Caregiver Education

Senior Health Partners (or SHP) offers Caregiver Workshops provided as part of the National Family Caregiver Support Program. These workshops are for caregivers, family or informal, to be educated and supported in various issues of caregiving, including both the physical and emotional aspects.

A Series of Four Different Caregiver Workshops:

Class One: Practical Solutions for Increasing Physical Home Care: There is Help Out There

Class Two: Emergency Care & First Aid: You Can Do It & When You Can't

Class Three: Nutrition: Time Saving Meals that Everyone Likes, The Decreasing Appetite

Class Four: Caring for the Caregiver: Short Cut Ways to Save Time & Energy, Time for You

Final Completion of the caregiving workshop: review of the last four classes, a mini-quiz and a certificate awarded to each caregiver who completed all four classes signed by Jane Chappell, RN.

This class will explore ways caregivers can take care of themselves, how to prevent caregiver burnout, and provide information on available caregiver resources, programs, and services both locally and nationally.

To register for a specific session or for all workshops please contact Senior Health Partners facilitator Jane Chappell, RN at 269-441-0957 or toll-free 1-866-721-8276. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Class size is limited so call today!

Caregiver Panels

Resources for Managing the Stress of Caregiving

By 2010 the number of American households who will be involved in caregiving is projected to reach 80 to 100 million.

Caring for another person takes a lot of time, energy and work. Caregivers often juggle full or part-time employment, parenting and household management in addition to the demands of caregiving. This can take a tremendous toll on the physical and emotional health of caregivers. Research shows that caregivers are more prone to health problems like diabetes and heart disease than non-caregivers and are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Senior Health Partners, Senior Behavioral Health, and other professionals offer free programs for caregivers to get their concerns and questions answered.

Tools for Managing the Stress and Anxiety of Caregiving includes a panel of experts in medical and behavioral health, and holistic approaches to assist caregivers in coping with stress. Caregivers will learn about community resources available through the National Family Caregiver Support Program such as respite care, support groups, caregiver training and services available through the Area Agency on Aging. Holistic and complementary resources for managing stress will also be discussed including neuro-biofeedback, massage, meditation, breathing techniques and more.

The format will include brief presentations by panelists, questions and answers and dialogue. These programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited and reservations are requested by calling Senior Health Partners at 269-441-0948.

Some important questions to ask the health care team (doctor or nurse) about providing physical care:

• Lifting and Moving: Ask about proper techniques.

  "How can I protect my back while lifting and moving my uncle?"

• Bedpans: Ask about the proper techniques for using and sanitizing.

  "How do I help my mother used a bedpan and how do I sanitize it?"

• Pressure Ulcers: Ask about avoiding this health hazard.

  "How can I prevent my father from getting pressure ulcers or bed sores?"

• Incontinence: Ask about protecting the patient from discomfort.

  "How can I help my sister with her incontinence or bed wetting?"

• Skin Care: Ask about maintaining cleanliness and preventing dryness.

  "How can I help my brother take care of his skin so that it is clean and doesn't become dry?"