Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Gaining Skills, Improving Health

It is estimated 80 percent of all care received by older Americans is provided by family members – spouses, children, grandchildren and other relatives.

 If you provide support, care or assistance to a loved one, friend, parent or spouse, then you are a caregiver, no matter if the person you are helping lives in his or her own home, across country or at an assisted living home or nursing home.

While caregivers are attentive to the needs of their family members, caregivers all too often minimize the physical, emotional and decision-making challenges they face. Studies have documented high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers as well as increased risk of health problems, both physical and emotional.

That’s why a free six week program known as “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is being offered on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. starting on May 26. The goal of the program is to help provide caregivers with the “tools” to be a healthy caregiver.

In six weekly classes, caregivers will develop a wealth of self-care tools to:  reduce personal stress; change negative self-talk; communicate their needs to family members and healthcare providers; communicate more effectively in challenging situations; recognize the messages in their emotions, deal with difficult feelings; and make tough caregiving decisions (such as placement, driving issues, or finances). 

“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is a program provided by the Elder Services of Merrimack Valley. Care for care receivers may be available at no cost. Classes will be held at Chelmsford Crossings, an assisted living community located at 199 Chelmsford Street, Chelmsford.

To learn more about the program or to register, contact Renée Merritt at Elder Services of Merrimack Valley at 978-946-1321 or rmerritt@esmv.org.