Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a six-week education program developed by Legacy Caregiver Services and Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging for family and friends caring for older adults with cognitive and chronic impairment. The program focuses on the self-care of family caregivers. A train-the-trainer education program is available to professionals interested in using this intervention in their work with caregivers. (Winner of the 2007 National Family Caregiving Award in the "Education" category)

Organization:

Legacy Caregiver Services

In 1989, Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center and HealthLink joined forces, and Legacy Health System was born. Today Oregon-based Legacy Health is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation comprising five full-service hospitals and a children's hospital. Within these award-winning facilities, we offer an integrated network of health care services - acute and critical care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, community health education and a variety of specialty services.

Location:

Portland, OR

How does it work?

Master Trainers conduct interactive two and one half day train-the-trainer workshops. Upon completion of the program, which includes significant practice time, participants are prepared to teach groups of 10-15 caregivers a set of self-care skills through a six part course which consists of weekly 2.5-hour classes.

Why is it successful?

The program has been widely disseminated. Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes are now offered through Social Service and Healthcare organizations in many states. Pre and post data collected from family caregivers at two sites (Illinois and Oregon) show high use of the tools taught in the series and significant improvement in self-efficacy, emotional well-being and self-care behaviors. Caregiver depression was reportedly lower.

For more information: www.legacyhealth.org