Support for Care Partners: The mission of the Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida is to help our community members with PD to live well. Supporting the care partners of those with PD is a critical component of that support.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC): 
A series of classes to help caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a friend or relative.  
By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver. 

The PTC program is an evidence-based education program offering a unique combination of elements. 
In 2012, the PTC program was deemed to have met the highest-level criteria of evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs per the Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living. 

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program will give you tools to help you:

• Reduce Stress 
• Improve Self-Confidence 
• Manage Time, Set Goals, and Solve Problems 
• Better Communicate Your Feelings 
• Locate Helpful Resources 
• Make Tough Decisions

Details about the PTC Program

• Led by trained facilitators: Kathy Auksel & Michelle Serigne 
• In-person at the PASWFL office 
• 10-12 male and female caregivers
• Six weeks; once a week 2 ½ hours per session 

PASWFL sponsored; no expense to the PASWFL member caregiver Curriculum Weeks 1 through 6 
     1. Taking care of You 
     2. Identifying and Reducing Personal Stress 
     3. Communicating Feelings, Needs & Concerns 
     4. Communicating in Challenging Situations 
     5. Learning from our Emotions 
     6. Mastering Caregiving Decisions 

Future Sessions @ PASWFL Office 

• Thursdays: July 13- August 17, 2023; 12:30 pm- 3:00 pm 
• Wednesdays: October 11- November 15, 2023; 10:30 am- 1:00 pm 
• Tuesdays: January 23 – February 27, 2024; 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm  

​If you are interested in participating in any one of these 3 sessions, please email your first and second choices to Bhoffman@Parkinsonassociationswfl.org.
 
For more information about the program, email Kathy Auksel at Kathy@Parkinsonassociationswfl.org or visit www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org

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Additional Programs, Education, and Support Groups for Care Partners

Join us for additional classes, educational talks and support groups designed to support care partners of persons with PD. Become a member to learn about all of our programs and receive weekly updates of upcoming classes and programs.

While there is no charge to participate there are significants costs to offer our programs and services​. 
​Participants are required to complete a membership application and participation waiver before participating in online and in person programs. Click below to complete the required application online.

For your convenience the membership application is available to complete online, or if you would prefer printed forms, you can download them and return them to us by mail. Are you unsure if you completed a waiver or membership form? Call us at 239-417-3465 and we will be delighted to check for you. CLICK TO JOIN