Milestones, the area agency on aging for southeast Iowa, announces that a new family caregiver support group “Caring for the Caregiver” has been launched in Ottumwa. The group meets monthly and offers both a morning and evening option.

People can choose either September 8 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and again on September 10 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Ottumwa Regional Hospital, Conference Room D, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue.

“With one in four people taking on additional family caregiver responsibilities, there definitely is a need for information and referrals that will assist individuals caring for aging family and friends,” said Joan Nydle, Family Caregiver Specialist. “Often time people don’t realize that they are a caregiver. Roles vary as in taking their mother to doctor visits or doing grocery shopping and laundry for their father while others might provide 24 hour supervision to a spouse with Alzheimer’s.”

The group will offer conversation, education and support. The meetings are free and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Joan at Milestones Area Agency on Aging toll free at 1-855-410-6222, ext. 416 or by email at jnydle@milestonesaaa.org.