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 on an intermittent basis.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational series designed to provide tools you need to take care of yourself. 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 Villisca beginning in late August. This program has been tested and evaluated through a grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging. Local supporters include: Good Samaritan Society, Red Oak & Villisca and Iowa State University/Montgomery County Extension.

Classes consist of six, 90 minute 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 Monday (except for Labor Day) for six weeks and begin on August 24th. Classes will be held at Good Samaritan Society from 6:00 – 8:30 PM. Good Samaritan Society had a special grant to defray costs for this program.

For more information or to register, contact Montgomery County Extension at 712-623-2592 by August 19th.