Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Every day over 20 million Americans act as family caregivers. These caregivers face many challenges. It is stressful physically, emotionally and financially. Often caregivers take care of others but neglect themselves.

Response:
Ten caregivers completed Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) held in Winterset ( Madison County ) during November/December 2007. PTC is a national program authored and disseminated by Legacy Caregivers Services in Oregon . Over the course of six weeks, caregivers learned about tools needed to take care of themselves as they care for an older adult. Caregivers learned how to: reduce stress; improve self-confidence; better communicate feelings; balance their lives; increase ability to make tough decisions; and locate helpful resources. Two trained class leaders facilitated the classes held at the Winterset Public Library. Fourteen local donors provided necessary funding. Other community supporters assisted with refreshments and publicity.

Impact:
All 10 participants completed an evaluation at the conclusion of the program. The results are as follows: After completing PTC, participants rated how valuable each lesson was based on a scale of 1-10. Average Rating

• Class 1: Introduction, Self-Care Principles 9.40
• Class 2: Identifying Signs and Reducing Stress 9.60
• Class 3: Communicating Concerns and Feelings 9.33
• Class 4: Communication in Challenging Situations 9.44
• Class 5: Understanding and Learning from Emotions 9.33
• Class 6: Mastering Caregiving Decisions 9.38
  

Did the class provide you with helpful information about community resources? Yes – 8 No – 1

As a result of PTC do you believe you are a more confident caregiver than you were before taking the class? Yes – 8 No – 1

What did you like best about the program?

• Detailed action plan in class 1. Learning to use the DESC communication tool in class 4.
• I really benefited from the classes on communication skills.
• How to do “I” messages vs. “you” messages.
• The best and most important part of this program was the socialization for the caregivers. Caregiving is very lonely!
• The action plans as they make us aware of ourselves in regards to needs and pleasures. Also the two communication methods Aikido and DESC.
• Communicating concerns and communication in challenging situations.
  

Additional Team/Community Partners:
Sharon Johnson, Class Leader

Contact:
Donna Donald
Decatur County Extension
309 N. Main
Leon, IA 50144
641-446-4723
ddonald@iastate.edu