banner

Cascade County

Caregiving During Challenging Times

Published: 2020
By Katrin Finch
In challenging times, we often find ourselves giving to others while dismissing our own need for self-care and support. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a nationally-known program that empowers and encourages caregivers caring for loved ones to add self-care tools to their daily lives. In 2020, Katrin Finch, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Jona McNamee former MSU Extension agent to offer a total of four Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes to 22 participants. This program was a success because despite being socially isolated and efforts to follow precautions of COVID-19, it offered caregivers the opportunity to connect with other caregivers, learn and develop a support system within their community. The six-week series provides tools to improve confidence, handle emotions, communicate through difficult situations, and most importantly, improve self-care. One caregiver reported “I was able to give myself permission to take care of me for once.” Over 80% of caregivers shared that they learned a new skill and will continue to practice self-care through a physical activity such as walking. Along with learning to care for themselves, caregivers also reported they felt more connected knowing they were not alone in caregiving feelings, challenges, and obstacles. Caregivers often find the physical resources they need to help during the caregiving experience like medical care, but it is the social aspects and isolation that is often more challenging. All participants reported an increased self-esteem knowing they were not alone. Caregiving is a tireless job, and learning resources for self-care through the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program allows caregivers to continue to do their job with the utmost of love for their loved ones.
Pinecone on tree in Sluice Boxes State Park, Belt, Montana.