Am I a caregiver?

Most people don’t consider themselves a caregiver. Ask yourself:

• Do I help someone regularly with tasks like cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, and yard work?
• Do I manage a loved one’s medications?
• Do I help my loved one with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, eating, walking, using the toilet, and others?
• Am I responsible for the well-being of an older adult, someone with dementia, or a person with a disability?

You are likely a caregiver if you answered yes to any of those questions. Caregivers can be family members, friends, neighbors, or have any other type of relationship with someone.

Caregiving can be very rewarding, but also confusing and overwhelming. Many resources are available to support caregivers along their journey. It is important to know the available resources in Utah such as websites, case management, virtual and in-person education classes, and support groups. Please reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging and ask about their caregiver support programs and the resources available in your area. These agencies offer many programs and are your local experts to help you navigate your caregiving journey. You can find your local agency by visiting daas.utah.gov/locations or calling (801) 538-3910.

Sometimes it may feel like there aren’t enough resources. Other times, there may be so many that you aren’t sure how to choose. There are no wrong answers. If you prefer to look around for education and resources online, we suggest you look for a website that has a “.org” or “.gov” ending. These will provide you with more reputable resources. Others may have interesting or helpful information as well, just be sure there are references available to make sure you are getting accurate information. Some great national resources include Hilarity for Charity, Alzheimer’s Association, AARP Caregiving, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jewish Family Services, and many, many others. You can find a list compiled by your Utah Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Council at dementia.utah.gov/caregivers.

Sometimes talking to others going through their own caregiving journey can be extremely helpful. We call these support groups, but don’t let that term scare you. You are around people in a similar situation. These can be in person, online, or over the phone. Many even come with education. Some benefits of participating in a support group can be feeling less lonely, isolated or judged, as well as reduced stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Not sure if you’ll like it? Give one a try, you won’t regret it.

As a caregiver, you are doing meaningful, important and loving work. It may not always feel like it, but doing your best is enough. Remember, you are not alone. There are resources and a community out there to help you!