When flying on a plane, you are instructed to put your own mask on first before helping others. This is important because if you pass out due to lack of oxygen, you can’t help those around you.
When we say, “caregivers should put their mask on first,” it means they should take care of themselves first. This is the perfect metaphor for people who spend time caring for others. When caregivers don’t take care of themselves, they experience burnout, stress, fatigue, reduced mental effectiveness, health problems, anxiety, frustration, inability to sleep, and sadly, sometimes death.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a class that provides the skills to take care of yourself while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver. The class is six sessions held once a week, led by experienced class leaders who have walked the caregiver path themselves.
Here are some recent comments from participants:
• “I admit I was a bit skeptical at first whether this would be a helpful tool for me and my husband. But within minutes of the first session, I felt this was indeed possible!”
• “I have a problem of ‘opening up’ to tell how I actually feel. But you made it so comfortable and sincere, and at just those ‘right times’ even put a smile on my face and hope in my heart!”
• “Hope is such a powerful tool that I was getting pretty short on until my first session. After that, I looked forward to the next session with a new outlook on our situation.”
• “The ‘Caregivers Tools’ we discussed and practiced in role-plays from communication, dealing with emotions, asking for help, and so much more were very helpful!”
• “For the first time in many months, I began to think, ‘I CAN do this!’ and I’m NOT alone!”
• “It was very helpful to take time to focus on myself, learn new skills, and create action plans for the future.”
• “This class was a great opportunity to learn about new resources, especially the textbook that comes with the class. It was also great to be able to talk and connect with other caregivers. Those conversations confirmed my feelings and helped me realize that I am NOT alone.”
• “It was a very informative workshop and the Helpbook is a wonderful resource/reference for now and in the future.”
Remember, it isn’t selfish to take care of yourself; it’s necessary!
We have a Powerful Tools Class at ADRC on Tuesdays, starting October 5 – November 9, from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The cost is $30 and includes a textbook. Class size is limited to 15 participants and registration is now open.
For more information or to register, call us at (920) 448-4300. If you are interested in attending the class but this one doesn’t fit your schedule, call the office and share the days of the week (Monday – Saturday) and times (morning, afternoon, evening, or weekend) that work with your schedule. We will get you on the waitlist and will be planning our 2022 classes based on the information we receive.
