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

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 2

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. 3

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 4

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 5

Researched. Evidence-based to Improve: Caregiver’s self-care behaviors Management of Emotions Self-Efficacy Use of Community Resources 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

WIHA collects data on: Leaders Workshops Participants Why? – Funders – Policymakers – Program Planning 12

Support for Leaders Listserv WIHA Leader Newsletter Regular Leader conference calls Technical assistance 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

? ? ? QUESTIONS ??? Betsy Abramson Judy Rank Jane Mahoney Deb Brunner Lynn Gall

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