Powerful Tools for Caregivers Presented by: Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and their partners Betsy

Caregiving Programming Individual & community education Assistance gaining access to services Individual counseling and support groups Respite care Supplemental Services to complement care provided by caregivers Funding available Title III-E (NFCSP) Title III-D AFCSP LYNN GALL

Why Needed? While caregiving often rewarding, can be stressful. Caregivers at high risk of depression and stress-related illnesses. Can be physically, emotionally and financially exhausting. Often overwhelmed by taking care of others Most family caregivers don’t realize importance of taking care of selves PTC focuses on needs of caregivers. Lynn Gall

The PTC Program For family caregivers 2.5 hours/week Six weeks Community workshop Led by two trained co-leaders Over 1,700 class leaders in 32 states Has reached over 70,000 caregivers Deb B: Mention that family caregivers are those who: Help someone with medication Grocery shop for or with someone Take someone to doctor visits and interpret medical instructions Check on dietary needs Cleaning, laundry, household chores

The PTC Program Evidence-based Meets AoA’s highest standard Based on Stanford CDSMP and its success Developed by team of professionals in Portland, Oregon in 1998; been offered since 2000 Developed over 3 years of: Pilot-testing Refinement Evaluative research

Researched. Evidence-based to Improve: Caregiver’s self-care behaviors Management of Emotions Self-Efficacy Use of Community Resources Deb Brunner. CG’s self-care behaviors: (increased exercise, relaxation and medical check-ups) Mgt. of Emotions - (reduced guilt, anger and depression) Self-efficacy - (increased confidence in coping with caregiving demands) Use of community resources - (increased use of local services)

Gives caregivers tools to: Reduce stress, guilt, anger and depression Improve self-confidence Better communicate feelings and concerns Manage their time, set goals and solve problems Master caregiving transitions Increase ability to make tough decisions Communicate effectively with care receiver, family and health care providers Locate and use local resources

Target Population Family (not facility) caregivers, e.g., Spouses/partners Adult children of aging parents Regardless of living situation of care receiver; Whether care receiver is living: At home alone, with others or with caregiver At home or in a facility In same town or across the country Same outcomes for diverse groups Deb Brunner – Same good outcomes, regardless of rural/urban, ethnic minorities, rural, ethnic minorities, adult children of aging parents, well-spouses/partners, caregivers at differing stages in their caregiving role, living situations, financial and educational backgrounds

Weekly Contents Week 1: Taking Care of You Week 2: Identifying and Reducing Personal Stress Week 3: Communicating Feelings, Needs, and Concerns Week 4: Communicating in Challenging Situations Week 5: Learning From Our Emotions Week 6: Mastering Caregiving Decisions Brunner

PTC in Wisconsin Begun in 2000 by UW-Extension Moved to Wisconsin Alliance for Family Caregiving 2009: Moved to Bethany Homes Twice/year Leader Trainings 2013: Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging DEB BRUNNER

Leader Qualifications & Characteristics Health care, aging network professionals or lay Experience with caregiving Experience leading groups of adults Agree to attend two full-day Leader training Agree to follow PTC script Agree to lead at least one workshop each year Agree to work with a sponsoring organization Agree to follow WIHA administrative protocols Betsy

WIHA collects data on: Leaders Workshops Participants Why? Funders Policymakers Program Planning Betsy

Support for Leaders Listserv WIHA Leader Newsletter Regular Leader conference calls Technical assistance Jane Mahoney

Leader Training Two full days – must attend both Learn caregiver support concepts Learn curriculum of PTC program Learn group facilitation Learn WIHA protocols Upon completion, receive PTC Leader license from PTC national office Deb Brunner

First WIHA Leader Training November 7-8, 2013 Madison Master Trainers: Lynne Scheinoha and Deb Brunner $200/person Includes $100 license Includes all materials needed to lead workshop Deb Bruner

Leader Training – to apply Leader Application – link on WIHA website Attend in pairs, unless already a leader in county 20 person limit Complete Planning and Implementation Plan Commit to requirements Stick to script Have a co-leader Have sponsoring organization Plan first workshop to start by 02/01/14 Lead at least one workshop each year Follow WIHA administrative protocols Betsy

? ? ? QUESTIONS ??? Betsy Abramson 608-243-5691 betsy.abramson@wihealthyaging.org Judy Rank 920-683-4180 judyrank@co.manitowoc.wi.us Jane Mahoney 608-228-8096 jane.mahoney@gwaar.org Deb Brunner 715-252-3892 brunner1@charter.net Lynn Gall 608-266-5743 Lynn.gall@dhs.wisconsin.gov

THANK YOU! We look forward to working with you to continue and expand Powerful Tools for Caregivers in Wisconsin