Tea Time with Sheri-Questions, Answers, and Support

The Area Agency on Aging facilitates an online Caregiver Support Group occuring weekly, every Thursday at 1pm via ZOOM. Caregivers from the community are invited to join in the caregiver conversation.

The Senior population of Southern Utah is quickly growing, as are the issues that affect them. Caregiving is among the fastest rising of these issues. There are over 34 million Americans providing unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older. And nearly 16 million are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. But when you’re overwhelmed and exhausted by caregiving responsibilities, it can feel like you’re the only person dealing with so much.

“Caregiver support groups are so helpful, because they’re filled with people in similar situations,” said Sheri Reber, group facilitator, “Being able to talk with others who truly understand what you’re going through reduces stress, validates your experience, and gives connection and support.”

The support group not only provides connection, but Sheri Reber, a licensed Social Service Worker, provides education to assist and empower caregivers in their role. Joining the Caregiver Support Group can help those who are feeling less lonely, isolated or judged to reduce depression, anxiety, or distress through gaining a sense of empowerment and control from advice or information about practical solutions or treatment options, improving or learning healthy coping skills, leading to a better understanding of what to expect in the future and improving caregiving skills and giving better quality of life to your care receiver.