Caregiver Support Services

Name: Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA)
Address: 143 Maple Street, Rutland, Vermont, 05701, United States of America
Telephone: 1-800-642-5119

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

the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Location: The Maples Senior Living Community "Day Room" 5, General Wing Road, Rutland
Time: 10:30 am - 12 pm

Bennington

the last Tuesday of each month.

Location: Bennington Project Independence, 614 Harwood Hill Road, Bennington
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Pownal

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 (In-person & Online)

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

Interested in joining a class or becoming an instructor? Contact SVCOA to find out when the next class is being offered or to let us know of your interest.

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

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.

2024 Vermont Dementia Resource Guide

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.

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.

Click Here to Sign Up for Trualta for FREE

SVCOA HelpLine

1-800-642-5119

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.

More Info