LANSING — MSU Extension is offering a free on-line series entitled Powerful Tools for Caregivers for six consecutive Thursdays starting Thursday, May 21, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. The entire six-week series provides caregivers support and tools to help caregivers in a variety of ways. The series is designed to provide support and strategies to keep the caregiver strong and empowered. The series limits participants to 15, allowing for groups to develop trust, conversation, unity and support. The series will provide strategies to:

– Reduce stress

– Effectively communicate with other family members, doctors, paid help

– Notice signs and steps towards better self-care

– Reduce guilt, anger and depression

– Make difficult decisions

– Setting goals and problem-solving

The topics the series will cover are as follows:

– Hiring in-home help

– Understanding depression

– Helping memory impaired elders

– Making decisions about driving

– Making legal and financial decisions

– Making decisions about care facility placement

– Communicating with other family members

– Planning, creating and using agendas for family meetings

To register for this series go to Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Events Management site at https://events.anr.msu.edu/PowerfulToolsForCaregivers521/

Once registered, participants will receive a registration confirmation that will have the Zoom link to the series. That Zoom link will be the same for all six classes of the series. Course material will be emailed to participants prior to the first class. If anyone needs assistance with downloading or using Zoom, or technical assistance, please contact MSU Extension series presenters Tracie Abram @ abram@msu.edu or Bree Carlson at Bree@msu.edu to schedule an appointment for assistance before May 21.