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Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is a class designed to provide family caregivers with the skills they need to take care of themselves.  Six class sessions held once a week are led by certified, experienced class leaders.  Originally developed to reach caregivers of adults with chronic conditions, PTC has expanded the program to include classes for parents of children with special needs. 

Organization:

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. 

Location:

The national PTC office is located in Portland, OR, and supports caregivers, Class Leaders, and Master Trainers in the United States, Canada, and Korea.

How does it work?

Caregivers can take the six-week class series, offered at sites around the country.

Professionals and volunteers interested in teaching the class series take a two day training to become certified Class Leaders.  Upon completion of the training, participants are prepared to teach groups of caregivers a set of self-care skills through the six-week class series.  (Winner of the 2007 National Family Caregiving Award in the “Education” category)

After experience leading the class series, Class Leaders can train to become Master Trainers and conduct the two day Class Leader training workshops.

Why is it successful?

Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes are offered through social service and healthcare organizations in many states.

Data from class participant evaluations indicate the PTC program helps caregivers improve:

  • Self-Care Behaviors: (increased exercise, use of relaxation techniques and medical check ups)
  • Management of Emotions: (reduced guilt, anger, and depression)
  • Self-efficacy: (increased confidence in coping with caregiving demands)
  • Use of Community Resources: (increased utilization of community services)

In 2012, the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program was deemed to meet the highest-level criteria of evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs by the Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging.

For more information: www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org