As someone who cared for her mom at home for over 4 years until she passed, this is really the work of an Angel for caregivers. If you can do it, please consider it.

Subject:
Age Well Seeking Volunteers to Provide Respite to 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 them with 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 recruit and train volunteers who are willing to provide a break for caregivers. Our next Respite Squad training will take place in October on four consecutive Tuesdays, on 10/3-10/24 from 12:30-3:30. You can participate in person or virtually. During the training, volunteers will learn strategies to interact with family caregivers. Those who participate are expected to commit to volunteering once a week for 3 hours. This training focuses on how to interact with a family experiencing dementia or other serious illnesses, common situations you may encounter and how to handle them, recognizing signs of caregiver burnout and more. As a volunteer, you will build trust and bonds with a family to provide them with crucial assistance. You will also reap the benefit of having a rewarding and enjoyable volunteer experience, knowing that you are making a meaningful difference in your community.

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 program 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.

For more information or to sign up to be an Age Well Respite volunteer please contact Age Well's Volunteer Department at (802) 662-5249 or via email at volunteer@agewellvt.org To learn more about Age Well visit: www.agewellvt.org

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