Powerful Tools For Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: The Course for Family Members

By:  L. Laske

Eleanor sat on the edge of her bed and cried; she knew she needed to find some help.  Her mother who came to live with her after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease just accused her of stealing her wallet and was wandering the house all hours of the night.  This scenario is very familiar to Wilmette resident Mike Denesha, Family Care Giving Specialist.  “We need to learn to take care of ourselves first in order to take care of our loved ones,” says Denesha.

Beginning in September, Denesha will teach Powerful Tools for Caregivers at Three Crowns Park, a continuing care retirement community in Northwest Evanston.  The course, developed by Dr. Kate Lorig and her colleagues at Stanford University, is a six-week course designed to help family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions, and to locate helpful resources.

Classes will be held Tuesday evenings (5:30pm to 7:30pm) at Three Crowns Park beginning September 11, 2012 and concluding on October 16, 2012. The tuition for the course is $30.00 and includes The Caregiver Helpbook.  A simple supper will be provided by Three Crowns Park at each meeting.

Payment via cash or check is due the first day of class. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.  To register go to www.threecrownspark.com or call Gina at 847-328-8700.