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WISCONSIN: Program Helps Caregivers Take Care Of Themselves The Daily Press Last Updated: Wednesday, February 11th, 2004 10:34:41 AM Caring for an ill or disabled family member or friend is often rewarding, but can be very stressful. Research shows that caregivers are at a high risk of depression and stress-related illnesses. The Alzheimer's Association, the Lifespan Respite Network of Ashland & Bayfield Counties and the Wisconsin Alliance for Family Caregiving are offering a six-week education program to give caregivers the skills to take care of themselves and to feel more confident in the care they provide. The program, "Taking Care of You: Powerful Tools for Caregiving" is designed to aid those who care for loved ones with stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, or similar long-term conditions. Participants range in age and include spouses, adult children caring for parents, and friends who help care for neighbors (no professional caregivers, please). Participants will develop their own personalized action plans and goals while covering a variety of topics, including: tools to help reduce stress; how to communicate effectively with other family members, their doctor, and service providers; the importance of self-care; how to reduce guilt, anger, and depression; how to approach tough decisions and more. When a caregiver practices self-care, the caregiver also benefits, according to UW Extension Program Specialist in Aging, Mary Brintnall-Peterson. "Taking care of You: Powerful Tools for Care giving" cannot take away care giving problems, but it can help caregivers better manage their situations, seek and find solutions, and thrive as individuals. The next series of "Taking Care of You" classes will be held on the following dates: February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 12, 22. Time of the course is 3:30-6:30 pm. Location is the Washburn Public Library meeting room. There is a $20 fee for the Caregiver Handbook needed for the course, however scholarships are available for the fee and if needed for respite care for the care recipient through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. A light meal is also included. Pre-registration has been extended to February 11. To register for classes, or to make inquiries, call Colleen at the Alzheimer's Association at 715-934-2222 or Deanna at the Lifespan Respite Network of Ashland & Bayfield Counties at 715- 682-7171 SOURCE: Ashland Daily Press, WI http://www.ashlandwi.com/placed/index.php?sect_rank=4&story_id=164557 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn