January 17, 2006

COPING WITH CARING: MECKLENBURG COUNTY OFFERS "POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS"

Charlotte, NC - If the demands of your role as caregiver for an older relative or friend sometime seem overwhelming, the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) can help.

Through its Caregiver Support Program, DSS plans to host "Powerful Tools for Caregivers," a six-week program on Fridays - February 10 - March 17, 2006. The program’s aim is to offer education and support to the hundreds of people in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community who are caregivers.

During the six sessions, participants will learn about several coping tools they can use to take care of themselves. Caregivers will learn about the following "how to" methods:

• Reduce stress
• Improve self-confidence
• Better communicate their feelings
• Balance their life
• Increase their ability to make tough decisions
• Locate helpful resources

Participants must pre-register by calling program coordinator Marsha Ghent at 704-336-4873. There is no charge for the program, but voluntary contributions will be accepted. The program is planned for 9:30 a.m. - noon, February 10 - March 17, 2006 at the Shamrock Senior Center, 3925 Willard Farrow Drive (off Shamrock Road). The Shamrock Senior Center is providing space for the program, which is sponsored by DSS and supported by the North Carolina AARP.