Caregivers, Have Questions? Get Answers

About 85,000 Alaskans provide unpaid services worth about $1.2 billion a year to help a family member or friend age in place rather than move into a nursing home.

“Caregiving is inherently stressful, and it is crucial that caregivers have access to information that can help them feel more confident in that role,” said Ken Helander, AARP state advocacy director. In order to get useful information out to the state’s vast rural areas, AARP Alaska will host a tele-town hall for caregivers on Monday, Dec. 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. Joyanna Geisler, director of the Independent Living Center, a nonprofit aging and disability resource center in Homer, will respond to participants’ questions about aging in place, home modifications and safety.

Most Alaskans who receive assistance at home rely exclusively on unpaid family caregivers for help. To participate in the telephone conversation, register at vekeo.buzz/AARP-Alaska-Joyanna.