Complimentary Course for Family and Friend Caregivers on San Juan Island

San Juan County Launches Free Caregiver Support Course for Family and Friends

San Juan County, in collaboration with the Northwest Regional Council, is set to offer a complimentary six-week educational course aimed at supporting unpaid family and friend caregivers on San Juan Island. This program, titled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Taking Care of You,” is designed to provide essential self-care strategies for individuals undertaking the significant responsibilities of caregiving. Classes will commence on Thursday, October 2, at the Mullis Senior Center, located at 589 Nash Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

With a growing number of individuals in caregiving roles, the challenges of managing the health and needs of family members or friends with chronic conditions have become increasingly prominent. Research indicates that caregiving can lead to heightened levels of stress, emotional fatigue, and financial strain. The “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” program addresses these issues by equipping participants with practical self-care tools and techniques to mitigate the effects of caregiving. Participants will engage in learning sessions that focus on reducing personal stress, altering negative thought patterns, enhancing communication skills, navigating difficult situations, making informed decisions, and establishing realistic goals.

The course will be conducted every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. over six weeks, with specific class dates scheduled for October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and November 6. Feedback from previous participants highlights the communal support fostered within the program. One former attendee remarked, “There was a common bond. We were all dealing with some of the same issues. We shared our stories and learned ways to cope. I learned that it was important to take care of me,” emphasizing the significance of self-care and the benefits of sharing experiences with others in similar situations.

To enroll in the course or obtain additional information, interested individuals can reach out to Tyler Cornell, the Aging and Family Case Coordinator, at 360-370-7561 or via email at tylerc@sanjuancountywa.gov. Caregivers residing on Lopez, Orcas, or other islands are encouraged to contact staff to join the waitlist for future classes.

For those in need of support in Spanish, multilingual assistance is available. Spanish language speakers can contact Heidi Bruce, another Aging and Family Case Coordinator, at 360-370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov.

This initiative marks a crucial step toward enhancing the quality of life for caregivers in San Juan County, providing them with vital resources to manage their caregiving responsibilities effectively while also prioritizing their own well-being.