Taking care of the caretaker

January 11, 2007

Sun City residents will have the opportunity to learn to care for themselves while they care for others when Arizona State University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute presents “Caregiving and Stress,” Jan. 24 at the Sundial East Hall.

Kathleen Waldron, director of Gerontology in the College of Human Services at ASU’s West campus, will discuss the emotional and physical stress that caregivers experience as well as coping strategies they can employ.

“It is important for caregivers to recognize and understand how stress affects them as well as all members of the family,” said Waldron. “An individual’s role as a caregiver can create a ripple effect throughout the family that may have some bearing on the spousal and parent-child relationships within that family.”

Waldron’s lecture will address the importance for caregivers to recognize their own well being and emotional state of mind. “Caregivers tend to neglect their own selves and as a result, problems can worsen,” she said. “Caregivers need to realize that they have to take care of themselves first before they can be effective in their duties and commitments as a support person for the aging parent or ailing relative.”

This lecture is one of more than 85 classes and lectures being offered in the Sun City communities this spring. For registration and class information, call the local ASU Lifelong Learning Academy office—Sun City (602) 377-8390 — or visit online www.asu.edu/lifelonglearning.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at ASU provides stimulating, university-quality learning experiences for older adults with a wide variety of educational backgrounds and interests who are interested in learning for the joy of learning. Noncredit short courses, lectures, travel opportunities and workshops taught by ASU faculty, emeritus faculty and talented community volunteers are offered at ASU campuses and community sites throughout the Phoenix metro area.