By the time you read this, the 2020 Caregiving Symposium, scheduled for April 8 at the Boulder Jewish Community Center, may have already occurred. If not, feel free to reach out for a new date. Either way, rest assured we will provide other opportunities for caregiver education throughout 2020.
Juliette Kershner
One such opportunity is the six week, 12-hour class Powerful Tools for Caregivers. Offered throughout the year at varying locations in the county, this course has been proven to help family caregivers reduce stress, enhance self-care, and feel better about their caregiving. Topics covered include taking care of you, identifying and reducing personal stress, communicating needs, feelings and concerns, communicating in challenging situations, and mastering caregiving decisions. Caregivers who take this class learn that they are not alone and that they can thrive rather than just survive!
The next session of Powerful Tools for Caregivers takes place on Thursdays, April 23 – May 28, 10 a.m. – noon in Longmont. It is open to Boulder County residents who provide local or long-distance 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, although donations are appreciated. Pre-registration is required at 303-441-3945 or InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org. Financial assistance for respite care (substitute care for your care recipient during class periods) is available.
If you would like to subscribe to an E-newsletter created just for sharing education and other opportunities with caregivers, please contact us. Meanwhile, access our Resource Guide 24/7 at www. bouldercountyhelp.org to learn about programs and organizations that support caregivers and older adults in Boulder County.
~ Juliette 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.