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 Weekly OverviewWeek 1 – Taking Care of You: Principles of self-care and responsibility are introduced. Caregivers identify self-care tools, find resources to meet goals and the challenges of caregiving and significance of self-care are dramatized through a video. Caregivers identify ways to locate community resources, including information about one’s family member with a medical condition. Caregivers learn how to change negative self-talk to positive self-talk, and are encouraged to practice relaxation tools introduced throughout the course. The relaxation tool of deep breathing is introduced. Week 3 – Communicating Feelings, Needs, and Concerns: Caregivers learn how to communicate feelings, need,s and concerns more effectively by using “I” messages. Through dramatizations, caregivers experience the impact of “you” messages. Progressive muscle relaxation is introduced. Week 4 – Communicating in Challenging Situations: Caregivers learn three communication tools: assertiveness, Aikido, and DESC. With Aikido, caregivers learn to find “common ground” with another person. With DESC (Describe, Express, Specify, Consequence), Caregivers further learn how to set limits. The relaxation tool of guided self-imagery is introduced. Week 5 – Learning from our Emotions: The focus is on identifying and applying constructive tools for dealing with difficult feelings – especially depression and upsetting thoughts. Included is a guide to selecting resources for professional help. The relaxation tool of shoulder lifts is introduced. Week 6 – Mastering Caregiving Decisions: Focus is on the internal emotional process caregivers go through when they experience a life role change. Tools for dealing with changes and for making tough decisions, including a seven-step decision-making model and the family meeting are discussed. “Tools of optimism” are presented. Caregivers acknowledge their accomplishments. Action plans The course makes it easy for the caregiver by developing weekly action plans and in week 6 a long-term action plan. Contact If you’re interested in bringing this innovative, evidence-based, online program to your workplace or registering as an individual student, please click here or contact Jon Woodall Mather LifeWays 1603 Orrington, Suite 1800 Evanston, IL 60201 Tel: (847) 492-6753 Fax: (847) 492-7513 |
