Do you help take care of an older family member or friend? If so, you are not alone. Over 65 million family caregivers in America provide a vast array of emotional, financial, nursing, social, homemaking and other services on a daily or intermittent basis.  Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational series designed to provide tools you need to take care of yourself.

ISU Extension officials say if you take good care of yourself, you will be better prepared to take good care of your loved one. As a participant you will learn how to: reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate your feelings, balance your life, increase ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.

Iowa State University Extension is sponsoring Powerful Tools for Caregivers in cooperation with Good Samaritan Society in Red Oak in March and April. This program has been tested and evaluated through a grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging. Classes consist of six, 2 ½ hour sessions held once a week. Two experienced leaders conduct each class. Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life.

Sessions are scheduled every Wednesday for six weeks and begins on March 18th. Classes will be held at Good Samaritan, 201 Alix Ave., Red Oak from 2:00 – 4:30 pm. A grant received from Good Samaritan defrays the participant costs. Participant books are available for use or purchase ($35). For more information or to register, contact Montgomery County Extension at 712-623-2592 before March 13th.