“The Memory Café has given us something to look forward to each month. It’s a place where we can just be ourselves, connect with others, and not feel alone in this.”
— Care Partner
“What I like most about Trualta is how easy it is to use. I can look up something quickly in the moment and get helpful guidance right away, and as a bonus it's free.”
— Care Partner
"Before taking Powerful Tools for Caregivers, I felt overwhelmed and alone, now I have practical tools, renewed confidence, and the reassurance that I don't have to navigate caregiving by myself.”
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.
Upcoming: This October & November: Mindful Moments and Tea, Treats, and Truths About Aging!
Join the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) and VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region for Tea, Treats, & Truths About Aging, a free and welcoming community conversation focused on aging resources, hospice care, and support services available close to home. Enjoy tea and light refreshments while learning, asking questions, and connecting with others in a relaxed and supportive setting.
This event is being held in conjunction with SVCOA’s Mindful Moments Café, providing an additional opportunity for unpaid family caregivers and community members to connect, find support, and learn about resources that can help individuals and families navigate aging and caregiving.
Wednesday, October 14 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. Solomon Wright Public Library
97 Main Street, Pownal, VT
Tuesday, October 20 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. The Maples "Community Room" 5 General Wing Rd, Rutland VT
Tuesday, November 24th | 10:00–11:00 a.m. Bennington Project Independence 164 Harwood Hill Rd, Bennington VT
The event is free and open to all—no cost to attend.
Build skills. Reduce stress. Care for yourself while caring for others.
SVCOA is excited to offer a new PTC virtual series starting September 17th 2026. Details on this session are listed below. There is no cost to class participants. Space is limited. To learn more and reserve your spot, get in touch with SVCOA Caregiver Support Specialist Aaron Brush at abrush@svcoa.net or call 802-772-7835
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
Class Dates and Times are Listed Below
September 17th @ 10:00-11:30
September 24th @ 10:00-11:30
October 1st @ 10:00-11:30
October 8th @ 10:00-11:30
October 15th @ 10:00-11:30
October 22nd @ 10:00-11:30
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.
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.
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.
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