Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging in Vermont
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 Caregiver Support

We care about you and help is only a phone call away. We understand that the role of caregiving is very personal and it can be challenging, demanding, and rewarding work. Whether you are new to caregiving or looking for helpful resources, the NEK Council on Aging and community partners offer support that helps caregivers care for loved ones at home for as long as possible. 

Hi, I'm Karen Desrochers, Director of Client and Caregiver Team Support and I'm very excited to expand my experience at the Council to assist caregivers with the support they need. I served as a caretaker for my family and understand the rewards and challenges of taking care of someone.  I am happy to set up a free, personal consultation to find the resources you need to care for yourself and your friend or loved one. 


Please give me a call at my direct number

 802-751-0427 or email: kdesrochers@nekcouncil.org.
Assertive Ways to Ask for Help A Helpful Checklist for Hiring Caregivers

TCARE 

The TCARE® (Tailored Caregiver Assessment & Referral) system uses intelligent, predictive technology to precisely target & map interventions, reducing family caregivers’ burden & stress levels. Care professionals use TCARE’s web-based system to assess a family caregiver’s social determinants of health, identify specific risk factors related to stress and depression, and create individualized, tailored care plans. For information on the benefits of TCARE, please reach out to Karen Desrochers (802) 751-0427.

Access the TCARE Prescreening Assessment

Kinship Care - Caregivers and Grandparents Taking Care of Children

Kinship care is commonly defined as "the full-time care, nurturing, and protection of a child by relatives, members of their tribe or clan, godparents, stepparents, or other adults who have a family relationship to a child." The relationship should be respected on the basis of the family's cultural values and emotional ties.


Kinship Caregiver Respite Grants

• A caregiver needs to be at least 55 years of age or older. (please call for referral site) 

• Caring for a related minor 

• Help with childcare or related activities 

• Online support groups can be provided 

Caregivers Toolkit from the Caregivers Action Network

"We met Karen Desrochers over two years ago and not only did she help us with information and resources, but made us feel safe and gave us hope when we were going through difficult time. Karen is so skilled at her job, and knew all the resources available and is a kind and loving presence. As my husband’s health declined, I felt someone cared about us and would do her best to help us through. Karen is a wonderful listener and is compassionate. When I needed support emotionally (as my husband was in and out of hospitals and rehabs in several states over 5 ½ months) she was always available. I was traveling and advocating for my husband and she knew that I needed support as well. I can’t say enough about Karen skill as an agent and as an incredible human being who truly cares about her clients."

Falls Prevention Conversation Guide for Caregivers Helpful Tips for Caregiver Guilt What is Sundowning?
Access The Trualta Portal Here Emergency Planning Workbook
LGBTQ+ Caregiver Support

Dementia Care and Support

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms that together affect the memory, normal thinking, communicating and the reasoning ability of a person. These symptoms make it difficult to perform even daily simple tasks such as bathing and eating. Alzheimer's disease is the main cause of majority cases of dementia. Dementia cannot be cured, but there are medications to manage the symptoms.


Dementia Respite Program is funding to provide support services for unpaid caregivers who are caring for individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. The services provided by the grant are to assist and support unpaid caregivers manage the responsibilities of caregiving. 


“Without the grant I could not have afforded to pay someone to come in and take care of my husband, I was burnt out, it saved my life. I got to go be me, I could leave my home and know he was taken care of and was safe”


How the grant may be used: 

• In-home respite services, including; homemaking or chore services, personal care services like help with bathing, and companion/substitute care supports.

• Out of home respite, including adult day services and short-term respite stays in a residential care facility or nursing home.

• Services provided on a limited basis to complement the care provided by caregivers. This includes home modifications for access and safety (shower bars, ramps, and assistive technologies). It includes incontinence supplies.  It includes transportation that complements care provided by the family caregiver (going to the grocery store or drugstore to pick up needed supplies.)

• Therapeutic counseling expenses for the family caregiver may also be billed if not covered by insurance. 

Please note:

• Funds may not be used for household renovations or repair. Funds may not be used to buy clothing, medicine, household appliances, or durable medical equipment. 

• Please contact Karen Desrochers, Director of Client and Caregiver Team Support if you have any questions or if you would like to apply for a grant. Direct line number 802-751-0427 or email kdesrochers@nekcouncil.org 


Caregivers - Your Nutrition Matters! Vermont Dementia Resource Guide

“I'm never sure to whom or how to express my gratitude for opening my caregiving world to new optimism.  For me, this respite grant was much more than the obvious financial boost. It quite literally changed our lives.  As a caregiver, I frequently found myself conflicted between what has to be done and what should be done.  What should be done lurked in the background. Time was a dominating factor. The respite grant gave me the gift of time and the chance to focus on the should be dones.  I have a much more relaxed relationship with my husband and certainly less stress in my daily life.  In short, you allowed me to put my priorities in order, and I want to express
my gratitude. Thank you for all your support."                

Support Groups

Newport Caregiver Support Group:  Goodrich Memorial Library, 202 Main Street, Newport
Meets 4th Tuesday of every month from 3:30 - 5:00.  Call Suzi Dix (802) 673-9499.

St. Johnsbury Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group:  NEKCOA St. J Office 481 Summer Street, Suite 101, Meets 2nd Monday of every month from (NEW TIME) 2 - 3:30 p.m.  Call Karen Desrochers (802) 751-0427.

Vermont Alzheimer's Association

Alzheimer's is a journey, not a destination. Taking an active role to educate yourself about how your life may be impacted by getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia can be an empowering first step to take control of your life. The Alzheimer's Association offers a number of education programs that can help you understand what to expect so you can be prepared to meet the changes ahead and live well for as long as possible. Find an education program in your community or you can take free online courses.

Resources:

Legal Resources for Caregivers National Alliance for Caregiving Veteran's Caregiver Support
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