OAKHURST – Are you caring for an aging spouse, friend or relative? Valley Caregiver Resource Center is offering a free, 4-week series of classes designed to help.
“Taking Care of You: Powerful Tools for Family Caregivers” will be held starting Feb. 11, and running through March. Class size is limited and preregistration is required at least one week before classes start. The program is not open to professionals or volunteers.
At no cost to the participant, these classes are intended to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring or an older relative or friend. Organizers say participants will benefit from the course whether they care for a parent, spouse, or friend. Whether the person receiving care is at home, in a nursing home or across the country, the class offers essential tools for coping and communicating.
In a 4-week series that meets for two hours the 2nd and 4th Tuesday in February and March, the classes run from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The dates are: Feb. 11, Feb. 25, Mar. 11, Mar. 25.
Family caregivers will learn to reduce stress, and communicate effectively with other family members, doctors and paid home healthcare workers. The group offers tips for personal care, including methods shown to reduce guilt, anger, and depression. Part of the class will provide relaxation techniques, coaching to make tough decisions, and outlines to set goals and problem-solve.
Included with the course is a “how-to” book to accompany the class content. With 21 chapters covering everything from hiring help to making legal decisions, understanding depression, and helping memory impaired elders, the book is also free to participants.
Anyone who wishes to sign up must call at least one week prior to the class start date. The classes are free to participants and have been paid for by a grant from the Fresno/Madera Area Agency on Aging and the Valley Caregiver Resource Center.
For more information contact Oakhurst area coordinator Carol Breit at (559) 683-4045. To register call Valley Caregiver Resource Center (559) 224-9154 or (800) 541-8614. Oakhurst Lutheran Church is located at 39255 Black Road off Road 426.
