Six Week Program Features Weekly Topics that Include Reducing Stress, Improving Communication

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Senior Services will offer “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” classes beginning later this month designed to provide caregivers with the tools needed to take care of themselves.

The six weekly sessions, each 2 ½ hours in length, will teach caregivers how to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, and locate helpful resources. Participants will also learn how to improve their ability to make difficult decisions and find balance in their lives.

“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” classes will be offered at the following locations, dates and times:

• Thursday, March 26, 2015 – Thursday,  April 30, 2015;  4:30 PM – 7:00 PM, ECMC Campus Terrace View Long-Term Care Facility (Chapel), 462 Grider St., Buffalo NY (free parking – ticket will be validated)
   
• Tuesday, April 14, 2015 – Tuesday, May 19, 2015; 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM, Trinity Old Lutheran Church, 3445 Sheridan Drive, Amherst NY
   
• Wednesday, April 22, 2015 – Wednesday, May 27, 2015; 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Catholic Charities Garden Room, 128 Wilson St., Buffalo NY  (free respite care for the memory-impaired will be offered at this site)
   
• Wednesday, April 29, 2015 – Wednesday, June 3, 2015; 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Lord of Life Adult Day Health Center, 1025 Borden Road, Depew NY (free respite care for the memory-impaired will be offered at this site)
   
• Thursday, April 23, 2015 – Thursday, May 28, 2015; 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (6^th Floor), 10^th Street, Niagara Falls NY
   
• Tuesday, July 7, 2015 – Tuesday, August 11, 2015; 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, St. Mary of the Lake Parish Center, 4737 Lakeshore Road (Rt. 5), Hamburg NY

Pre-registration is required, and additional classes will be scheduled at a later date. For more information or to register, call 858-2177 or email caregiver@erie.gov. Registration for the course includes a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook. Complete course cost is covered for all Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WNY and Independent Health members. For those who do not have insurance coverage, complete course cost is covered by Health Foundation of Western New York Cultural Diversity grant funding.

The program is co-sponsored by the University at Buffalo, School of Public Health and Health Professions, and the Erie County Caregiver Coalition.

For more information on the Erie County Department of Senior Services, visit http://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/