Caregiver Support

Virtual Caregiver Support Groups

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.

Mondays at 3 p.m. with Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS programs director. Register here or call 540.615.5341.

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. with Heather Lawrence, VPAS caregiver support coordinator. Register here or call 540.615.5341.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group

A support group offered by the Alzheimer's Association in partnership with VPAS. 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 10:30 a.m. at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. Register here or call 540-615-5341.
Second Thursday of the month beginning in July at 1 p.m. at Summit Square in Waynesboro. Register here or call 540.615.5341.

Memory Partners

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 location, Harrisonburg - Register here
Second Thursday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m. beginning May 11 through Oct. 12 - Rosenwald Community Center, Waynesboro - Register here

Friends Group

Casual conversation and a bring-your-own-lunch get together for care partners

Second Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m., Bridgewater Presbyterian Church, Bridgewater - Call 540-615-5341 to learn more.

Ongoing Caregiver Support Group

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 3pm- Sunnyside Retirement Community, Harrisonburg - Register here or call 540.615.5341

Art and Care

Calling all family caregivers! Enjoy simple, fun art creations while discussing triumphs and challenges of caregiving together.

Offered at Waynesboro Public Library

Thursday, September 7th, 2-3 pm - Register here
Thursday, October 5th, 2-3 pm - Register here
Thursday, November 2nd, 2-3 pm - Register here

Confident Caregiver Conference

Our third annual caregiver conference will provide hope, health and healing for family caregivers. If you're caring for an older adult loved one, don't miss this invaluable day of resources, training, and inspiration. Sessions on:health care, life-planning, dementia. PLUS...Q&A panel, exhibits, lunch, and more!

October 17, 9 am-3 pm at Blue Ridge Community College, Plecker Center

Register here or call 540.615.5341

Confident Caregiver Circle Series

Meet fellow caregivers on the same journey as you. Designed to provide education and support for caregivers of adults 60 and older. Share ideas, concerns, and questions. Learn about new opportunities that will help you take better care of yourself and your loved one. Topics include: building skills on stress management, physical activity and preventing injury, medication management, and planning for the future. Caregivers will be given a Building Better Caregivers text.

When: Mondays, Oct. 23-Nov. 27, 10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Where: North River Library in Bridgewater

Register here or call 540.615.5341

Opening Minds through Art - Bridgewater

Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is a national arts program developed for those living with dementia and other health concerns. These artists are partnered with Bridgewater College student volunteers who will guide them through the process of creating abstract art. This program is person-centered and seeks to affirm the autonomy of each individual who participates.

OMA Session Dates: Wednesdays - Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15 from 12:30-1:30 at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren in Bridgewater, Va.

Caregivers, drop off your loved ones in the church fellowship hall. The first week, you may stay and observe the art experience or just take the hour for yourself. The next 3 weeks, Heather Lawrence, our caregiver support coordinator, will be available to offer a quiet space to talk, relax, and get to know other caregivers.

Register here or call 540.615.5341

Dealing with Dementia

Caregivers will be given a Dealing with Dementia guide at workshop. This is a workshop for caregivers to
understand the information in the guide and where and how to find it when the need arises. Lunch will be provided.

In this workshop, we will cover:

-Understanding Dementia
-Managing Problem Behaviors
-Handling Stress
-Finding Time for You

October 31, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

VPAS Waynesboro Office - 325 Pine Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980