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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
classes help caregivers take better
care of themselves while caring
for a friend or relative.

Down Aarow

PTC Transition

Headquarters Moves to Iowa State University

On July 16, 2021, Iowa State University assumed the role as PTC headquarters. If you have any questions about the Powerful Tools for Caregivers, please contact [email protected].

PTC Transition to Iowa State University

Research shows Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes help caregivers improve:

Self-Care
Behaviors

Increased Exercise, Relaxation, and Medical Check-Ups

Emotion
Management

Reduced Guilt, Anger, and Depression

Self
Confidence

Increased Confidence in Coping With Caregiving Demands

Community
Resources

Increased Use of Local Services

Find an Upcoming Caregiver Class

Powerful Tools for Caregivers gives you the skills to take care of yourself while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver. Six class sessions held once a week are led by experienced class leaders. Class participants are given The Caregiver Helpbook to accompany the class and provide additional caregiver resources.

The PTC class is available in three formats: 90 minute or 2 ½ hour class for caregivers of adults with chronic conditions, and the 2 hour class for caregivers of children with special health or behavioral needs. Classes meet once a week for six weeks.

Use the dropdown search tool to find a class near you. Class size is limited and registration is required; call the number listed by the class you wish to attend. The Caregiver Helpbook ($30). If you need help finding someone to watch your friend or relative during the class time, please ask at registration for respite resources.

Oct
8

[SPACE AVAILABLE] Powerful Tools for Caregivers – In-Person (1pm ET, October 8th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Location: Wrentham, Massachusetts

Wrentham, Massachusetts

Learn More

Oct
8

Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Virtual (5:30pm MT, October 8th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Location: Facilitators are in New Mexico

, Facilitators are in New Mexico

Learn More

Oct
9

[SPACE AVAILABLE] Powerful Tools for Caregivers – In-Person (1:30pm CT, October 9th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Location: Humboldt, Iowa

Humboldt, Iowa

Learn More

Oct
10

[SPACE AVAILABLE] Powerful Tools for Caregivers – In-Person (10:30am ET, October 10th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Location: Warrenton, Virginia

Warrenton, Virginia

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Oct
10

Powerful Tools for Caregivers – In-Person (1pm CT, October 10th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Oct
10

[AT CAPACITY] Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Virtual (3pm ET, October 10th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Learn More

Oct
11

[AT CAPACITY] Powerful Tools for Caregivers – In-Person (10am CT, October 11th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Location: Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

Learn More

Oct
14

Powerful Tools for Caregivers – In-Person (10am CT, October 14th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Oct
14

[CANCELLED] Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Virtual (2pm ET, October 14th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Learn More

Oct
14

Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Virtual (3:30pm CT, October 14th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Learn More

Oct
15

Powerful Tools for Caregivers – In-Person (9am MT, October 15th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Location: Windsor, Colorado

Windsor, Colorado

Learn More

Oct
15

Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Virtual (9:30am ET, October 15th, 2024) [Caregivers of Adults]

Learn More

View All Upcoming Classes

Become a Class Leader

Start leading PTC classes in your community. PTC is a train-the-facilitator model program with a detailed, scripted curriculum. Our goal is to build capacity to replicate the program through Class Leader and Master Trainer trainings. Increasing the number of classes available makes it possible for more caregivers to benefit from the proven outcomes of the PTC program. If you would like to offer the 6-week class for caregivers in your community, you must become a trained PTC Class Leader. Class Leaders will be fully prepared to team-teach Powerful Tools for Caregivers to groups of 8 – 15 family caregivers.

What is required to become a PTC Class Leader?

  • A co-leader with whom to teach the 6-week caregiver class
  • Group facilitation skills
  • A sponsoring organization
  • Experience working with family caregivers

Learn More

Order The Caregiver Helpbook

Class Participants are given The Caregiver Helpbook, which follows the curriculum and gives caregivers tools to help:

  • Reduce Stress
  • Improve Self-Confidence
  • Manage Time, Set Goals, and Solve Problems
  • Better Communicate Their Feelings
  • Make Tough Decisions
  • Locate Helpful Resources

The second half of the book addresses issues such as hiring in-home help, choosing a care facility, caregivers of veterans, and caregivers of children with special needs. The Caregiver Helpbook is an excellent resource and is available to the public. The book is available in English and Spanish.

Order Our Book

PTC News & Press

PTC Newsletter Archive

Past PTC Newsletters are listed below: Most recent newsletter: October 2024 September 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024... Read more ›

PTC Class Leader Resources

We wanted to share information with Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class Leaders now that Iowa State University is the new... Read more ›

PTC Master Trainer Resources

We wanted to share information with Powerful Tools for Caregivers Master Trainers about the updates to the Class Leader Training... Read more ›

PTC Recorded Webinars

As part of Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) webinars, Dr. Christine Fruhauf discussed her GrandCARES project with the PTC community... Read more ›

Master Trainer Agreement

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) program has been designed to support family caregivers in a way that enhances their... Read more ›

Promotional Materials: Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Materials to promoted Powerful Tools for Caregivers Brochure: Powerful Tools for Caregivers brochure Class Details and Course Description: Class Details... Read more ›

Congratulations Kathy & Susan!

Over the past 23 years, Powerful Tools for Caregivers has grown into an incredible program with far-reaching impacts. On July... Read more ›

PTC Celebration

Since 1998, the Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) program has supported family caregivers in the US, Canada, and South Korea,... Read more ›

Offering Virtual PTC Classes

Virtual PTC caregiver classes will increase access and much-needed support for caregivers in rural areas, those who are unable to... Read more ›

Powerful Tools for Caregivers class promotional video

Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes help caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a friend or family member.... Read more ›

Relaxation Recordings in Spanish

Listen to Powerful Tools for Caregivers relaxation recordings in Spanish Un paseo por la playa (A Walk on the Beach)... Read more ›

Relaxation Recordings in Korean

Listen to Powerful Tools for Caregivers relaxation recordings in Korean Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise https://www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Progressive-R-Korean.mp3   A Walk on the... Read more ›

From Caregivers & Class Leaders

It never ceases to amaze me how transforming this course is – the dramatic change in the demeanor of the participants from the first to the sixth class.

PTC Class Leader
California

After taking this class I am a more confident caregiver! Having tools to resolve problems is a definite advantage in becoming a better caregiver and a happier, wiser, healthier me…and a healthier ‘us’!

PTC Class Participant
Oregon