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Hello, Master Trainers and Class Leaders!
As we embrace the month of May, with its blossoming trees, vibrant flowers, and flourishing gardens, it's a perfect time to take a moment to reflect on the themes of change and growth. It's an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of transformation and reflect on our own journey. This is especially fitting as May is Mental Health Awareness Month and often carries with it the theme of self-care and reflection.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers was first founded and introduced in 1998. In 1998, Apple released the first iMac. Shortly after, Google was founded. Now in 2024, I've lost count of the number of iMac iterations we had over the past 26 years (not to mention the introduction of tablets, cell phones, and the rise and fall of the iPod), and Google has become so common that it is both a noun (the search engine itself) and a verb ("I'm googling that." - Thanks to Merriam-Webster for that addition).
When Powerful Tools for Caregivers was founded, it was done with a sole focus on caregivers of adults with chronic conditions. There was one class length option - 2.5 hours. While we all know caregiving changes daily, caregiving in 1998 looked very different compared to caregiving in 2024.
After conducting research, receiving feedback, and considering the time commitment of our class leaders, master trainers, and care partners, Powerful Tools for Caregivers has made the difficult decision to sunset the 2.5-hour Caregivers of Adults script, effective August 1, 2024.
We know that this change is significant and that many of you joined Powerful Tools for Caregivers when the 2.5-hour script was the only option available to bring to your community. Since PTC's founding in 1998, we have introduced two additional scripts, both tested with the same evidence-based outcomes: A 90-minute Caregivers of Adult script and a 2-hour Caregivers of Children with Special Health and Behavioral Needs script. Both the 90-minute Caregivers of Adults and 2-hour Caregivers of Children scripts will remain and can be delivered virtually or in-person.
Our mission remains the same as it was in 1998: To bring an inclusive and inviting curriculum to our communities to teach caregivers ways to care for themselves as they provide care to others. We will continue to encourage and promote the health and well-being of caregivers.
As always, I welcome your feedback. You can join me during my weekly office hour (information below) for a 1:1 conversation, or you can email me with any questions or concerns (ptcaregivers@iastate.edu).
I thank you again this month, as I did in April, for all you do for care partners. I want to reiterate that your work does not go unnoticed and we are so grateful for all you do. Thank you for bringing Powerful Tools for Caregivers to your community.
With respect and gratitude,
Katie Anthony, Ph.D.
PTC HQ Program Coordinator
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