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 EVENTS
The Grief Support Group for Caregivers creates a space for caregivers to process feelings of anticipatory grief and loss and to connect with others. This group is for processing the losses experienced by caregivers before the death of the person they are caring for and to share those feelings with others in similar situations. This support group is different from others offered by VPAS, because grief and loss are the topics discussed rather than problem solving or sharing of tips. Participants can freely share topics which can be too heavy for other types of support groups.
*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.
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 providing interaction with other caregivers, resources, tips, ideas, and a safe outlet for sharing of feelings. Join us for one or both of these weekly sessions!
Mondays at 3:00 p.m. with Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS Harrisonburg/Rockingham Senior Services Director.
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. with Heather Lawrence, VPAS Caregiver Support Coordinator. Register below or call 540.615.5341.
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 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, call 540.615.5341.
First Thursday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m. - Massanutten Regional Library, Central Library, 174 S. Main St., Harrisonburg - Register here
A safe space for caregivers and people living with dementia to attend together. This ongoing group will provide 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, please Register Below or call 540.615.5341.
Date: Second Thursday of the month, ongoing.
Time: 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Location: Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Ave., Waynesboro
This Caregiver Support Group (formerly Confident Caregiver Circle) is a series of workshops for caregivers to learn or refresh skills for a more informed caregiving journey. Topics include: stress management, physical activity and preventing injury, medication management, planning for the future, anticipatory grief and more. There is also time for sharing, questions and connection with other caregivers on the same path.
Session Dates: June 17, July 15, August 26, September 16, October 7, October 28, November 18, December 9, December 30
Time: 3:00-4:30pm
Location: Bridgewater Retirement Community- Blue Ridge Room, 210 Virginia Avenue in Bridgewater
*In 2025 the group will meet the third Monday of each month, January - August from 3:00 - 4:00pm in the Blue Ridge Room
Register below or call 540.615.5341 for more information
LIMITED SERIES GROUPS
The Confident Caregivers Circle is a 4-week series for family caregivers to learn or refresh skills for a more informed caregiving journey.
Topics include: stress management, physical activity and preventing injury, medication management, planning for the future, anticipatory grief and more.
There is also time for sharing, questions and connection with other caregivers on the same path.
Dates: Fridays, October 11, 18, 25th and November 1, 2024
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: VPAS Office, 325 Pine Avenue, Waynesboro (in the conference room)
Register below or call 540-615-5341 for more information.
ONE TIME EVENTS
Join us as we lead you in this interactive workshop where caregivers can learn about dementia behaviors and ways to respond that are most helpful, as well as other helpful information about caring for someone living with dementia. You will also learn about the caregiver support programs offered by VPAS.
Date: January 14, 2025
Time: 1:00 - 3:00pm
Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, Medical Office Building, 2006 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg
*Enter at the Medical Offices Building, first floor conference room on the left. Park in Lot B.
Register below and for more information, please call 540.615.5341.
Join us for the enlightening and powerful experience of The Virtual Dementia Tour. The Virtual Dementia Tour is a sensitivity training designed to help you understand what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia. Participants’ hearing, vision, and other senses are distorted to simulate the effects of the disease. Individuals are guided through the tour by trained facilitators.
Date: Wednesday October 9, 2024
Location: Bath Community Hospital, 106 Park Drive, Hot Springs, VA.
(Registration table at main entrance)
Time: Individual time slots must be reserved and are available between 10:00am and 2:15pm
Register below and for more information, call Dori Mattioli at 540.839.7064 or Heather Lawrence at 540.383.7006
Voluntary and confidential contributions are always accepted and appreciated.