VPAS offers a wide variety of programs, workshops, support groups and activities for family caregivers.
Share experiences, tips, problem solve together, gain insight and connect with others in similar situations.
In addition, there is a national movement underway to ensure that people living with dementia have the resources and support they need to live independently and well for as long as possible. VPAS offers many educational opportunities regarding dementia, not only for those that care for them but also for the person living with dementia.
We also offer activities for persons with dementia and those that care for them and you can check out a Dementia Care Kit from your local VPAS office.
Click on the links below for more information about events we are hosting!
ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS
A support group offered by VPAS is a safe place to:
- Develop a support system
- Exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions
- Talk through issues and ways of coping
- Share feelings, needs, and concerns
- Talk about community resources
Join us!
Date: Beginning February 18, 2025, ongoing, on the 3rd Tuesday of the month
Time: 2:00-3:00pm
Location: Aviva Baldwin Park, 31 Woodlee Road, Staunton, VA
Register below and for more information, please call 540.383.7006
A group for processing anticipatory grief and losses associated with caregiving along with the space for expressing difficult emotions. A group more focused on sharing rather than tips or problem solving. A safe space for grieving and to encourage the safe expression of all natural grief reactions.
*This is a virtual meeting and the link to participate will be shared upon registration.
Dates: Ongoing- every third Thursday of the month, from 10:30-11:30am
Register below or call 540.383.7006 for more information.
*This opportunity is offered to caregivers whose care recipients live in our in our service regions in Virginia.
It can be difficult attending a support group in person if you are unable to leave your care partner alone at home. Here is a virtual solution.
A support group offered by VPAS is a safe place to:
- Develop a support system
- Exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions
- Talk through issues and ways of coping
- Share feelings, needs, and concerns
- Talk about community resources
Join us!
Mondays at 3:30 p.m. with Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS Program Director
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. with Heather Lawrence, VPAS Caregiver Support Coordinator.
*This opportunity is offered to caregivers whose care recipients live in our in our service regions in Virginia.
Prefer to meet with folks face to face? Here is an option for an in-person monthly support group, providing interaction with other caregivers, resources, tips, ideas, and a safe outlet for sharing of feelings.
Ongoing every 4th Tuesday of the month from 3:00-4:00pm
Location: Sunnyside Retirement Community, 3935 Sunnyside Drive, Harrisonburg, VA
Register below or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
A support group offered by the Alzheimer's Association in partnership with VPAS at two locations.
Here is a safe place to:
- develop a support system
- exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions
- talk through issues and ways of coping
- share feelings, needs, and concerns
- talk about community resources
Second Thursday of the month at 1:00pm at Summit Square, 501 Oak Avenue, Waynesboro.
Register here or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
A support group offered by the Alzheimer's Association in partnership with VPAS at two locations.
Here is a safe place to:
- develop a support system
- exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions
- talk through issues and ways of coping
- share feelings, needs, and concerns
- talk about community resources
First Friday of the month at 10:30am at Community Mennonite Church, 70 S. High St., Harrisonburg, VA
Register here or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
A support group offered by VPAS is a safe place to:
- Develop a support system
- Exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions
- Talk through issues and ways of coping
- Share feelings, needs, and concerns
- Talk about community resources
Join us!
Session Dates: The third Monday of each month
Time: 3:00-4:30pm
Location: Bridgewater Retirement Community- Spitzer Room, 210 Virginia Avenue in Bridgewater
Register below or call 540.615.5341 for more information
ONGOING CARE PARTNER PROGRAMS
A safe space for caregivers and people living with dementia to attend together. There will be social time with other care partners, optional games, activities and refreshments, and Tai Chi for Memory exercise. For more information or to let us know you're coming, register below or call 540.615.5341.
Date: First Thursday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Massanutten Regional Library, Central Library, 174 S. Main St., Harrisonburg
Register below or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
A welcoming space for care partners, caregivers and those living with memory loss, to socialize and have fun. Each month will be a time to engage with planned programming meant to inspire and try something new. Register Below or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
Date: Second Thursday of the month, ongoing.
Time: 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Location: Waynesboro VPAS Office 325 Pine Ave., Waynesboro
LIMITED SERIES GROUPS
Opening Minds through Art is a socially engaging abstract arts program designed for those living with dementia and other cognitive concerns. Family caregivers are invited to register their loved one for the 4 one-hour sessions, and then take the hour for themselves to relax. Trained community volunteers will guide the artist through the projects each week. It’s fun for all and no art experience is necessary! Space is limited, so register early! Register below or call 540.471.5633 for more information.
