A program for adult children and family members who are currently in or expect to be in a care-giving situation, will be held next month in Walnut. Sandra McKinnon, Iowa State University Extension family life program specialist and facilitator for the Caregiving Relationships program, says the workshop will be held Thursday, March 7th, from 7:00- to 9:15-pm, at the Walnut City Library in Walnut. The workshop is being offered free but registration is necessary. To register, call 712-482-6449.

McKinnon says research shows that spousal caregivers are more likely to provide care with help from adult children than to accept help from community supports or nonfamily members. The program helps adult children learn to recognize how caregiving affects relationships. It helps an adult child discover their role in making decisions about their parents’ later life. And a caregiver needs help to know how to ask for assistance and discuss difficult issues with family members.

McKinnon says the workshop also “Helps to build talking and listening skills, shares ideas on how to start the conversation, and how to say what you mean and hear what your parents or siblings say.”  It’s part of ISU Extension’s programming to address aging and family issues. Another program is available called Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a series of six workshops designed especially for family caregivers. If you are interested in this opportunity contact the East Pottawattamie County extension office at phone 712-482-6449.