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AMES, Iowa - Family caregiving is a growing responsibility for many Americans. Nearly 39% of U.S. adults provide care for a family member or friend with a chronic health condition. While caregiving can be rewarding, it often brings challenges that may affect caregivers’ physical health, emotional well-being and overall life satisfaction.
"Caregiving can be stressful, and many caregivers struggle to find the support they need," said Barbara Dunn Swanson, health and human sciences educator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
To help address these challenges, ISU Extension and Outreach is offering Powerful Tools for Caregivers, an evidence-based educational program designed for individuals caring for a spouse, parent, relative or friend with a chronic condition, including dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The program provides practical strategies and resources to help caregivers manage the demands of caregiving while maintaining their own health and well-being.
Participants will learn techniques for:
· Reducing stress
· Communicating effectively with care recipients, family members and healthcare professionals
· Making difficult caregiving decisions
· Managing emotions related to caregiving
· Finding and using community resources
A virtual Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Adults with Chronic Conditions series will be held on six Fridays: Sept. 11, 18 and 25, and Oct. 2, 9 and 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The workshop series is designed to provide caregivers with practical tools and support to help them care for themselves as they care for others.
"Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles a person takes on, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding," said Malisa Rader, health and human sciences educator with ISU Extension and Outreach. "Powerful Tools for Caregivers reminds participants that
caring for themselves is not selfish. It is an essential part of providing quality care for a care recipient."
"Caregivers who thrive, rather than just survive, understand that by taking care of themselves, they are better able to provide meaningful care," added Swanson.
The cost is $60 per person, which includes the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workbook mailed to participants before the series begins. Caregivers of Iowa cancer survivors may participate at no cost thanks to funding from the Iowa Cancer Consortium. Use coupon code CANCERIOWA when registering. The registration deadline is Sept. 4 or until all available slots are filled. Registration is available online at https://go.iastate.edu/YHM0RO. For more information about the program, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/ptc or contact health and human sciences educator Malisa Rader at mrader@iastate.edu or 515-708-0622.