The Fountain Hills Caregivers Support Group recently announced that Kathleen Blair has joined its leadership team.

Blair will serve as co-chair with fellow Caregivers co-chairs, Jim Judge and Bill Whittaker.

Blair will continue her work as a chaplain with Arizona Care Hospice in Fountain Hills where she provides emotional and spiritual counsel for patients and families no matter their religious affiliation.

“It is important to understand that hospice is not strictly for someone at the final hours of their life journey,” Blair said of her work. “Hospice is a valuable asset to assist families in caring for their loved ones with a life-limiting illness. Arizona Care Hospice offers medical, emotional and spiritual support for the patient whether in their home or a facility.

“The goal is to respect the final wishes of the patient and their family and provide quality medical care so that the patient is comfortable and transitions with dignity.”

Blair also conducts bereavement services including hosting a grief support group at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.

Community Center membership is not required to attend Caregivers Support Group meetings. For more information, contact Jim Judge at 480-209-8755, Bill Whittaker at 480-837-7961 or Kathleen Blair at 480-588-8200.

Open to all caregivers regardless of age, affliction or disease, or place of residence, the Fountain Hills Caregivers Support Group offers a responsive environment where caregivers may discover they are neither unique in their situation nor alone in their feelings and experiences. It allows caregivers to exchange ideas and information, find solutions to similar problems and suggest discussion topics for future meetings.

It is also an opportunity for caregivers to develop informal networks and peer groups for extended support.