What We Do

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

We have trained over 4,600 Class Leaders teaching the class at different locations around the United States, as well as in Canada and Korea. The curriculum is available in English, French, Korean, and Spanish.  The caregiver class is available online or in-person, depending on location.

In the six weekly classes, caregivers learn self-care tools to:

Find An Upcoming Caregiver Class    Become a Class Leader

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program is an evidence-based education program offering a unique combination of elements.

The PTC curriculum was developed over three years of pilot testing in Portland, Oregon and offered since 1998. Originally developed to reach caregivers of adults with chronic conditions, Powerful Tools for Caregivers has expanded the program to include classes for parents of children with special needs. Six class sessions held once a week are led by certified, experienced class leaders. Classes range in size between 6-15 caregivers.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers has been the recipient of a number of prestigious grants, that have supported the development and expansion of the program, including: Meyer Memorial Trust, Northwest Health Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The PTC class curriculum meets the highest-level criteria of evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs per the Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living. The PTC class series received a 2007 National Family Caregiving Award.

Dozens of articles have been published demonstrating the positive effect PTC has in the lives of family and friend caregivers. You can review a sample of that research on our website, along with additional program recognitions.

PTC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement:

At Powerful Tools for Caregivers, we respect diverse life experiences and heritages, and believe every person brings a unique perspective that helps advance our mission and advocacy for caregiver self-care.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an inclusive program for caregivers participating in the educational program, class leaders and master trainers who assume program leadership roles, and human services organizations and collaborators.

We recognize that caregivers often don’t have equal access to education and support services and we make it a priority to reach out to underserved communities and to address barriers for caregiver support.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers strives to be a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees, volunteers, and board members, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels respected and appreciated.

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 class will give you tools to help:

Find An Upcoming Caregiver Class    Become a Class Leader

Our 6-week PTC class has been shown to have a positive impact on caregiver health.

Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. Caregivers frequently cite restriction of personal activities and social life as problems. They often feel they have no control over events, and that feeling of powerlessness has a significant negative impact on caregivers’ physical and emotional health.

In the years since the program began, extensive research, evaluation and revision has been done to ensure its continued value and success. The 6-week PTC class has been shown to have a positive impact on caregiver health for a diverse group of caregivers including: