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Do you know someone who calls or checks in on a family member or neighbor several times a week or every day just to make sure they are OK?

Do you know someone who helps a family member or neighbor by doing errands or in-home tasks for them, or by preparing meals for them? Or someone who is parent and caregiver for their child who has special needs?

Do you know someone who helps a family member or neighbor by setting up their medications for them, or by taking them to appointments, or by assisting them with finances or personal cares?

If so, you know a caregiver.

Caregivers do those sorts of things, and more, whether it be in-house, locally, or from a distance of miles away. The person on the receiving end of their care may be a parent, a spouse, a child with special needs, another relative or a neighbor.

Being a caregiver can be very rewarding. It can also be very stressful. It can take a physical and emotional toll, and “burnout” can happen. 

For those reasons, it’s important for the caregiver to also be caring for himself or herself while caring for and helping others. That’s exactly what they learn to do when they participate in “Powerful Tools for Caregivers.”

“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is a free online class that two of my colleagues and I are offering to address those needs. The afternoon online class starts May 11. Class participants will learn valuable self-care skills such as how to reduce stress, increase self-confidence, communicate feelings, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate reliable helpful resources.

Interested persons are encouraged to register as soon as possible or by April 30 so that preparations can be made. To register online for the class, go to https://ndc3.org/Classes/Register/126. If you need or want more information or have questions about the class, contact Cindy at cindy.klapperich@ndsu.edu or by calling 701-724-3355.