Resources for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Alzheimer's is a disease that affects not only the people who have it, but also family members and friends who are caregivers. Alzheimer’s caregivers put in hundreds — if not thousands — of unpaid hours every year to help with personal care, household chores, physical activities, and many other tasks.

As Vermont’s population grows older, the number of Vermonters with Alzheimer's is increasing rapidly. It’s estimated that in 2025, there will be about 17,000 Vermonters with Alzheimer's — up from 13,000 in 2020. Upwards of 26,000 Vermonters are providing care for spouses, other relatives, and friends who have the disease.

In this Alzheimer's Awareness Month, we provide some tips and resources for caregivers. Whether you’re an experienced caregiver or just starting out, we think this information and advice will be beneficial to you.

Take Care of Yourself

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be overwhelming or frustrating. You may feel lonely and it could even begin to affect your own mental health.

While much of your energy is focused on the person you’re caring for, it’s equally important that you take care of yourself. If your ability to function is reduced because of an illness, your effectiveness as a caregiver will be less as well.

Tips for taking care of yourself include:

• Ask for help from other family members and friends, rather than carrying the burden by yourself. The saying that “many hands make light work” is very applicable here. Getting more people involved can make caregiving tasks easier. Also consider using in-home care professionals for respite care to give yourself a break.
• Eat a healthy diet, get exercise as often as you can, and be sure to get adequate sleep.
• Take breaks each day to do activities you enjoy, such as a hobby or getting in a good workout. Set up a coordinated schedule with family and friends who’ve agreed to help, so you can plan your breaks. Even a 30-minute break can be helpful.
• Schedule social time to stay connected with friends and family. Socializing helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. Pick a regular day and time to socialize, such as going out for dinner once a week, while someone else cares for the person with Alzheimer's.
• Try practicing yoga or meditation, which can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve sleep.
• Use our free Be Well Vermont program for guidance on maintaining your wellness.
• Visit your physician regularly. Take seriously any symptoms you are having, such as fatigue or changes in appetite, and talk with your doctor about them.
• Be sure to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu and COVID-19, to prevent yourself from getting sick and possibly passing it onto the person you’re caring for.
• Talk with a mental health professional to help you cope with stress and anxiety. Use our Find a Doctor tool to locate a mental health professional near you. Blue Cross Vermont members also have access to mental health telemedicine support services from Amwell, SonderMind, and Valera Health.

Support Groups

Joining a support group for Alzheimer’s caregivers can help relieve feelings of isolation and give you valuable ideas for handling situations you’re facing as a caregiver. These organizations offer support groups for caregivers:

• Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
• Central Vermont Medical Center
• Central Vermont Council on Aging
• Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region

Day Programs

Joining an adult day program gives people with Alzheimer's a wide range of activities and social connections. It also gives their caregivers valuable respite time, so they can go to work, tend to their own personal needs, or just have some downtime.

A list of Vermont adult day services is available from the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living.

Dementia respite grants can help pay for adult day services. The grants are managed by Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging.

Education and Training

For Alzheimer’s caregivers, support is available through the Dementia Family Caregiver Center at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

The center offers two educational programs for caregivers.

• VT CARERS is an eight-week program to enhance the knowledge and skills of caregivers who are actively providing care.
• TEACH is a four-session training and education program designed for family members who are new to caregiving.

In addition, the center runs a volunteer peer-to-peer mentoring program that pairs new caregivers with experienced caregivers, who provide support and guidance.

We’re Here For You

We know that being an Alzheimer’s or dementia caregiver can be a difficult role, and we want to support you in any way that we can. If you have questions about our support or relevant services, please give us a call at (800) 247-2583 (TTY: 711). Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can also log into the Member Resource Center and send us a secure email.