Please register using the EventBrite link above.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you can become a better caregiver.
This is an online via Zoom, 6-week course that meets once a week on Tuesday afternoons, on the following dates. Participants are kindly asked to attend all sessions whenever possible:
Session 1: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm EST
Session 2: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm EST
Session 3: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm EST
Session 4: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm EST
Session 5: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm EST
Session 6: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm EST
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you can become a better caregiver. You will be sent The Caregiver Helpbook to accompany the program as well as additional caregiver resources.
If you would like a shorter version of this program, please join our introductory session on April 20th.
Session 1: Taking Care of YOU
Introductions and Course Overview
Challenges of Caregiving
Managing Self-Care: Principles
Using Community Resources
Making an Action Plan
Session 2: Identifying and Reducing Personal Stress
Feedback and Solution-Seeking
Managing Caregiving Stress
Identifying Signs and Sources of Caregiver Stress
Taking Action: Stress Reducers
Using Positive Self-Talk
Making an Action Plan
Breathing for Relaxation
Session 3: Communicating Feelings, Needs and Concerns
Feedback and Solution-Seeking
Good Communication: How to Best Express Yourself
Using “I” Messages
Avoiding “Hidden You” Messages
Making an Action Plan
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Session 4: Communicating in Challenging Situations
Feedback and Solution-Seeking
Being Assertive, Not Aggressive
Assertive Communication: DESC
Aikido Communication Style
Making an Action Plan
Session 5: Learning from Our Emotions
Feedback and Solution-Seeking
Listening to Our Emotions
Dealing with Anger and Guilt
Dealing with Depression
Guidelines for Managing Emotions
Making an Action Plan
Guided Imagery Relaxation
Session 6: Mastering Caregiving Decisions
Feedback and Solution-Seeking
The Transition Process
The Family Meeting
Using the Power of Optimism
Future Goals and Action Plans
Sharing Accomplishments