Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, working in conjunction with Hospice and HomeCare of
Reno County, today announced the establishment of a Caregivers Support Group, which will
meet on the first Tuesday of every month starting in September.The first Caregiver Support Group session is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., September 3, in the Rock Room of the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center cafeteria.
Kevin Miller, FACHE, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said
every family in the community has, at one time or another, been called upon to act as a caregiver
for family members or friends. “It is estimated that 44 million American families provide unpaid care to another adult on an ongoing basis,” Miller said. “It could be as minor as providing support to someone recovering from a toothache, to more serious issues including open heart surgery or cancer treatment.”
Mike Hambley, Development Director and Bereavement Coordinator for Hospice and Homecare
of Reno County, said he is hopeful the Caregivers Support Group will lead to other initiatives
that will provide support to individuals experiencing life changing circumstances.
“We are hopeful this group will fill a gap in the care system,” Hambley said.
“The Caregivers Support Group will be especially beneficial to patients’ and their families who
are recovering from head injuries, oncology treatments, and are in rehabilitation,” Hambley
continued.
Amy Simpson, Program Director for Inpatient Rehabilitation at Hutchinson Regional Medical
Center, said the steps needed to recover from an illness can be linked to the grieving process
in that the patient, in numerous instances, can no longer function at a level they have been
accustomed to. “It is a different kind of loss, as compared to the death of a loved one, but remains a significant part of the grieving process,” Simpson said. “Patients and their family will undergo a major
adjustment process and as a result, each will need moral support to get through the difficult
times.”
Interested parties should call 665-2473 for additional information.