Unpaid caregivers provide millions of hours to dementia patients 

The Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter, in partnership with Lt. Governor John Rodgers, is launching a Caregiver Listening Tour, a statewide initiative designed to elevate the voices of unpaid family caregivers and raise awareness about the realities of caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. 

The tour, beginning on January 26, will include a virtual session and a series of in-person events in Rutland, Brattleboro, and St. Johnsbury. Each session will feature remarks from local leaders, opportunities for caregivers to share their personal experiences, and information about available resources. Attendees will also hear from a local caregiver, who will speak to the emotional, physical, and financial impacts of dementia caregiving. 

“Vermont has a large aging population and aging with dementia causes additional challenges,” said Lt. Governor Rodgers. “I’m looking forward to hearing from Vermonters caring for someone with dementia to learn what they need and how our state and community can support them.”

More than 20,000 caregivers in Vermont provide an estimated 29 million hours of unpaid care to people living with dementia each year – care valued at $773 million. The Caregiver Listening Tour aims to amplify these voices and inform conversations about stronger support and policy solutions. 

“Unpaid family caregivers provide extraordinary care every day, often with limited resources,” said Howard Goodrow, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter. “This listening tour is about meeting caregivers where they are, learning directly from their experiences, and working together to strengthen support systems across the state.” 

Community members, caregivers, and advocates are encouraged to attend. All sessions are 10:00–11:00 a.m. and open to the public. A light breakfast will be provided at in-person events. For more information and to register, click here: https://alz-vt.quorum.us/sign_up/14129/