Mission Minded Ministry was the catalyst for the Caregivers Support Group in 2004.  Since then FUMC has served our members and our community who experience the issues, needs, and stress of caregiving.  The Adult Caregiver's Support Group presents an opportunity and confidential environment for the participants to share their experiences, gain emotional support and receive encouragement in problem sharing/solving.  This ministry helps lessen the sense of isolation and stresses the importance of taking care of oneself in the role of caregiving.

Caregiver’s Support group identifies specific unmet needs by assessment, presents programs of interest, promotes assistance and emotional support to help each other, encourages the participants to attend seminars and conferences related to their role of caregiving, and offers an exchange information and referrals to community resources.

Caring for someone?  Join this ministry for a time of rest and learning.  Regular meetings are held at 1:30 pm every first and third Thursday at Summit Pointe Senior Living Community, 3505 English Glen Ave., Marion, Iowa.  Free respite for loved ones is provided on-site by the staff in the Memory Care unit at Summit Pointe.  Join us as we journey through a time of prayer, sharing resources, current caregiving concerns, and fellowship. 

Community Resources:

• Alzheimer's Assn. 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900
• Dial 211 for any community resource, 24/7 daily
• Heritage Area Agency on Aging, 398-5559
• Household Help, 319-573-1272
• Iowa Concern: Iowa Extension Hotline, 1-800-447-1985
• Iowa Dept. of Elder Affairs: 1-800-532-3213
• Iowa Family Caregiver Support Program-1-800-272-3900
• Palliative Care, St. Luke's Hospital, --369-7211
• SHIP; Senior Health Insurance Information Program, 1-800-351-4664
  
  

The biggest blessing is seeing the caregivers show personal growth in their handling of the caregiver role.  Comments from attendees include the positive support they have received from fellow group members, use of resources made available to them, and being able to share experiences and ideas on problem solving.  The availability of grant funds for respite care from two agencies has helped them have some "time-off" from their caregiving role.

We welcome anyone who is a caregiver to join us at our group meetings and invite anyone to volunteer where needed.  Please contact Marj Reth or contact Vick Standley, Director of Pastoral Care at the church office.