The Caregiver News November 2021

385.468.3280 | slco.org/caregiver | TTY users call 7-1-1

Thank You Notes There is a rhythm to caregiving—you hear it every time someone turns on a vacuum, moves dishes in the sink, or

calms their voice to answer the same question for the thirty-first time. You hear it in the deep sigh of a tired

caregiver and the sound of an oxygen tank as it pushes out life-sustaining care. Sit still for a moment and listen to

the music of your life. Is the washer running? What sound is it making? Is it complemented by the dryer’s whirl and

thump of your family’s clothes? These are the notes of love, care, and hope. It is the most giving and powerful

music the world plays. This is the late night concert of a caregiver’s life, and it deserves a Grammy.

Thank you for orchestrating all the little crescendos that get you and those you care for through the day:

Kitchen Music The World Band’s

Song of Hope

Tool Shed Music

“I appreciate when I hear you

normalize a loved one’s struggles —

like when you say ‘Its ok mom I’ve

done that before too’ or ‘I would have had a hard time seeing it too.’ I

also enjoy hearing you say or do

little things specifically to elicit a

smile or giggle out of your loved

one”. ~ Jamie, Case Manager

“I love your stifled sounds and

the way you shake your head

when the ‘chaotic chorus’

breaks out. The dog is barking, the dishwasher is running, and

your dad is correcting every

word you say—but there you

sit giggling and biting your lip.

The sound of your humor and

understanding is priceless”.

~ Kathy, Training Specialist

“I appreciate your calm, steady

voice as you help your loved one.

Your love shines through with

your tender words even on the

toughest days. Thank you for being

a wonderful Caregiver”. ~ Nancy, Case Manager

“I appreciate the sound of your

smile when you speak—you

care for your loved one, and

you are also dealing with health issues, and yet your voice

continues to be encouraging.

Through you I hear the song

‘When You’re Smiling, the

Whole World Smiles With

You’.” ~ Nelly, Case Manager

“Stop, breathe and listen to the

moment. I want to acknowledge you

and all that you do. I know that not

everyone sees what your day to day or moment to moment, but I want you to

know that I see you and thank you for

being that caregiver. Thank you for all

that you do. Please know that you are

not alone”. ~ Dee, Case Manager

“I hear your tears come through

while on the phone—asking for

additional help as you provide

compassionate assistance to your loved one. You are not alone in

this and you are doing a great job!” ~Charise, Program Manager

“Thank you for the tireless hours, your compassion, and the incredible courage

you exemplify every day for those you care for”. ~ Christian, Case Manager

Visit slco.org/aging-adult-services/caregiver-support/calendar/ for class times and information. Please be

aware that those you care for will not be able to attend classes with you. Reasonable ADA Accommodations

are available upon request.

• Caregiver Talking Points. One hour webinars that focus on building caregiving skills. Webinars are

held on WebEx.com. Day, evening, and group coaching options available. Call 385.468.3280.

• Stress Busting for Family Caregivers. A nine-week virtual program that provides stress manage-

ment techniques to those who care for individuals with Dementia or a Chronic Illness. Programs

start every few months at various times. Call 385.468.3280.

• Caregiver Lunch Bunch. Call Dee at 385.468.3248 for updates and program updates.

• Online Support Group. 2nd Thurs at 3pm on WebEx. Call Christian at 385.468.3236.

• The Caregiver Co-op. 4th Mon at 2pm on the Virtual Senior Center. This is an activity and peer

driven support option. Call Kathy at 385.468.3281.

Other community events and support groups are listed on our Caregiver Calendar, or can be found on the

slco.org/aging in-building Senior Centers or Virtual Senior Center calendars, 211utah.org, alz.org/utah, U of U

Alzheimer’s Center at uuhsc.utah.edu/cacir, jfsutah.org/events, nowplayingutah.com, seniorsbluebook.com, or

the utahpridecenter.org. Are you struggling? Use the Creating Joy Booklet on slco.org/caregiver to find ideas.

Education and Support Group Options