Nearly ⅓ of the adult population in the US is a caregiver in some fashion. Freeman Hospital in Joplin has started a new caregiver support group. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

The new Caregivers Support Group will meet every month and include guest speakers, including Freeman physicians, who will educate on disease management. Topics will also include helping caregivers anticipate the progression of decline, legal, medical equipment resources, and instruction on how to utilize these items to reduce injury for both the individual and caregiver.

Dr. Henry Petry, Director of the Freeman Center for Geriatrics, will take part in the first meeting later today discussing chronic conditions and information about prevention through diet and exercise. Today’s first meeting of the Caregivers Support Group will be held at 10:30 am at Freeman East Conference Rooms. The group will then meet every third Thursday at the same location. For more information, call Kathy Mason at 417.347.8463.