Greater Springfield Senior Services provides six-week course for caregivers

Date: 7/31/2014

SPRINGFIELD – Greater Springfield Senior Services is offering “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” a program designed to provide caregivers with the tools needed to decrease stress as they care for aging loved ones.
   
This six-week series will help caregivers learn to better communicate feelings, find balance, increase ability to make tough decisions, locate helpful resources, and much more.
   
Classes will take place at the Hampden Senior Center, 104 Allen St., Hampden, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 9. There is a $10 pre-registration fee, which may be applied toward the cost of the “Powerful Tools for Caregivers Helpbook.”
   
To pre-register, call 781-8800 ext. 306. Class size is limited, so please pre-register no later than Aug. 26. Please note, this is not a support group and it is not intended for professional caregivers.
   
According to Karen Martin, community services director at Greater Springfield Senior Services, the program was offered last spring and is back by popular demand. “So many caregivers feel alone in their role. We’re here to show them that they are not alone, and there are resources that can help,” she added.
   
The classes will be conducted by certified trainers Brenda Labbe and Anna Wilkinson,  elder care advisors at Greater Springfield Senior Services.
   
Greater Springfield Senior Services, a nonprofit agency, provides a variety of support services to help older and disabled individuals live at home safely and independently for as long as possible.