Caregiver University

223 N. Yakima Ave.
Tacoma WA 98403
1-800-335-8433 or 1-253-272-8433

• South Puget Sound Home
• Caregiver University
• Interfaith Care Team
• HomeHelpers HomeCare
• Senior Companion Program
• Meals on Wheels
• Senior Media Services
• Where to Turn Guide

CAREGIVING 101 LCS’ South Puget Sound Office has created an online resource library, Caregiving 101, covering topics such as understanding the changes that come about with aging, issues that families face, and self-care for caregivers. Articles in the series include The Four Stages of Caregiving, Assuming the Role of Caregiver, and Adult Day Services. MEAL ON WHEELS For many seniors and disabled people, getting to the store, or cook-ing a meal can be a challenge. Yet healthy eating at any age is key to maintaining good health. That’s why each week, we deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors and disabled people.

CAREGIVER UNIVERSITY

Did you know that family members provide about 80% of the caregiving required by those who need some assistance with daily living activities, such as seniors and people with disabilities? Caregivers in the Tacoma area are now being helped by Caregiver University, a unique new program launched by LCS’ South Puget Sound Office in partnership with local congregations. The program is aimed at helping improve the quality of life for both caregivers and those they care for, and to help caregivers avoid burnout from trying to “do it all” on their own.

• Caregiver University consists of six short classes:
• Planning Ahead
• Finding, Creating and Using Resources
• Self-Care for the Caregiver
• Dealing with Memory Loss and Chronic Illnesses
• Communication and Family Dynamics
• Finances, Directives, and Leaving a Legacy

The program is congregation-based, but designed to reach out to the greater community. Congregation members or staff are trained to be able to teach the classes, with follow-up and ongoing support from LCS staff. A caregiving lending library and other resources are also available.

“As a family caregiver myself, I know that one great need is finding information to help address the challenges you face,” emphasizes program coordinator Patricia Witt. “I’m excited that the six Caregiver University classes cover the most common information needs, while including the spiritual component often missing in other resources. Offering these sessions in local congregations makes the information very accessible.”

Mt. Cross Lutheran Church Care Team: Mildred Houglum, Diane Langton, Carmelle Gilson, and Kim Forster are learning about caregiving resources.

Congregations participating in the program are Our Savior & Trinity Lutheran Churches - Tacoma, St. Luke Lutheran Community of Christ - Federal Way, St. Mark Lutheran Church - Lacey, and Key Peninsula Lutheran Church - Lakebay. A local Advisory Council, made up of LCS staff, representatives from the participating congregations, Thrivent, Tacoma Lutheran Home, Parish Nurse Association, and other local agencies helps steer the program.

Caregiver University is made possible by the Aging in Community Initiative of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation and Lutheran Services in America. The Initiative’s goal is to help people remain safely in their homes and communities as they age, and to ensure that family members in caregiving roles receive the support they need. Thrivent and LSA provide both grant monies and networking with ACI partners nationwide. LCS' South Puget Sound Office was one of 14 agencies nation-wide to receive ACI funding in 2008, and one of only nine to be invited to continue their project with ACI through June 2009.

To learn more about Caregiver University, contact Patricia Witt at 253/272-8433

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