Thirty-nine percent of all adult Americans are caring for an adult with a chronic health condition. Caregiving can be a stressful responsibility leading to poor health, mental distress, and less life satisfaction for the caregiver. It can be challenging for caregivers to find the support that they need, says Danielle Day, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach. ISU Extension and Outreach offers educational resources for family caregivers. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a program for caregivers who provide care for a spouse, parent, or friend with a chronic condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The program provides information, support strategies, communication techniques, stress reduction ideas, and resources to assist family caregivers with their concerns related to caregiving.
A Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Adults with Chronic Conditions series is scheduled for six Wednesdays, October 4th through November 8th, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The series will provide you with the tools you need to take care of yourself. 
The program costs $15 per person and registration can be found online. The cost has been supplemented by generous contributions from Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Clayton County. 
“Caregivers who thrive, rather than just survive, understand that by taking care of themselves, they are better able to provide meaningful care,” said Day, who specializes in family wellbeing issues.
To learn more, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/ptc.
Contact human sciences specialist Danielle Day at daday@iastate.edu or 641-229-6563 or contact the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office in Clayton County at 563-245-1451 for more information.