We are excited to begin providing a new workshop designed just for family caregivers.

“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is a free educational series presented by the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) that is designed to provide the tools to take care of yourself while caring for a relative or friend.

It is available to help family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources.

Classes consist of six sessions held once a week for 90 minutes. Two experienced class leaders conduct the classes and provide interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming to help caregivers take the tools presented and place them in action.

Attendees will receive a free book, “The Caregiver Helpbook,” developed specifically for the class that covers topics such as hiring in-home help, helping those with memory issues, making legal and financial decisions, and understanding depression.

“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” will give you the tools to:

• Help you reduce stress

• Communicate effectively with other family members, your doctor, and paid help

• Take care of yourself

• Reduce guilt, anger and depression

• Help you relax

• Make tough decisions

• Set goals and problem-solve

Members of our staff were recently trained to teach this course and we are looking forward to bringing the class to a community near you. If you or someone you know would be interested in participating, please call our office at 1-800-582-7277.

If you would like to learn more about long-term care home and community-based services that are available in your community, please call our Agency at 1-800-582-7277.

Our Resource Center is available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options and resources.

We can even schedule an in-home assessment with a nurse or social worker at no cost to discuss these options and resources in more detail.

 

Pamela K. Matura is the executive director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7.