In recognition of November as National Family Caregivers Month, Caregiving in Action, a community event held on November 3 at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, honored the people who dedicate their time, energy, and compassion to caring for loved ones. The event, presented in partnership with the University of Utah College of Nursing’s Family Caregiving Collaborative, PBS Utah, AARP Utah, Larkin Mortuary, and the College of Social and Behavioral Science, included a panel discussion and a screening of Caregiving, a new PBS documentary executive produced by Bradley Cooper.
Narrated by Uzo Aduba and directed by Chris Durrance, the documentary shares intimate personal stories and explores the history and realities of caregiving in America today, highlighting both the challenges and the rewards of this essential work. Panelists for the discussion included Esperanza Reyes of the Utah Parent Center, Roy Olson, chaplain and bereavement coordinator with Community Nursing Services and Hospice and Home Care of Utah, Raven Albertson of the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter, and Darren Hotton of AARP Utah, with moderation by Rebecca Utz, a member of the Family Caregiving Collaborative leadership team, professor of sociology and associate dean in the College of Social and Behavioral Science.
Panelists shared candid reflections on the realities of caregiving, highlighting both the challenges and the support that helps sustain caregivers. Esperanza Reyes described her dual role as a parent and adult sibling caregiver: “I am the parent of a young man now, 17 years old, on the autism spectrum. But I am also the sibling, an adult sibling, to somebody on the spectrum of intellectual disability as well.” She emphasized the importance of peer support and self-care, noting, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.”
Raven Albertson discussed dementia caregiving as “a very intense grief experience while also providing an intense amount of care,” calling it “the long goodbye” and underscoring the need for guidance and resources throughout the disease’s progression.
Darren Hotton highlighted Utah’s WISE Initiative, a statewide 10-year plan to help Utahns age well, and encouraged attendees to share feedback that can shape policies and services for caregivers. Roy Olson reflected on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of caregiving, emphasizing the comfort that compassionate presence can provide. Collectively, the panelists shared resources, guidance, and answered audience questions on behalf of their organizations.
A video message from Governor Spencer Cox highlighted the critical role of caregivers in Utah and across the nation. “Here in Utah, we have more than 400,000 family caregivers, and the need is growing quickly,” he said. “Caregivers are the foundation of care in our country. They are the backbone of our health and long-term care systems. They don’t just help with daily tasks—they preserve dignity, offer emotional support, and provide continuity of care that improves health outcomes and quality of life.”
He acknowledged the Family Caregiving Collaborative for its efforts supporting caregivers and advancing research, noting, “They are helping us recognize, honor, and strengthen Utah’s family caregivers.” He concluded, “Recognizing, respecting, and resourcing caregivers is not only the right thing to do, it’s a strategic imperative. Strong caregivers mean strong families, strong communities, and a stronger future for Utah and our nation.”
Attendees were encouraged to take action through cards linking to national and local caregiving resources, allowing them to share stories, identify elected representatives, and participate in advocacy efforts.
The Family Caregiving Collaborative leads statewide research, education, and outreach to improve caregiver well-being. Its mission is to create a future where caregivers of all ages are recognized, supported and valued. Utah will host the 2026 Caregiving Research Conference in Salt Lake City, bringing together researchers, providers and advocates to advance caregiving science, health care, and policy, highlighting the state’s growing leadership in this critical field.
Learn more about the Family Caregiving Collaborative.