Caregiving

Nearly a third of Family Living Educators (FLEs) recently reported offering one or more programs about Caregiving in their county. When appropriate, these flags are used to identify different kinds of programs:

Evidence-based

Training-required

Stand-alone

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

This is an evidence-based, off-the-shelf program that was last updated in 2015. It was recently taught by UW-Extension FLEs in 8 counties (Marinette, Brown, Winnebago, Sheboygan, Oconto, Jackson, Chippewa, and Polk). In many of these counties, FLEs partnered with the ADRC, hospitals, coalitions, and/or nonprofits for financial support, promotion, and respite care. In many other counties, Powerful Tools is primarily taught by the ADRC or other aging service providers, and FLEs may play an advisory or technical assistance role.

For more information, including training information and materials, see the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging website. This website also has a database of everywhere the program is offered in Wisconsin.

Time Commitment: 6 sessions

Resources/Materials:

Sample county-level impact report: Sheboygan County
Sample impact statements, success stories, and participation records can be found on recording results using the advanced search for “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”

Caregiver support groups

FLEs in Jackson and Sheboygan counties run regular support group meetings for family caregivers. In Sheboygan county, the monthly support groups also include educational material and are co-facilitated with the ADRC. Research suggests that support groups have a positive effect on caregivers’ psychological well-being, including lower levels of depression and burden. [Chien 2011, among others. Dickenson 2017 has a good review of reviews.]

For more information about facilitating or providing technical support for caregiver support groups, contact Jane Jensen (jane.jensen@wisc.edu).

Time Commitment: Varies

Resources/Materials:

Flyer
Facilitator guide for caregiver support groups (published by DARTS, a Minnesota non-profit). This guide was created for support groups in an employment setting, but much of the guidance is applicable to more general support groups.

Caregiver Cafe

This is a periodic event that has been hosted by the Caregiving Coalition in Outagamie County. Caregivers gather to socialize, give and receive support, and learn about available resources and tools. When possible, respite care is provided free of charge.

For more information, contact Karen Dickrell (Karen.Dickrell@outagamie.org).

Time Commitment: Varies

Resources/Materials:

Sample Impact Report: Outagamie County

Caregiver conferences/retreats

These events are half-, full-, or even multi-day programs that aim to support and inform family caregivers. Examples include:

Bayfield/Ashfield Counties Caregiver conference: This was an annual conference for both family and professional caregivers that has been jointly coordinated by FLEs in Bayfield and Ashland counties and organized by a local caregiver coalition (not currently offered). Contact Liz Lexau (elizabeth.lexau@wisc.edu) for more information.
Caregiver Retreat (Waushara County). This is a full day event for family caregivers that included a resource fair, panel discussion, and keynote speaker that was held in Waushara county. The event is organized by the County Department of Aging and Caregiver Coalition. For more information, contact Mary Ann Schilling (maryann.schilling@wisc.edu).

The Employed Caregiver Survey

To address the growing needs of employees who are adult caregivers, six University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension FLEs and the program specialist in aging developed and piloted the “Employed Caregiver Survey.” This confidential, web-based survey process produces a report which defines the scope and needs of employed caregivers and makes recommendations for assistance. Data gleaned from the The “Employed Caregiver Survey” will provide a solid foundation for the establishment of future caregiver educational programs and outreach for an organization that uses it.

Resources/Materials: Nine University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Videos on “employed caregiving” which tackle issues related to care given to elderly family members by persons who are also employed. Specifically, the video Employees and Caregiving: An Overview (Length: 5:42) addresses family caregiving and its effect on American business and the importance of employers providing support to their employees with caregiver responsibility.

Taking Care of You

This is an evidence-based program that was developed by University of Missouri Extension faculty in 2009. Participants learn to deal with daily stress based on ideas from positive psychology, particularly mindfulness. Weekly sessions include small group discussions, self reflections, and hands-on activities. An evaluation found positive impacts on perceived stress and health-promoting lifestyle behaviors. A train-the-trainer workshop is available, which FLEs have previously attended.

For more information visit Taking Care of You. To work with an educator in Wisconsin contact Monica Lobenstein, Associate Professor and Youth and Family Educator in Jackson County.

Time Commitment: 4 sessions

Caregiving Relationships: Conversations on Aging

This program was developed by family life specialists at Iowa State University Extension in 2011. The program targets adult children whose parent is taking on a caregiving role. The goal is improve communication and understanding around caregiving issues so that the children can better support their parents. Additionally, participants are asked to encourage their parent caregiver to enroll in Powerful Tools.

For more information visit Caregiving Relationships: Conversations on Aging from Iowa Extension or contact Kristi Cooper or Malisa Rader at ptcmastertrainers@iastate.edu

Time Commitment: 2 sessions