Powerful Tools for Caregivers   

Is and education program for family caregivers or those caring for another.  The program empowers caregivers to reduce negative effects of caregiving and to practice self-care.

Each class covers a different topic and teaches "tools" that provide useful techniques for improving caregivers' emotions and selfcare behaviors.

Class#1 Taking Care of you
Challenges of caregiving and the importance of caregiver self-care are emphasized.
caregivers begin to make an individual action plan for self-care week.

Class #2 Identifying and reducing personal stress
Steps for effective stress management are presented.  Tools to reduce stress are discussed, including simple relaxation activities.

Class#3 Communicationg feelings, needs and concerns
Participants learn how to communicate their feelings, needs and concerns more effectively
by using "I" messages.  Through dramatizations,caregivers experience the impact of "you" messages.  Progressive muscle relaxation is practiced.

Class#4 Communicating in challenging situations
Participants practice two communication tools- assertiveness and Aikido - which are helpful in difficult situations.  Caregiver further learn how to set limits.

Class#5 Learning from our Emotions
Focus is on identifying constructive ways for dealing with difficult feelings- especially anger,guilt, and depression- and resources for professional help.

Class#6 Mastering Caregiving Decisions
Tools for dealing with internal emotional changes and for making tough decisions are discussed including a decision making model, a family meeting, and "tools of optimisim."
Caregivers acknowledge their accomplishments and develop a long-term action plan.

Powerful Tools Class Leader Training

March 8 & 9 2012   8am-5pm. (2) full day training

Waupaca County Municipal Building

 811 Harding Street

Waupaca, WI 54981

Please contact Deb Bruner at 715-942-1437 to register for class.