The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following support group meetings in March:
April 2, Tyotkas Elder Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m.
April 5, Soldotna Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m.
April 16, Kenai Senior Center, with presentation “Health Living for Your Brain and Body” by Cindy Harris from the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 to 2 p.m.
April 18, Sterling Senior Center, open discussion, 1 to 2 p.m.
April 25, Nikiski Senior Center, open discussion, 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 or to offer suggestions on training topics, call Dani Kebschull at the Nikiski Senior Center, 907-776-7654 or email kpfcsp@nikiskiseniorcenter.org.
The Homer caregiver support group meets at the Homer Senior Center on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (April 11 and 25), from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Contact Pam Hooker for information, 907-299-7198.
Kodiak Senior Center hosts the caregiver support group on the third Thursday of each month (April 18) at 1 p.m. Call for information, 907-486-6181.
Around the state
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska (ARA) organizes caregiver support meetings around the state, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau/Southeast, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, Sitka, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Willow. Call 1-800-478-1080 for details.
ARA also hosts a statewide call-in meeting on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of every month, 1 to 2 p.m. For information, call Gay Wellman, 907-822-5620 or 1-800-478-1080.
In Southeast Alaska, the Southeast Senior Services Senior and Caregiver Resource Center is available. Call Jennifer Garrison at 866-746-6177.
The national Alzheimer’s Association operates a 24-hour help line for caregivers, staffed by specialists and Masters-level clinicians, at 800-272-3900.