Pierce County’s Aging and Disability Resources is offering “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” a free six-week educational series designed to help family members and other unpaid caregivers take care of themselves while caring for others.

The sessions will be held Thursday afternoons from March 15 to April 19 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Pierce County Sound View Building, located at 3602 Pacific Ave. (Suite 200) in Tacoma. Participants are asked to attend all six sessions and to register in advance at 253-798-4600.

Topics to be covered include reducing personal stress, communication in challenging situations, and mastering caregiving decisions.

“Many of us help older, sick or disabled family members and friends every day,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging  Disability Resources, a program of Pierce County government. “We know we are helping, but we don’t think of ourselves as caregivers. We are glad to do this and feel rewarded by it, but if the demands are heavy, over time we can also become exhausted and stressed. ‘Powerful Tools’ provides guidance and training to help caregivers with their number one task – self-care.”

Additional information about the classes is available at 253-798-4600.