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Dementia Respite Program
Caregiving for a person with memory loss can be both stressful and rewarding. Taking a break from caregiving responsibilities can help caregivers maintain the stamina needed to be successful caregivers. If you are caring for someone with memory loss, a Dementia Respite Grant could help you get a well-deserved time off.
The Dementia Respite Program is supported by State and Federal funds administered by the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living and locally by Area Agencies on Aging.
Additional services and funding may also be available through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. The National Family Caregiver Support Program was established as a result of the increased awareness of the contribution and the commitment of family caregivers and other non-relative caregivers. It recognizes the individuality of caregivers, the diversity of their caregiving situations and the range of their needs. The program is designed to provide unpaid caregivers with the assistance they need, when they need it, so they may continue in their caregiving roles. For more information about this program: National Family Caregiver Support Program.
Services Include
Dementia Respite Grants can be used for a range of services that give family caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities. For example, the grant can be used to pay for in-home caregiving services so the family caregiver can attend support groups or participate in other wellness activities. Some family caregivers use the funds to assist with payment of Adult Day services for their loved one so the family caregiver can continue working outside the home. Others use the Dementia Respite Grant to hire someone to help with chores when the responsibilities of caregiving and maintaining a household becomes too difficult for them.
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Eligibility
A Dementia Respite Grant is a limited amount of funding available on a yearly basis, to a family member or other unpaid primary caregiver who is providing day-to-day care in the home, for a Vermont resident who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or other type of dementia and meets certain financial criteria. Priority is given to those who are ineligible for other programs and who anticipate needing out-of-home placement if they do not receive respite services.
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Applying for Services
For more information about the program or to apply for the Dementia Respite Grant, please call the Area Agency on Aging serving your loved one’s community.
The table below lists the Area Agencies on Aging phone numbers. For additional contact information for any of the agencies listed click on the Agency name.
Area Agencies on Aging Contact Information
| Agency Name | Contact Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Central Vermont Council on Aging | (802) 479-0531 |
| Champlain Valley Agency on Aging | (802) 865-0360 |
| Council on Aging of Southeastern Vermont | (802) 885-2655 |
| Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging | (802) 748-5182 |
| Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging | (802) 786-5991 |
If you do not know which of these agencies provides services in your area, call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for assistance.
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Providers of Services
Services are coordinated through Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging. Service providers vary depending on the needs of the individual with dementia and the family caregiver.
- Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging provide support to people 60 and older in their efforts to remain active, healthy, financially secure, and in control of their own lives.
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Program Contacts
Maria Mireault, Dementia Project Director
Division of Disability and Aging Services
103 South Main Street
Weeks Building
Waterbury, VT 05671-1601
Phone: (802) 241-3738
E-mail: maria.mireault@ahs.state.vt.us
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Publications
- Administration on Aging Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grant to States (2007)
Evaluation of State Programs to Provide Supportive, Educational and Direct Service Interventions for Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Disorder
- Alzheimer's/Dementia Respite Program (2001)
There is an increasing awareness that Alzheimer's/dementia care requires a comprehensive system of care and support for the person with dementia as well as all those who care for them. This report supports that awareness and looks for ways to provide funding.
- Dementia Care: Building the Capacity in Vermont (2000)
Vermont is poised to take full advantage of the Administration on Aging's FY2000 Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration grant. Read about our plans in this report on Dementia Care.
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Forms
The Dementia Respite brochure and application forms are available though the Area Agencies on Aging listed above.
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Other Resources
- Administration on Aging: http://www.aoa.gov
- Alzheimer’s Association - Vermont Chapter
172 North Main Street
Barre, VT 05641
Phone: (802) 477-7000
Phone: (800) 272-3900 [Toll Free]
Website: www.alz.org/vermont
- Caregiver Resources: Caregiver Support Groups in Vermont
This link will take you to the Caregiver Resources web page of the Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA). On this page you will find the link to the "Caregiver Support Groups in Vermont", along with other helpful resources. This is a calendar listing of all Caregiver Support Groups statewide.
- Family Caregiver Alliance: www.caregiver.org
- National Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org
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