What Is Tools For Caregivers?
A Simple Mission: To “Help Others”
Tools for Caregivers is a network operating under the umbrella of Executive Services Corps-Nebraska, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to “Help Others.”
Tools for Caregivers is a network operating under the umbrella of Executive Services Corps-Nebraska, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to “Help Others.”
Most people don’t plan to become caregivers for another person in their life; however, many find themselves in a caregiving situation due to either an acute incident, disability, or a chronic illness. Whether providing care at home or having responsibility for a neighbor or someone in a care facility, down the block or miles away, caregivers face many challenges – physical and emotional – and place their own health at risk.
Tools for Caregivers operates a nationally known evidence-based program named Powerful Tools for Caregivers.
Unlike many support and respite programs, which provide paid and volunteer individuals to give relief to caregivers for a certain period of time, Powerful Tools for Caregivers is devoted to teaching a caregiver the art of self-care. During a six-week series, caregivers discover how to thrive as individuals while managing caregiving responsibilities.
Resources
Respite Enrichment Grants
These Grants are a funding source, up to $1,000 each, offered to caregivers. Families apply for funds to hire a professional caregiver or agency to care for their family members while receiving a needed break from daily responsibilities. Funding can also be used to purchase equipment to support caregiving or classes to enrich a care receiver’s life.
Powerful Tools for Parents
supports parents caring for a child with a disability, chronic illness, or behavioral concerns.
Social activities and events
allow caregivers and family members to network in an informal setting.
Caregiver workshops
offer education, support, and resources in an informal setting.
An Annual Caregiver Retreat
provides caregivers a day of relaxation, training and fun.
CLASSES
SUPPORT GROUPS
We are a community, reaching out to help each other.
– Ladies Laugh and Learn Luncheon:
The 4th Wednesday of each month caregivers get together to share resources, learn new skills and make new friends.
Various locations announced monthly
–Â Circle of Hope:
The 2nd Tuesday of each month.  Caregivers of an individual with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) meet to discuss their situation and share ideas and support.
WORKSHOPS
Our Annual Caregiver Retreat
Our Focus
A basic premise of Powerful Tools for Caregivers is that caregivers generally believe they are doing everything they can do provide good care for their chronically ill or disabled loved one, but are not doing enough to care for themselves.
The program focus is not on the care recipients’ disease or disability, but on enabling caregivers to improve their self care with a set of ‘tools.’ The focus in on enhancing caregivers’ wellbeing and coping abilities, with the key message throughout: While a caregiver – Thrive, not just survive!
Although the original Powerful Tools for Caregivers program is still the primary outreach for caregivers and series are offered each year, the network has grown. New programs have been added to enrich the lives of caregivers.
