San Juan County and Northwest Regional Council are offering a free six-week course for unpaid family caregivers of San Juan County. This course, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, is an evidenced-based, self-care educational program for family caregivers. This will be in-person course on Orcas Island available to San Juan County residents who would like to participate.

The course will be offered:

• Orcas Island: Tuesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. beginning March 3 at the Orcas Senior Center (62 Henry Rd., Eastsound, WA 98245).

Caring for a family member or friend with a chronic condition can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an opportunity to develop a wealth of self-care tools including: reducing personal stress, changing negative self-talk, communication your needs, dealing with challenging situations, making tough caregiving decisions, solving problems, and setting goals.

“There was a common bond,” said a Powerful Tools for Caregivers class participant. “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.”

For more information about this free course or to sign up, please contact:

• Heidi Bruce, Aging and Family Case Coordinator, at 360-370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov.

This current class series will be taught in English. Spanish language speakers are encouraged to contact Heidi Bruce at 360-370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov for multi-lingual support for unpaid family caregivers.