Caregiver Support Services
Caregiver Support at SVCOA
Caring for a loved one can be rewarding—but it can also be overwhelming, especially when support is hard to find. SVCOA is here to help.
We support:
- People caring for someone age 60 or older
- Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia (ADRD)
- Adults age 55+ who are the primary caregivers for:
- Children under 18
- Adults with disabilities
How We Can Help
SVCOA offers a variety of services to support caregivers, including:
- Caregiver education classes and support programs
- Information and referrals to local programs, support groups, and community resources
- Assistance assessing needs and identifying available options
- Respite care access through the SVCOA Respite Grant
- Homemaking support to ease daily responsibilities
SVCOA's Mindful Moments Cafe is a social gathering where people experiencing memory loss, and their care partners come together to connect and support one another in a relaxed, nonjudgmental atmosphere. Participants enjoy social time, refreshments, music, and art, as well as games and activities with an occasional guest speaker.

Current Cafe Locations and Times
Rutland Mindful Moments Cafe is held on
the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
- Location: The Maples Senior Living Community "Day Room" 5 General Wing Rd Rutland
- Time: 10:30 am - 12 pm
Manchester Regional Mindful Moments Cafe is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
- Location: Manchester Community Library "Lower Gallery" 138 Cemetery Rd, Manchester Center VT
- Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Bennington Regional Mindful Moments Cafe is held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
- Location: Solomon Wright Public Library, 97 Main St Pownal VT
- Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
For more information about SVCOA’s Mindful Moments Cafe, in both Rutland and Bennington contact the SVCOA HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 or email us at infoandassistance@svcoa.net
You can also ask to have your name added to our caregiver mailing list to ensure you receive information about any upcoming caregiver-specific events, workshops, and more.
Build skills. Reduce stress. Care for yourself while caring for others.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is a nationally recognized educational program that helps unpaid family caregivers build the skills and confidence they need to care for themselves while caring for a loved one.
This series offers practical tools and techniques to help you:
- Manage stress and avoid burnout
- Communicate more effectively with family and health professionals
- Handle tough caregiving situations
- Increase self-confidence and decision-making skills
- Find balance in your day-to-day life
Who It’s For
PTC is designed for anyone providing regular, unpaid care to a loved one—whether you’re new to caregiving or have years of experience. Caregivers of older adults, spouses, parents, or friends will all benefit from the tools provided in this program.
Classes at SVCOA
SVCOA offers Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes on a rolling and as-needed basis throughout the year. Our goal is to make this valuable program accessible, flexible, and supportive for caregivers in our region.
- Classes are led by trained facilitators
- Sessions are designed for small, supportive groups
- Materials and guidance are included at no cost
Learn More
To find out when the next class is being offered or to express interest, contact the SVCOA HelpLine:
1-800-642-5119
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Personalized support for caregivers in our community
Caregiving can be deeply meaningful—but it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and isolating. That’s why SVCOA offers the TCare Tailored Caregiver Assessment and Referral tool, a powerful resource designed to support family caregivers with personalized care, information, and connection.
What Is TCare?

TCare (Tailored Caregiver Assessment and Referral) is an evidence-based tool that helps identify the specific needs and stressors of caregivers. Through a confidential, one-on-one assessment, we can better understand your situation and match you with meaningful supports—so you can care for your loved one without burning out.
How TCare Helps
TCare is more than a survey. It’s a personalized approach to caregiver support. After completing the assessment, caregivers receive:
- A customized plan based on their individual needs
- Referrals to local services, support groups, or respite care
- Educational materials to strengthen caregiving skills
- Emotional support resources and self-care strategies
- Ongoing check-ins, if needed
Who Can Use TCare?
- Family or informal caregivers of older adults
- Anyone providing regular, unpaid support to a loved one
- Caregivers feeling stressed, isolated, or in need of resources
- Those new to caregiving or navigating long-term care planning
If you're helping someone with daily tasks, medical needs, or emotional support—you are a caregiver, and this tool is for you.
Support and guidance for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers
The Alzheimer’s Association of Vermont has created the 2024 Dementia Resource Guide to help individuals living with dementia—as well as their families and caregivers—access the tools, services, and information they need throughout the dementia journey.

What’s Inside
This free, comprehensive guide offers clear, practical support in key areas, including:
- Understanding dementia and available care options
- Legal and financial planning
- Health management strategies
- Community and caregiver support services
- Local and statewide resources for Vermonters
The guide is designed to meet a range of needs and circumstances, helping individuals and families feel more informed and empowered every step of the way.
Download the Guide
The 2024 Vermont Dementia Resource Guide is available below at no cost.
Learn. Connect. Care with confidence.
Trualta is a free online resource offered through SVCOA to support family and informal caregivers as they navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one at home.
Whether you’re new to caregiving or looking for trusted guidance, Trualta gives you on-demand access to practical tips, expert advice, and caregiver training—all in one easy-to-use platform.
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What Trualta Offers
With a free Trualta account, caregivers can:
- Learn how to manage difficult behaviors or memory loss
- Watch instructional videos on safe transfers and daily care tasks
- Explore tips for reducing stress and avoiding burnout
- Connect with a community of caregivers facing similar challenges
- Gain confidence with real-world strategies that work
Trualta helps caregivers feel more prepared and supported—so both you and your loved one can thrive.
Free for SVCOA Caregivers
This service is completely free for caregivers in our region, thanks to support from the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.
Get Started Today
To learn more or sign up for Trualta, call the SVCOA HelpLine:
1-800-642-5119
Our team can walk you through the sign-up process and help you make the most of this resource.

The HelpLine is a toll-free, confidential service that provides older Vermonters, caregivers and others with information, referrals and assistance toward accessing local, state or national resources and services.