Vermont Business Magazine Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) has further evolved its Family Caregiver Support Program. Back in April 2024, the agency added a part-time position to respond to the growing population of family caregivers, especially concerning the needs of their family members with dementia. The new staffing additionally provided capacity to offer personalized support for family caregivers using networks such as TCARE and Trualta.
The demand for services has continued to grow! To utilize expertise for emerging priorities, Barb Asen, who was hired in 2014 as the coordinator of Family Caregiver Support and was promoted to Director of Family Caregiver Support in 2018, will move into the newly designed support role of Dementia-Friendly Community and Family Caregiver Support Specialist. By leading dementia-friendly programs and providing education to community partners, Asen will continue to build resources in Central Vermont that are welcoming and supportive to care partners. She will also continue hosting the weekly Memorable Times Online meeting on Zoom, a relaxed social group where care partners share memories, music, and laughter.
Anne Hatch, who was hired as a full-time Family Caregiver Support Coordinator in October 2025 will step into the program’s Director role. Hatch said, “I personally became a family caregiver suddenly and unexpectedly. I wish I had known earlier in my caregiving journey how many resources there are available. One of my goals is to help other family caregivers access the available supports.” With rich experience in education and social services, Hatch brings a sense of goal-oriented creativity to this role. In reflection, she also said, “Barb has been an incredible mentor during my first months at CVCOA. She is patient, knowledgeable, and extremely genuine in her work with family caregivers. Our community is very lucky to have her!”
Asen, who has worked at the agency for nearly 12 years, during which time she has made connections locally, nationally, and abroad, said she looks forward to strengthening our dementia-friendly community “and connecting to the larger movement of advancing inclusion, support and enhanced quality of life for people living with dementia. It’s compelling to bring those inspirations and practical elements into our own community.”
Interested in learning more about the resources available to family caregivers? Visit https://cvcoa.org/for-caregivers or call our Helpline at 802-477-1364.
Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) supports older Central Vermonters to age with dignity and choice in 54 towns. Visit the CVCOA website at www.cvcoa.org or call the CVCOA Helpline at 1-802-477-1364 for more information or assistance. CVCOA is located at 59 North Main Street, Suite 200 in Barre with regional offices located in Morrisville and Randolph.
Central Vermont Council on Aging. Barre, VT
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