Starting Tuesday, Aug. 4, The Windsor of Cape Coral, in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, will offer a free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program online virtual workshop in southwest Florida. This workshop continues every Tuesday from 2-3:30 p.m. through Sept. 8.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers program is an evidence-based program designed to teach caregivers how to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, balance their lives, better communicate their feelings, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. The PTC curriculum was developed over three years of pilot testing in Portland, Oregon, and offered since 1998.

Originally developed to reach caregivers of adults with chronic conditions, Powerful Tools for Caregivers has expanded the program to include classes for parents of children with special needs.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program, sustained by collaborations with community-based organizations. Community and government agencies, healthcare facilities, cooperative extension services, and faith-based organizations host the classes, provide trained Class Leaders, and/or fund the class materials.

The PTC class curriculum meets the highest-level criteria of evidence-based disease prevention and health promotion programs per the Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living. The PTC class series received a 2007 National Family Caregiving Award.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, contact Sherry Young, AAASWFL’s Health & Wellness Coordinator at sherry.young@aaaswfl.org or by calling the Elder Helpline toll-free at 866-413-5337 (41-ELDER).

Additional information is available by visiting the AAASWFL website (www.aaaswfl.org) or by calling the Elder Helpline: (866) 413-5337.