ESCANABA — MSU Extension is offering a free online series entitled Powerful Tools for Caregivers for six consecutive Tuesdays starting Nov. 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. The entire six-week series (Nov. 17- Dec. 22) 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. You will benefit from the series whether you’re helping a parent, spouse, or friend of someone who lives at home, in a nursing home or across the country, according to organizers. 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 please go to Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Events Management site at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/UPPTC111720/

Once registered, participants will receive a registration confirmation email week prior to first session that will provide the Zoom link and course material to the series. That Zoom link will be the same for all six classes of the series. If anyone needs assistance with downloading or using Zoom, or technical assistance, please contact MSU Extension Educator and series presenter Tracie Abram @ abram@msu.edu or 906-235-2985 to schedule an appointment for assistance before Nov. 17.