Koochiching Aging Options Staff Report

A class designed to help family caregivers thrive is being offered in International Falls by Koochiching Aging Options.

“Powerful Tools showed me how important it was to take care of myself in order to give care better. And, they gave me the tools to do it. It was a lifesaver— mine,” said a participant in the six-session class recently taught in Big Falls.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is designed to teach skills to enhance caregivers’ own well being as they care for an older family member or friend. Once-weekly classes begin April 16.

Caregivers are defined as a family member or friend helping an older adult with shopping, transportation, bill paying or activities of daily living such as eating and bathing.

The goal of the course, according to Koochiching Aging Options Program Specialist Leslee Loop, is for caregivers to learn to reduce their stress levels, improve their self confidence, bring balance to their lives, better communicate their feelings and increase their ability to make tough decisions.

Since 1998, this award-winning program has been taught in 30 states and has reached over 60,000 family caregivers. Class participants report that they have fewer feelings of anger, guilt and depression and gain increased confidence in coping with the demands of care giving. They are also more likely to use community services that can help ease their burden.

“It was very educational. Very supportive. A good program,” said a Big Falls participant.

Class members receive “The Caregiver Helpbook” developed specifically for the program. A $25 donation is requested to defray the cost of the help book and materials. No one will be turned away if they are unable to pay. Respite care may be available to allow participants to attend.

Classes will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. each Monday from April 16 through May 21 in the Forestland Annex building in International Falls. Certified instructors will be Leslee Loop and Koochiching Aging Options Executive Director Douglas Skrief.

For more information or to register for the class, call Koochiching Aging Options at 283-7030 or 1-800-950-4630 or visit www.KoochichingAging Options.com and click the Contact button.