1. 1 Taking Care of Me

2. 2 Overview  Self-Identification  Who  What  How  Why  What is Powerful Tools for Caregivers ?  Tools in Action  Questions and Answers

3. 3 What I do  Assist someone with transportation  Provide help with housekeeping  Do the grocery shopping or prepare meals  Provide social engagement or emotional support  Assist with bill paying / finances  Manage legal or insurance matters  Provide personal care

4. 4 Who am I ? Someone who helps a relative or friend with the things that he or She cannot do for oneself due to the disabling effects of a chronic Medical condition is considered a: CAREGIVER

5. 5 How did I become a Caregiver ?  Gradually overtime as a result of a chronic illness:  Diabetes  Parkinson’s  Alzheimer’s  Unexpectedly as a result of a:  Broken hip  Heart attack  Stroke “To become a caregiver, we must cross a threshold whose other side is unexplored and often threatening” -B. W. McLeod

6. 6 How I see myself  As a wife/husband taking care of my spouse “In sickness and health” “Till death us do part”  A daughter/son doing what I’m suppose to do “ Mom took care of me, now it’s my turn” “It’s what a good daughter/son does”

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8. 8 Why take care of Me? Studies show that:  I use 71% more prescription drugs  I have a higher rate of depression  I have 46% more physician visits  I can become isolated  I can experience loss of “self”and time  I can experience financial losses

9. 9 How can I take care of me? Consider participating in a Powerful Tools for Caregivers class.  Classes consist of six 2 ½ hour sessions held weekly  Co-facilitated by 2 trained Class Leaders  Educational program, not support group

10. 10 What can Powerful Tools for Caregivers do for me?  Help me manage my stress and emotions  Help me communicate effectively  Help me make difficult decisions  Help me locate valuable resources  Improve my self-confidence  Bring balance into my life

11. 11 What will I Learn? To always put on my oxygen mask first before assisting others! “Thrive not Just Survive”

12. 12 Tools I Can Use Powerful Tools provides over 25 tools that can be used as needed to assist you in thriving as a caregiver. Such as:  Managing self-care  How to find resources  Managing Stress  Communicating with “I”  Action Plans

13. 13 Take the time to:  Educate yourself  Rally your supporters  Take time for leisure  Use community resources  Maintain a sense of humor  Set realistic goals  Incorporate some of the tools taught today and  Register for a Powerful Tools Class TODAY!

14. 14 Powerful Tools in Action “I am grateful for having participated in this course. I now have the tools to handle my situation in caring for both my husband and brother." “ Thank you for permission to think about me”

15. 15 How Powerful Tools has benefited me?  How it helped me “thrive”  How incorporated “tools” into daily life  Most valuable lesson(s) learned  Advice to others