When you find yourself in the role of caring for a loved one, you are taking on one of the most noble jobs life brings forth. You may, however, be taxed beyond what is usual for you. Whether you are managing care from afar, performing hands on care in the home, or making frequent visits across town, caregiving often leaves us wondering how we will survive all of the demands upon us. How are you to care for the person under your watch, as well as yourself — perhaps while also juggling work and other family responsibilities — and walk this path in the best way for both of you? This is only one of the questions to be grappled with, as a caregiver. But you need not answer it alone.
Juliette Kershner
Boulder County Area Agency on Aging offers a course that provides family caregivers with tools to help cope with the challenges of caregiving. Powerful Tools for Caregivers has been proven to help family caregivers reduce their stress, enhance their self-care, feel better about their caregiving, and yes, even thrive! Topics covered include identifying and reducing personal stress, taking care of you, communicating in challenging situations, and mastering caregiving decisions. One recent participant shared that the best aspect of the class for her was “knowing that I’m not alone, that there are helpers available (and that) I can allow my frailties with grace.” Another shared that as a result of taking the class, “I’m less stressed, more able to deal with conflict, and have more tools to use in the future.”
The next session of Powerful Tools for Caregivers takes place on Wednesdays, August 21 –September 25, 5:30 – 8 p.m., in Longmont. It is open to Boulder county residents who provide care for a relative, partner, or friend who is 60 or over, or of any age if the person has dementia. There is no fee, though donations are appreciated. Pre-registration is required, at 303-678-6116 or InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org. Financial assistance for respite care (substitute elder care during class periods) is available.
Caregivers who take this class learn that they are not alone and that they can thrive rather than just survive!
~ Juliette Jonjak Kershner is Caregiver Initiative Coordinator with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, a Division of Community Services. For more information on BCAAA caregiver services, call 303-678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org .