Workshop Teaches Caregivers How to Take Care of Themselves
Debra Brunner knows first-hand the challenges one can face as a caregiver for a loved one. “I have been a caregiver for my mother for many years, and as health and wellness professional, it hasn’t, and isn’t, always easy but with the willingness to ask for help you too will thrive,” said Brunner, a master trainer for Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-week class offered this spring by THRIVES, “Teaming for Health & Resiliency Improvement via Education and Support.”
“Thriving, not just surviving as a caregiver is essential,” said Brunner. “If you do not take care of yourself while caring for another you might not survive.”
Powerful Tools for Caregiving classes each build on the other with the focus on the caregiver and the importance of taking care of their own needs and well-being and maintaining meaningful relationships and activities.
Topics include identifying and reducing stress; communicating effectively and listening to the message of ones emotions; learning constructive ways of dealing with guilt, anger or depression; and mastering life changing decisions. “Anyone who is a caregiver should take this course to help them better cope with the challenges of caregiving and get support and resources to make the caregiving journey easier,” said Brunner.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers will be offered from 9-11:30 a.m. Tuesday’s May 6 through June 10 at the Waupaca Senior Center, 407 School St. The workshop is free but pre-registration is required. Class size is limited to 16 participants. To register, call ThedaCare Central Scheduling: 920-738-6521 option 1.
For more information about the THRIVES Coalition or Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Prevention Program Coordinator at the Waupaca County Aging & Disability Resource Center, at (715) 258-6277 or via e-mail Kristine.Wiegman@co.waupaca.wi.us.
