By Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns
The month of November was recognized as National Family Caregiver Month to raise awareness and express gratitude for the hard work and value provided by the over 53 million family caregivers across the country.
In Iowa, approximately 27 percent of adults, or 657,000 people, are family caregivers. These caregivers play an important role in supporting individuals through personal care, medical care and other life-management tasks.
Kelly Kuennen, a social worker and family caregiver specialist at the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, shared about her role and the Caregiver Support Group she hosts monthly in Elkader.
Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging’s mission is to help aging individuals respond to their evolving needs and empower them to live with dignity in their communities by navigating available resources, assistance, and counseling.
The private, not-for-profit corporation serves Clayton County and 17 other northeast Iowa counties. Priorities of the organization include advocating for older persons and their caregivers and helping people remain in their homes and active in their communities.
Kuennen began working at Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging almost 20 years ago as a case manager. In 2017, she moved to her current caregiver specialist role, where she supports caregivers in Clayton County and five other surrounding counties.
Kuennen shared what motivates her in the role: “I love meeting new people and enjoy supporting them. I would love to see participation in the group continue to grow and have more people see the value of support in group settings.”
Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging’s fall newsletter described the varying roles of caregivers as including those who “help an older parent manage medications, assist a spouse with mobility, provide a neighbor with transportation to medical appointments or commit to 24-hour, around-the-clock care.”
The role of a caregiver is both rewarding and demanding. They show compassion and strength by supporting a family member who is facing illness, disability or aging. Caregivers often sacrifice their time and energy to enhance the quality of life for someone else.
Balancing work, family and personal responsibilities can become challenging. Those in caregiving roles face a higher risk of anxiety, depression and health concerns because of the physical demands, emotional stress and financial pressures the role can bring.
Kuennen shared that guilt is something many caregivers face. It often shows up as thoughts like, “How can I complain when I’m not the one who’s ill?”
She also noted that the changing dynamics of the relationship can be hard, especially when caregivers find themselves supporting a parent or spouse who once supported them.
It is vital for caregivers to utilize community resources, respite programs and their support networks to maintain their own health and the quality of care for their loved one.
In spring 2024, Kuennen started a monthly support group for local caregivers. They meet on the second Wednesday of the month at the Elkader Public Library, from 1 until 2 p.m.
The meetings are informal and begin with introductions, followed by group discussion. The atmosphere is conversational and guided by what the caregivers need, whether that is asking questions, finding resources, venting or sharing successes.
Kuennen shared, “It offers caregivers a space to support each other. While their experiences are not the same, they often share many commonalities.”
New group members are always welcome. Guests are invited to attend regularly or just for a session or two when they need extra support or community. Caregivers may be children, spouses, other family members or professionals.
Caregivers often experience feelings of guilt, isolation or pressure from making care decisions that only others in their role can relate to.
Moments of laughter and joy are also shared at the support group meetings. Feedback from participants included gratitude for having the group as an outlet and a place to make connections. The group also provides an opportunity to form a bond and celebrate with each other.
Kuennen noted, “Members of the Elkader group specifically have expressed how nice it is to have the connection when you run into each other in town.”
Individuals can support caregivers in their community by showing appreciation for what they do and offering practical help when they can.
Kuennen explained, “Caregivers often feel like people don’t understand, are only offering out of politeness or that they’re a burden when they ask for help. The best way to support them is to reach out and ask how you can specifically help. Support can look like sitting with their loved one, giving rides to appointments, helping with housework or picking up groceries.”
Caregivers are encouraged to attend the support group on the second Wednesday of the month at the Elkader Public Library, from 1 to 2 p.m., or reach out to Kuennen directly at (563) 277-6024. More information on resources and assistance from Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging can be found at www.nei3a.org.
