AMES, Iowa--A class leader training for certification to teach the Powerful Tools for Caregivers curriculum will be offered in Ankeny Dec. 12-14.
“This highly effective educational series helps family caregivers of older adults build the skills they need to take better care of themselves as they provide care for others,” said Colleen Jolly, a family life state specialist with Iowa State University Extension.
Class leaders are certified through a two and one-half day training that prepares them to successfully teach the series with another certified partner, Jolly said. The training program includes all materials necessary for teaching, “The Caregiver Helpbook,” a one-time licensing fee and intensive, experiential training led by Iowa State University Extension master trainers, Donna Donald and Patricia Swartzlander.
ISU Extension sponsors the team of master trainers in Iowa. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a Mather LifeWays program. Forty-five Iowa class leaders currently are certified and offer the caregiver series in cooperation with local churches, area agencies on aging, hospitals, housing facilities and other organizations.
“Potential class leaders could be professionals or volunteers from healthcare, social service or faith-based organizations. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills and a genuine interest in the wellbeing of family caregivers,” Jolly said.
Class leaders are encouraged to enroll as local teams of two, but also may team with a previously trained class leader to conduct community classes. Registration fees for class-leader training are $500 per person including breakfast and lunch during the training days. Pre-registration is required by Nov. 28.
The training will be at the Heartland AEA Woodside Branch Office, 6900 NE 14th St., Ankeny, Iowa. The training will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13, and 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14.
For more information, call (515) 294-4824, or visit the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Web site.
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