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AMES -- 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 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 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on six Mondays: Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Nov. 2 and 9.
The workshop series is designed to provide caregivers with practical tools and support to help them care for themselves as they care for others.
To find the cost, which includes the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workbook mailed to participants before the series begins and get registered, visit: go.iastate.edu/YHM0RO. 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. 28 or until all available slots are filled. 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.