The vast majority of healthcare provided in the United States – 89 percent of it – happens at home.  Nearly one in three households is involved in family caregiving, either directly or indirectly. But for most caregivers, there is little training to meet the challenges that come along with being a family caregiver. 

Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center wants to help change that with “The Secrets of Family Caregiving,” a 90-minute workshop the agency will host on three days in February in Tacoma.

The free workshop is scheduled for:

• Feb. 7 from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex in the main meeting room at 2401 S. 35th St.

• Feb. 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Sound View Building, 3602 Pacific Ave.

• Feb. 12 from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the County-City Building in the Rainier conference room at 930 Tacoma Ave S. (seventh floor).

Officials said the workshop will explore ways of meeting the varied needs that accompany caregiving.  Topics will include creating a safe environment, maintaining medical records and providing medical care, communicating with healthcare professionals, community services and resources, respite opportunities, balancing caregiving with other life needs and self-care for the caregiver.  Presenters will include case managers from Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources and other community professionals.

“Family caregiving is now the new normal for healthcare ,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging and Disability Resources. He said the agency “is deeply involved in helping family members provide effective care by using the best resources our community can offer. We want to pass along that experience and knowledge and help anyone who is or will soon be in that caregiver role so they can provide the best care and take care of themselves too.”

Additional information on the workshop is available from Aging and Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600.