Every day, thousands of people in Multnomah County take on the tremendous responsibility of providing aid to their spouses, parents, adult children, relatives, and friends, who are unable to care for themselves.
Providing care to an elderly parent, a grandchild or a sick relative can be physically, emotionally and financially exhausting.
The Multnomah County Family Caregiver Support Program is offering several programs aimed at improving the quality of life of caregivers.
“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” program
Participants in the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program will learn how to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate their feelings, and locate helpful resources.
The program will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., every Tuesday from Oct. 20 through Nov. 24. The free meetings will be held at the Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 NE 40th Ave., in Portland.
To register, call 503-288-8303. Space is limited so participants are encouraged to register early.
Elder care workshops
This series of three free workshops will prepare families to care for elderly relatives.
-Tools for Tough Conversations
Get ideas and strategies to use for having tough conversations about care issues, giving up the car keys and planning for the future.
· Thursday, Nov. 5 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
East Multnomah County, 600 NE 8th St., Gresham
· Tuesday, Nov. 10 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Concordia University, George White Library, 2800 NE Liberty St.
-Taking Care of Business
An overview of the legal issues related to long-term care, advanced directives, power of attorney, and estate planning
· Tuesday, Nov. 3 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Concordia University, George White Library, 2800 NE Liberty St.
· Thursday, Nov. 12 3:30pm-4:30pm
East Multnomah County, 600 NE 8th St., Gresham
-Conversations about Memory Loss
Conversations with family members about memory loss and changes in behavior can be challenging and uncomfortable. Learn tips to help reduce the stress of involved in these talks
· Tuesday, Nov. 17 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Concordia University, George White Library, 2800 NE Liberty St.
· Thursday, Nov. 19 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
East Multnomah County, 600 NE 8th St., Gresham
Grandparents support group
This group is for grandparents and other relatives who are raising and parenting children, unexpectedly in many cases. The support group will help the caregivers navigate the changes and cope with the stress that come with caring for children.
The group is organized by North Portland Senior Services, a partnership of Hollywood Senior Center and Urban League of Portland. It meets on the first Monday of each month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N. Foss Ave. Please call 503.288.8303 for more information. Drop-ins are welcome.
For more information about all of these programs, please contact Loriann Mc Neill, Multnomah County Family Caregiver Support Program Coordinator, at 503-988-8210.
