Mackenzie DeJong, Human Sciences Specialist, Family Wellbeing
Thirty-nine percent of all adult Americans are caring for an adult with a chronic health condition. Caregiving can be a stressful responsibility leading to poor health, mental distress, and less life satisfaction for the caregiver. It can be challenging for caregivers to find the support that they need.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers educational resources for family caregivers. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a program for caregivers who provide care for a spouse, parent, or friend with a chronic condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
In session one, caregivers discuss the challenges of caregiving and start to discuss ways to implement self- care. They are also introduced to available community resources and learn how to create an action plan.
Session two explores personal stressors, identifying signs and sources of caregiver stress, taking action to reduce stressors, and utilizing positive self-talk.
In the third session, feelings, needs, and concerns are discussed. Caregivers learn how to best express themselves and begin to practice using “I” messages and avoid ‘you’ messages.
Continuing communication practice, week four digs in deeper and teaches about using assertiveness over aggressiveness, and introduces caregivers to two communication techniques, DESC and Aikido.
Week five dives into emotions. Caregivers learn more about listening to emotions, listening to anger and guilt, dealing with depression, and managing emotions.
The sixth and final week introduces family meetings, using the power of optimism, and asks caregivers to set future goals so they can continue to take care of themselves, and in turn, better care for their care receivers.
A Virtual Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Adults with Chronic Conditions series is scheduled for six Wednesdays, Oct. 5 – Nov.19, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. The series will provide you with the tools you need to take care of yourself. The program costs $40 per person and registration can be found online.
Caregivers who thrive, rather than just survive, understand that by taking care of themselves, they are better able to provide meaningful care.
To learn more or register, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/ptc or contact human sciences specialist Mackenzie DeJong at mldejong@iastate.edu or 712-541-8737.