There are an estimated 336,000 unpaid family caregivers in Utah. November is the month these caregivers are saluted nationwide. On Nov. 16, Salt Lake County’s division of Aging and Adult Services (part of the county’s Human Services Department) offered its own salute.

The Portrait of a Caregiver Exhibit at the county government center featured photos, displays and stories of local caregivers from a wide variety of backgrounds. AAS promotes independence for older adults through advocacy, engagement and access to resources.

“One of the things that caregivers often say is ‘you don’t know unless you’ve been a caregiver,’” said Charise Jensen, program manager for AAS. “We wanted a way for other caregivers to be able to see themselves and recognize themselves in these photos.”

There were a number of photos on display, each with a short story about the caregiver or a description of their efforts. One display was a series of postcards from a caregiver named Nia.

“It’s kind of her art therapy,” Jensen said. “It tells of her caregiver journey, and it relates so closely to many of our caregivers. We encourage both the givers and the receivers to express their feelings with art, which many have.”

Caregivers are those who help loved ones manage household tasks and assist with personal care. The division said the average caregiver in Utah is a 59-year-old woman who works full or part time and cares for a loved one over age 76.

“Nineteen percent of all Utah caregivers are over 65, 58% are women, and 22% are caring for someone with dementia,” said Afton January, grants and communications manager for the division. “Nearly 1 in 7 non-caregivers expect to become caregivers within two years.”

She said nationally, the estimated value of unpaid family caregiving is over $470 billion.

Jensen said caregivers offer help to people of all ages, from grandparents to siblings to young children. She said everyone’s story is unique, as were the exhibits on display.

“Each caregiver featured here has a powerful story to tell, and to share,” she said. “They are all very endearing to those who give and receive that care.”

The annual event is held each November during the national month of celebration. Last year’s theme was the Mad Hatter Tea Party because, as Jensen said with a smile, “at times you think you’re going mad as a caregiver.”

“I came to see the exhibit because I remember how our family took care of Grandpa after my Grandma died,” said Rachel, who didn’t want to give her last name. “My memories of being with Grandpa—hearing his stories of his life—will be something I’ll never forget. I know it took a lot of time and sacrifice to be with him for the last few months of his life. My family received a lot more from those days than we ever gave to him.”

Jensen said the message for caregivers at the yearly event is the same.

“We just want them to know that they’re not alone, that this is a journey and that there’s support out there. And we’re here for them.” λ