Separate six-week educational programs designed to help unpaid caregivers take care of themselves while caring for an older relative or friend are scheduled for Brookings and North Bend. Participants will benefit from the class whether they are helping a parent, spouse, or friend at home, in a nursing home or across the country.  

The class series, called Powerful Tools for Caregivers, will give the caregiver the tools to: Help reduce stress; communicate effectively with other family members, a doctor, and paid help; take care of yourself; reduce guilt, anger, and depression; help relax; make tough decisions; and, set goals and problem-solve.

The North Bend class will be held on six consecutive Wednesdays beginning March 3 from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. at the Bay Area Community Health and Education Center (3950 Sherman) in North Bend. To register, contact Char Luther at 541-266-0806.

The Brookings series is scheduled for six consecutive Mondays beginning February 22 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Southwestern Oregon Community College (420 Alder St.) in Brookings. Interested individuals can register by contacting CARE Connections at 541-469-9299, ext. 224 or SOCC Brookings Center at 541-469-5017. Family caregivers are also encouraged to contact the Chetco Activity Center’s “Time Out” program in Brookings for free adult respite care and activities every Monday. For respite program eligibility, please call the Chetco Activity Center at (541) 469-6822.

Classes are free, but registration is required, as class sizes are limited to 12. The class is sponsored by CARE Connections/Lifespan Respite and Southwestern Oregon Community College. An accompanying book is $25, but the book is not required to attend the class.