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Tahlequah Public Library to Host Caregiver Support Group Classes in April

Caring for a loved one with health challenges is a deeply meaningful role, but it can also be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. Caregivers often put the needs of others ahead of their own, leading to stress, burnout, and feelings of isolation. To support caregivers in the community, Tahlequah Public Library is hosting the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative for an educational series, Healthy Brain, Healthy Mind for the Caregiver, alongside its ongoing weekly Caregiver Support Group meetings.

The series is a four-week course designed to help both professional and family caregivers understand how to maintain their own brain health while providing care for others. Each session will focus on practical strategies to strengthen cognitive function, manage stress, and develop healthy habits that contribute to overall well-being. Participants will also gain tools for self-care, helping them remain resilient and capable in their caregiving journey.

By prioritizing their own health and well-being, caregivers can provide even better support to those in their care. The course will also address the importance of emotional and mental health, equipping caregivers with techniques to handle the daily challenges of caregiving with greater confidence and balance.

Class Details:

— Dates: April 4, 18, 25, and May 2

— Time: 11 a.m. to noon

— Location: Tahlequah Public Library

The sessions will be in person, creating a welcoming and interactive environment where caregivers can learn from experts, ask questions, and share experiences with others who understand their struggles.

In addition to the educational course, Tahlequah Public Library also hosts a weekly Caregiver Support Group every Wednesday at 4:00 PM. This group provides an open space for caregivers to connect with others who share similar experiences. Whether facing the challenges of dementia, chronic illness, or aging-related care, caregivers can find encouragement, understanding, and practical advice from their peers.

The support group is informal and discussion-based, allowing participants to share concerns, successes, and resources in a judgment-free setting. Studies show that caregivers who have strong social support networks experience less stress, improved emotional well-being, and better overall health outcomes.

Caregiving can be an isolating experience, but no one should have to navigate it alone. These programs reflect the library’s ongoing commitment to serving the community beyond books and traditional services. By providing educational and emotional support, Tahlequah Public Library hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of caregivers and their loved ones.

Both the Healthy Brain, Healthy Mind for the Caregiver course and the Caregiver Support Group are free and open to the public.

For more information or to sign up, visit Tahlequah Public Library or call 918-456-2581.

Jeremy Jones is the branch manager of Tahlequah Public Library, a branch of the Eastern Oklahoma Library System.