When: Four Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026
Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
Where: VPAS Office at 985 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, VA
Confident Caregiver Circle is a a 4-week series for caregivers to learn or refresh skills for a more informed caregiving journey. Topics include: self-care practices/techniques, managing emotions and dealing with feelings, anticipatory grief, planning for the future, talking about communication, and more. There is also time for sharing, questions and connection with other caregivers on the same path. Participants should plan to come for all 4 sessions in the series.
Dates: April 24, May 22, June 26 and July 24, 2026
Time: 2:00-3:00pm
Location: VPAS Offices at 985 S. High St. Harrisonburg VA
Register below (all sessions included) or call 540.383.7006 for more information.
Dealing with Dementia is a 2-part workshop, paired with the comprehensive Dealing with Dementia guide, a detailed workbook designed to help you navigate the unique challenges of caring for someone with dementia. Learn how to better understand dementia, manage problem behaviors, handle stress, and find more time for yourself. Participants must come to both sessions.
Date: June 22 and June 29, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, Medical Office Building, 2006 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg VA
*Park in Lot B and enter at the Medical Offices entrance. Conference rooms are located on the first floor and will be on your left as soon as you enter the building.
Register Below or call 540.383.7006 for more information.
ONE TIME EVENTS
Caregivers spend their time caring for others and now is the time to explore new ways to practice self-care.
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: VPAS Offices at 985 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, VA
Register below and for more information call 540.383.7006
Prepare to Care is an interactive workshop where caregivers can learn about dementia behaviors and ways to respond in ways that are most helpful, as well as other helpful information about caring for someone living with dementia and caregiver support offered by VPAS.
Date: January 12, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, Medical Office Building, 2006 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg VA
*Park in Lot B and enter at the Medical Offices entrance. Conference rooms are located on the first floor and will be on your left as soon as you enter the building.
Register Below or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
The Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) is an evidence-based method of building a greater understanding of dementia. VDT “uses patented sensory tools and instruction based on research conducted by P.K. Beville, M.S., a specialist in geriatrics and the founder of Second Wind Dreams®. During a Virtual Dementia Tour experience, trained facilitators guide participants outfitted with patented devices that alter their senses while they try to complete common everyday tasks and exercises. The Tour enables caregivers to experience for themselves the physical and mental challenges those with dementia face, and use the experience to provide better person-centered care.”
What are people saying about the Virtual Dementia Tour?
"It was a very powerful and enlightening experience. I had no idea what a person with dementia might feel like."
"I had not considered the loss of sensations like feeling in your hands or feet. I thought dementia was just about
loss of memory. I was so wrong."
Date: March 2, 2026
Location: Massanutten Regional Library-Central Library, 174 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg VA
Time: Please choose just one available time slot on the registration form below.
Register below or call 540.363.7006 for more information.
Prepare to Care is an interactive workshop where caregivers can learn about dementia behaviors and ways to respond in ways that are most helpful as well as other helpful information about caring for someone living with dementia and caregiver support offered by VPAS.
Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: VPAS Office - 325 Pine Ave., Waynesboro VA
Register below or call 540.383.7006 for more information
Dealing with Dementia is a workshop, paired with the comprehensive Dealing with Dementia guide, a detailed workbook designed to help you navigate the unique challenges of caring for someone with dementia. Learn how to better understand dementia, manage problem behaviors, handle stress, and find more time for yourself.
Date: February 26, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 1:30pm
Location: VPAS Office - 325 Pine Ave., Waynesboro VA 22980
Register below or call 540.383.7006 for more information.
Prepare to Care is an interactive workshop where caregivers can learn about dementia behaviors and ways to respond in ways that are most helpful, as well as other helpful information about caring for someone living with dementia and caregiver support offered by VPAS.
Date: May 4, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, Medical Office Building, 2006 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg VA
*Park in Lot B and enter at the Medical Offices entrance. Conference rooms are located on the first floor and will be on your left as soon as you enter the building.
Register Below or call 540.383.7006 for more information.
Prepare to Care is an interactive workshop where caregivers can learn about dementia behaviors and ways to respond in ways that are most helpful, as well as other helpful information about caring for someone living with dementia and caregiver support offered by VPAS.
Date: August 24, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, Medical Office Building, 2006 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg VA
*Park in Lot B and enter at the Medical Offices entrance. Conference rooms are located on the first floor and will be on your left as soon as you enter the building.
Register Below or call 540.383.7006 for more information.
Voluntary and confidential contributions are always accepted and appreciated.