Caregiver Support Group to hold conference calls during COVID-19

The Caregiver Support Group meetings that were held monthly at Veterans Memorial Hospital continue to be held through conference calls during COVID-19.  Northeast Iowa Agency on Aging is offering weekly Caregiver Support Group conference calls every Monday from 10-11 a.m.

To join a call, just dial 1-800-264-8432 and then enter the participant code 961847# to be connected to the support group conference call, joining other caregivers.

When a person is diagnosed with a chronic illness, a lot of focus and attention is put on how to keep that person as independent and as healthy as possible. When a person loses some of their abilities to care for themselves the burden of care is often assumed by the spouse, a child (or children), or sometimes friends and neighbors. While everyone who becomes a caregiver handles the added responsibility with different skill sets, attitudes and understanding levels, there is no question that there is a very real strain associated with care giving.

Northeast Iowa Agency on Aging is reaching out to extend this program during COVID-19 to keep people safe at home, yet offer them the support they need as a caregiver.  This support group can assist caregivers with finding in-home supports, nursing home care, applying for Medicaid, and also providing support assistance in handling guilt, burnout, fatigue and other complex emotions related to caregiving.

Contact Kelly Kuennen of Northeast Iowa Agency on Aging at 1-800-779-8707 with any questions about the Caregiver Support Group.