Powerful Tools for Caregivers Newsletter

December, 2022

PTC Upcoming Events

Update Contact and Class Series Information

At PTC Headquarters, we are committed to updating PTC class leaders' contact information and past class series. Therefore, in the upcoming months, we will reach out to specific class leaders with the request to update their contact information; however, if you would like your contact information updated with PTC, please reach out to ptcaregivers@iastate.edu to start the process.

Additionally, if you are an event or volunteer coordinator and have the information about past class series that not been entered into the “add an upcoming/completed class series” forms, please contact us at ptcaregivers@iastate.edu to add this information to our records.

Caregiving During the Holidays

The holidays can be stressful for all of us, but for caregivers, the time can have extra stress associated with the family care role. PTC headquarters developed a short list of suggestions for how caregivers can apply "Powerful Tools" to stay grounded during the holidays. As leaders, the following list is a reminder to remain cognizant of the ways caregivers may need support.

Taking Time for YOU: Families can offer respite during the holidays so the caregiver can take time for themselves. In alignment with the concept of "taking time for YOU" taught in the Powerful Tools for Caregivers class series, caregivers can remain open to this offer of respite. Even something as simple as having a quiet cup of tea away from others or taking a short walk can help relieve the holiday stress and re-center the caregiver.
Quality Time: Family members can offer quality time spent one-on-one with the caregiver to reaffirm the caregivers' feelings of self-worth and individual needs.
Boundaries: Caregivers need to communicate their boundaries about the holidays (using those "I messages") and families need to remain receptive to those needs.
Caregivers may be reluctant to join large holiday functions. Although the reasons are different for every caregiver, this may be due to a caregiver's avoidance to repeatedly discuss their current care situation or to organize lengthy and tiring visits.
Family members can remain open to changing traditional holiday plans in order to make the holidays a more meaningful experience for caregiver. Options may include scheduling shorter and simpler gatherings at an accessible venue.
Ask for Help: The holidays are the best time to ask for some extra help if you normally would not do so. Even an extra few hours can be a huge relief. Reach out to direct family members or community resources.

Resources for Caregivers and Family Members:

Caregiver.org

AARP

NIA

PTC Co-Leader Needed

Roni Hyde of Greater Oregon Behavioral Health (GOBHI) is seeking a co-leader to for a virtual class series in the spring of 2023. If you or someone you know is interested in co-leading with Roni, please email ptcaregivers@iastate.edu.

If you are recently trained, this is a great opportunity to meet the requirements of being a PTC class leader.

Interested in becoming a Master Trainer?

Applications are open!

· Friday, January 27, 2023 1:00–3:00pm CST

· Wednesday, March 29, 2023 10:00am–12:00pm CST

· Tuesday, June 6, 2023 1:00–3:00pm CST

· Friday, August 18, 2023 10:00am–12:00pm CST

See requirements for becoming a PTC Master trainer.

If interested, please fill out the Master Trainer application form.

Contact PTC HQ & Access Materials

ADD A PTC CLASS SERIES

ADD A PTC CLASS LEADER TRAINING EVENT

Be sure to add your upcoming PTC class series using the "add an upcoming class series" form.

Let us know about your upcoming class leader training events through this "class leader training confirmation" form.

Access Class Leader Material

Class Leader material can be accessed through the ISU Extension Store and the PTC Website.*

See the How-To Guide for step-by-step instructions for accessing PTC materials.
Find promotional materials on the PTC website.
Order new Caregiver Helpbooks for upcoming caregiver classes through the Iowa State University Extension Store.

*When you set up your ISU Extension Store account, be sure to use the primary email address that PTC uses to contact you.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

ptcaregivers@iastate.edu

www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org