Dates: Thursdays, October 4, 11, 18; November 1, 8 and 15, 2007
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Soldier Lutheran Church
Cost: $30.00 fee which includes supplies, refreshments and a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook
Most people don’t plan to become caregivers for another person in their life. However, many find themselves in that situation as a result of either an acute incident or a chronic illness. Caregiving takes many forms including help with transportation, housekeeping shopping, emotional and social support, personal care and assistance with financial or legal or insurance issues. Whether providing care at home or having responsibility for a neighbor or for someone in a care facility; down the block or miles away, caregivers face many challenges.
Iowa State University has led the way in bringing Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a nation-wide Mather Life Ways program, to Iowa communities. Iowa ranks second in percentage of population over age 85 and Monona County ranks first in Iowa. Extension’s goal to bring this research based and tested program to Iowa communities where there are community partners and an expressed local need.
ISU Extension and Burgess Home Health partner in Monona County to offer Powerful Tools for Caregivers. Cheri Hardison, Monona County Extension Education Director, and Sherri Johnston, Burgess Home Health/Hospice Director, are trained instructors interested in working with groups in Monona County. The six-week program has been held in Onawa and Mapleton. They would like to hold the program in any location where there is interest.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers will help participants reduce stress, improved self-confidence, better communicate feelings, balance life, increase ability to make tough decisions, and learn to locate helpful resources.
To learn more or indicate an interest in the program, contact Cheri Hardison at 712/423-2175 or Sherri Johnston at 712/423-2311. They would visit any group who may like to hear more about the program.