The Aging & Disability Resource Center of the Lakeshore along with River Woods Place will be offering a “Powerful Tools for Caregiving” series beginning on Thursday, March 7th,and concluding on, Thursday, April 11th, 2019.
The classes will be held at River Woods Place, located at 950 South Rapids Road in Manitowoc. This is a 6-week series that will meet on Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:30 PM each week. Attendance at all 6 sessions is highly encouraged, as each class builds upon previous skills acquired.
A $10 fee is collected at the first class, to help defray the cost of the textbook provided.
Focus is on the caregiver and self-care. You will learn techniques to reduce personal stress, communicate effectively with family, friends, and medical professionals; reduce guilt, anger, fear, depression and tension. You will practice relaxation techniques, and build confidence in handling difficult caregiving situations, emotions and decisions. Though this class is educational in nature, support also comes from other caregivers who experience the same feelings and day to day struggles. Ample time for sharing helps caregivers realize that others also are walking in their shoes. Support from each other is a critical component of this curriculum.
Caregiving can be both challenging and rewarding, however, it is very important that caregivers pay attention to the physical, emotional, and financial problems that this role may cause and continue to take care of themselves. Families usually believe that no one can care for their loved one as well as they can even though they are struggling to do it all. It is important for the caregiver to maintain outside interests and activities, and continue to see their friends. Often caregivers are reluctant to seek help until there is a crisis. This class can help you manage the challenges of caregiving and avoid that crisis.
Respite care for your loved one, if they are unable to be home alone during the time of the sessions, can be provided at no cost to the caregiver by contacting the ADRC of the Lakeshore. An assessment is required prior to the start of the first class. Please call now to arrange for this service. A minimum of 2 weeks is required to coordinate this service.
For more information or to register: Call Lynn Scheinoha at the Aging & Disability Resource Center of the Lakeshore at: 1-877-416-7083. Class size is limited. Registrations for the class will be taken until March 1st.
