Cancer Caregiver Support Services

Cancer Caregiver Support at UVM Health

Caregivers play many essential roles for people with cancer. As a caregiver, you may coordinate with a patient's medical team, provide care at home and offer support and encouragement. While doing this important work, you may face both physical and emotional challenges.

At University of Vermont Health, we recognize caregivers as important members of the cancer care team. Throughout the cancer journey, our caregiver support services help ease the impact of caregiving on your own health and well-being. Assistance is available through UVM Health as well as local, state and national caregiver organizations.

A medical provider embraces a patient by putting her arms on her shoulder.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As a leading cancer program in the region, we offer:

Family-centered care: We understand that a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. Our care includes comprehensive supportive services for patients and those around them. If there is a need we can address, we connect you with the appropriate support services quickly and seamlessly.
Caregiver education: Our medical teams provide education to help you manage patient care at home. With permission, caregivers can receive access to the patient’s MyChart account for visit summaries, care instructions and communication with the care team.
Personalized support: We recognize caregivers as important members of the care team, and we listen to your needs. Our team coordinates referrals, such as to a social worker to help you navigate insurance coverage or financial pressures.
Caregiver research: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our team includes researchers studying ways to improve the caregiver experience. Caregivers can help guide this research through the Vermont Caregiver Survey.
Convenience: Getting extra support shouldn’t add time or stress to your life. We offer social work services at locations in Vermont and northern New York and via digital health. Support groups are also available virtually.

Caregiver Support Services

A cancer diagnosis can pose challenges to your body and mind. At UVM Health, we believe in supporting caregivers in their critical role for our patients.

Support Groups

Support groups help you learn more about cancer and connect with others to share successes, challenges and helpful tips. We offer support groups for patients living with different types of cancer and their caregivers, as well as a dedicated support group for caregivers.

Accommodations for Caregivers

Many of our patient rooms have pull-out sofas so caregivers can spend the night during hospital stays. For outpatient treatments at the UVM Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge can provide free lodging for patients and caregivers who live more than 40 miles from Burlington. This home away from home features a comfortable environment with hotel-like amenities right next to the hospital.

Patient Resources

Many local, state and national organizations provide information and support for caregivers. Whether you’re looking for respite, peer support or health insurance counseling, you can find help with these resources:

University of Vermont Health Cancer Support Groups: Offer a safe, compassionate space to share experiences, gain emotional support and connect with others facing similar challenges
American Association of Retired People (AARP): Lists a wide range of information, tools and resources about family caregiving.
American Cancer Society Caregiver Resource Guide: Provides comprehensive information about caregiving and resources for getting help and support.
Access to Respite Care and Help (ARCH) National Respite Network: Connects caregivers to local respite and crisis care services and promotes the development of quality respite and crisis care programs.
CancerCare: Offers free, professional support services for caregivers, educational workshops and caregiving resources.
Imerman Angels: Provides one-on-one peer support for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
New York State Cancer Coalition: A collection of national and New York State cancer resources.
Vermont 211: Provides assistance with food, housing, utility bills, employment, counseling and more.
Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging: Links to local agencies that offer information and assistance to respond to the needs of older adults. Resources include caregiver support, health insurance counseling, transportation, senior nutrition, adult day programs, home health services, housing alternatives and exercise and wellness programs.
Vermont Office of the Health Care Advocate: Helps Vermont residents solve problems related to health care, including obtaining health insurance and solving billing problems.
Vermont Cancer Support Network: Provides information, education and support for patients and caregivers and maintains a comprehensive list of resources.