Resources Available as You Care for Your Loved One

UnityPoint Health - AbbeHealth Services - Aging Services
(319) 398-3644

Aging Services has a Respite Program designed to provide a break for you.  Hourly rates and schedule are determined by you and the respite provider.  Financial assistance may be available for eligible caregivers.

Milestones Adult Day Health Centers 
Milestones programs are designed to enhance the lives of adults and caregivers by providing day support services in a home-like environment.  The two locations are:

Milestones Adult Day Health Center
1725 O Ave. NW
Cedar Rapids, IA
Phone:  (319) 398-3647
Email: crmilestones@abbehealth.org

Milestones in Marion
1080 Cardinal Drive
Marion, IA
Phone:  (319) 373-3494
Email: marionmilestones@abbehealth.org

Aging Services Caregiver Support Groups

• Cedar Rapids Milestones: Meets the second Wednesday of each month from 3 - 4:30 p.m.

• Milestones in Marion: Meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 3 - 4:30 p.m.

• Co-Sponsored by Pathways in Iowa City: Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the Iowa State Extension Office (4625 Oakcrest Hill Rd SE, Iowa City)

The Heritage Agency Caregiver Support Program  
(319) 398-5559 

A Family Caregiver Specialist provides information for caregivers of older adults.  The Family Caregiver Specialist supports you by helping identify solutions to your unique caregiving needs and challenges.

Family Caregivers Center of Mercy  

(319) 221-8866

A comprehensive resource for you.  Services available include:  one-on-one interviews, caregiver coaches, companion respite, educational sessions and events, resource library, music, art, chair yoga and journals.

AARP (877) 333-5885
Resource information for you.  Short videos to show you how to help relatives and friends using a walker or wheelchair with transfers, bathing, etc. at www.aarp.org/nolongeralone .

Iowa State Extension Office (319) 377-9839, Ext. 315
Offers "Powerful Tools for Caregivers", a series of classes designed to empower you to take better care of yourself.  The "tools" learned in the six-week series benefit you by helping you reduce stress, improve your confidence as a caregiver, establish balance in your life, communicate your needs, make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.

Lifelong Links (866) 468-7887
Lifelong Links can connect you to many of the state's information and referral resources, including Iowa COMPASS, the Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the Iowa Family Caregiver Support Program and Iowa 2-1-1.  Information and referral specialists will help you identify community-based services available in your area and help you determine which programs best fit your individual situation.  

National Alliance for Caregiving (800) 896-3650
Coalition of organizations focused on caregiving issues; provides a resource for ideas and helpful advice for family caregivers (www.familycaregiving101.org).

Family Caregiver Alliance/National Center on Caregiving (800) 445-8106
Provides information and resources for you on long-term caregiving.

VA Caregiver Support (855) 260-3274

If you are caring for a veteran, calling the Caregiver Support Line is a great first step to take to learn more about the support that is available to you.  The Caregiver Support Line can tell you about the assistance available from the VA, help you access services and connect you with the Caregiver Support Coordinator at the VA Medical Center near you.