Few people are prepared to become caregivers. The responsibility often falls on family members who are already juggling many obligations - so Greensboro's Adult Center for Enrichment is hosting Keeping Calm & Caregiving, a free class for people who are currently or may soon be serving in this role.
Social worker Courtney Langhorne says participants will learn how to manage the unexpected stress caregivers often experience. "I think a lot of people think it'll be simple taking care of a loved one - but then they have to feed them every day, take care of all their hygiene needs," says Langhorne. "You have to administer their medication during the day and during the night so now you have to adjust your schedule to take care of all of their needs and manage everything for them."
According to Langhorne, caregivers have to resolve a variety of situations. She recommends they take classes to learn new coping strategies and join support groups - in an effort to reduce anxiety for both the caregiver and the elderly relative.
The Keeping Calm & Caregiving class is Wednesday, February 29 from 1-2:30 p.m. It'll be held in the main office of the Adult Center for Enrichment at 11B Oak Branch Drive in Greensboro.
