According to statistics, 80% of all caregiving for adults is done by unpaid family and friends!   Informal caregivers, estimated in 2015 at 66 million and growing, have long been the foundation of long term care in the U.S.  Supporting these unsung heroes is a mission of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, in conjunction with Alki United Church of Christ in West Seattle. 

Support U: Fostering Caregiver Wellness is a series of 3 classes developed by a geriatric social worker and author and delivered by trained volunteers in local congregations.  By providing information and emphasizing self-care, the curriculum prepares people for the role of caregiver along with raising community awareness and helping to prevent caregiver ‘burnout” and isolation.

Support U is unique in its emphasis on all aspects of the health and well-being of the caregiver, including the spiritual.  Topics covered include Finding, Creating and Using Resources, Dementia, Chronic Illness and the Family, and Self-Care for the Caregiver.  Participants learn about local and national resources, approaches to dealing with the family conflict that often arises with the illness or disability of a loved one, and tips on self-care to make the caregiver’s journey easier. 

Here are what a few of the past participants have to say about Support U: 
“Sharing with others eases the burden”
“This class is a huge encouragement to me”
“I enjoy hearing the real life experiences and situations from the different people in the group.”

Alki United Church of Christ in West Seattle, 6115 SW Hinds St. (near Alki Beach) will be presenting the series on 3 Saturdays;  February 11th, February 25th and March 11th, from 9:30 am to noon.  The suggested donation to cover the cost of materials is $5 per session.   For more information, or to register contact Alki United Church of Christ, 206-935-4611 or office@alkiucc.org.