Improve the lives of family caregivers in your community with this free program brought to you by the YMCA of the Inland Northwest and Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington
Caring for a family member or friend with a chronic condition can be physically,
emotionally, and financially draining. This highly effective, evidence-based, self-care educational program for family caregivers builds the skills caregivers need to take better care of themselves as they provide care for others. Caregiver participants learn to minimize the potentially negative impacts of caregiving in a six-week program emphasizing self-care and empowerment. Research on Powerful Tools for Caregivers has consistently shown increased self-efficacy for caregiver participants. In 2012, the PTC program was recognized by the Administration on Aging as having met its highest level criteria for evidence-based programs. As of 2017, the PTC program has 4,000 certified class leaders in 40 states.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Classes:
In the six weekly classes, caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools to:
reduce personal stress;
change negative self-talk;
communicate their needs to family members and healthcare or service providers;
communicate effectively in challenging situations;
recognize the messages in their emotions, deal with difficult feelings;
and make tough caregiving decisions.
Class participants also receive a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook, developed
specifically for the class.
Classes are conducted virtually via Zoom and are available at NO CHARGE thanks to a generous sponsorship from Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW).
Caregivers can benefit from the classes whether they are:
Spouses/partners of an adult with a chronic condition
Adult children of aging parents
Parents of children with special health and behavioral needs
Grandparents raising grandchildren with special needs
Long-distance caregivers
In differing stages in their caregiving roles
From diverse rural, urban, or ethnic communities
English, Spanish, and/or Korean speaking
"There was a common bond. We were all dealing with some of the same issues. We shared our stories and learned ways to cope. I learned that it was important to take care of me."
-PTC Caregiver Class Participant
Register for the day/time schedule that works for you:
Nov. 3 - Dec. 8: Tuesdays at 10 am
Nov. 4 - Dec. 16: Wednesdays at 3 pm
Nov. 5 - Dec. 17: Thursdays at 6 pm