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:
Reduce
Stress
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
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. As of 2021, PTC has been owned and housed at Iowa State University Health and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach. 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.
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 Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workbook to accompany the class and provide additional caregiver resources.
The class will give you tools to help:
- Reduce Stress
- Improve Self-Confidence
- Manage Time, Set Goals, and Solve Problems
- Better Communicate Your Feelings
- Locate Helpful Resources
- Make Tough Decisions
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:
- Spouses/partners
- Diverse ethnic communities
- Adult children of aging parents
- Caregivers of children with special health and behavioral needs
- Caregivers in both rural and urban communities
- Spanish and Korean speaking caregivers
