Respite Squad Training

Age Well is seeking to recruit and train volunteers who are willing to provide a break for caregivers.

Often as Vermonters age, family and friends are taking care of their loved ones so they can remain at home.  Many of these caregivers become increasingly unable to care for themselves as they take on this loving responsibility at the expense of careers, families, and their own well-being. The cost and availability of a professional caregiver to provide respite is often unattainable. Age Well’s Respite Squad Volunteer Program provides the support that so many of our caregiving families desperately need. 

Age Well is seeking to train volunteers who are willing to become part of our Respite Squad.
The training provides volunteers with strategies to communicate with families, understand aspects of dementia, and provide support to the family as a unit, while providing caregivers with a break. As a volunteer, you will build a relationship with a family to provide them with crucial assistance. You will also reap the benefit of having a rewarding and enjoyable volunteer experience, making a meaningful difference in your community.  

Age Well’s next Respite Squad training will take place in October on four consecutive Tuesdays: October 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th and 24th from 12:30-3:30pm. You can participate in-person or virtually.  Those who participate are asked to commit to volunteering once a week for 3 hours.

Here is what one of our Respite Squad volunteers had to say about the training: “This training provides an accessible way to learn about how to be a respite volunteer and serve the needs of individuals with cognitive issues, such as dementia. The program is very well organized, and you get to meet a lot of amazing and like-minded individuals. The training combines a lecture-style of teaching mixed with open discussions which are all very interesting! I highly recommend the training if you are looking for ways to give back and meet others within the community.”

• Session 1:
  • The basics and responsibilities of being a respite volunteer
  • Understanding of dementia
• Session 2:
  • Communication strategies with families and care recipients
  • General safety principles for the benefit of families and yourself
• Session 3:
  • Family as the unit of care
  • Strategies to handle grief and bereavement of the family as well as your own
• Session 4:
  • Setting and maintaining boundaries with the family
  • Processing closure with the family

Please register by emailing [email protected] or calling, 802-662-5249.