For the City Times

The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin will be offering a Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshop series beginning Thursday, March 30.

Sara was a wonderful wife. She married Sam nearly 50 years ago. During their many wonderful years together they both gave more than they received. At some point it was decided that both Sam and Sara wanted to live in their home until they died and each would care for the other. Life was good, they were aging gracefully, but then something changed.

Sam became more distant. He was not as interested in going out any more. He occasionally got angry. His circle of friends started to diminish and he gave up many hobbies which in the past gave him such pleasure. Sam would struggle with little tasks and he would find himself forgetting important events and duties. He would ask the same questions over and over again.

At the same time Sara was changing. She found herself covering for Sam more and more. She did not feel she could leave him alone and started to give up her favorite things. She stopped going out with friends and felt like a prisoner in her own home. She was sleeping less and tired most of the time. Her own health was slowly deteriorating as she cared for Sam. Her desire to be a “perfect wife” was taking its toll on her. Both Sara and Sam knew it was becoming more difficult but they remembered their pledge to each other.

This situation is all too common, occurring in one of every four households across our county. We can applaud Sara’s commitment as a full time caregiver but she needs to be watchful not to get so caught up in her caring for Sam that she allows her own health to suffer.

She needs to adjust her life style in such a way that she can care for Sam and still care for herself. We can help.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six week workshop designed to provide family caregivers, like Sara, with tools to take care of themselves. Participants will learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, increase their ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources.

The next sessions will be held at Aspirus River Hospital on Thursday, March 30 through May 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

The suggested contribution for the workshop is $10. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call Erin at 1-888-486-9545.