“When someone begins to take care of older parents, spouses, or siblings, they don’t usually think of themselves as a caregiver; it’s just what you do for family. But people doing these tasks take on a significant emotional and physical load,” says Dr. Beth Fauth, Professor in the department of Human Development and Family Studies. The problem is that when caregivers don’t think of themselves as filling that role, they are less likely to reach out and find the resources they need.

Dr. Fauth talks us through her research and efforts to provide and communicate resources for caregivers of family members with dementia or other needs. She reminds us that the health of caregiver and the care receiver are equally important.  When new parents have a baby, they are expected to reach outside of themselves for help and resources; we consider it essential to care for both the parents and the infant. However, we have not yet normalized the same act of reaching out for late life caregivers, and we need to. Fauth’s research has shown that caregiver interventions work – they reduce stress and improve well-being of caregivers that utilize them.  They are available face-to-face, online, and in other formats.

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health

https://daas.utah.gov