Ask almost anyone you meet, “Are you a caregiver?” And whether or not they are aware of it, they are! Perhaps you are helping your parents with paperwork, assisting a disabled son apply for an apartment, taking an aunt grocery shopping. You are a caregiver! For several years East Valley Senior Services, Inc. has taken an active stance in the timely issue of caregiving. Our Outreach Coordinator presents 3 forums each year to provide educational opportunities, resources and tools to assist family, friends and children in the strange new role in which they suddenly find themselves.

The goals of the Caregiver Forums are:

• To assist in decision making and problem solving
• To aid in decreasing caregiver stress
• To promote positive interactions between caregivers and care recipients
• To enhance the well-being and quality of life of both

The forums are conducted in Mesa at no charge to the participant and each forum is "themed". The first forum this year is entitled "Al(zheimer’s) In the Family." Guest speakers who are experts in their field discuss topics such as how to best communicate with loved ones with behavioral problems, relieving stress when making decisions for loved ones who can’t, elder law issues and advance directives.

"Powerful Tools for Caregivers" is a six-class session that concentrates on the well-being of the caregiver. The classes are offered by Outreach to teach family caregivers to learn new skills that address the needs of the caregiver, not the person receiving care. Caregivers will share their stories and problems with other caregivers to realize they are not alone is the stressful role they have assumed or inherited. 

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