors now is on the scams that have developed, targeting Medicare beneficiaries. Scammers view health emergencies as opportunities for new fraud schemes. Older people are targeted because they are a greater risk for serious illness, especially from a virus such as COVID-19. You may receive a telemarketing call, door to door visit or be contacted through social media from someone pretending they are from Medicare. Medicare beneficiaries are being targeted with testing scams for the virus in exchange for personal information. Be suspicious of unexpected phone calls offering COVID-19 tests or supplies. Do not give out your Medicare number, Social Security number or personal information to anyone other than a physician or trusted healthcare provider.

Medicare Part B covers COVID-19 tests when ordered by your doctor and medically necessary hospitalizations. There is presently no vaccine. To report any fraud attempts, visit https://www.smpresource.org/Content/You-Can Help/Report-Fraud.aspx.

To all of the many caregivers out there, remember there is a light at the end of this tunnel and it’s getting brighter. Remember to sing “Happy Birthday” with hand washing, and take care to give care.

- Judy Warren, Kenai Peninsula National Family Caregiver Support Program.