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.
Confident Caregiver Circle
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: stress management, dealing with difficult emotions (including partner emotions), communications skills building, physical activity and preventing injury, healthy eating and medication management, planning for the future, and more.
Participants will receive a Building Better Caregivers book for ongoing use.
Group meets on Thursdays from 2-3 pm, May 18 through June 22, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Stuarts Draft.
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 for people living with dementia and their care partners 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 9 a.m. at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. Register here or call 540-615-5341.
- Second Thursday of the month 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 Tuesday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m. - Plains District Community Center, Timberville - Register here
- 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 Groups
- Third Tuesday of the month at 10am-VPAS Waynesboro office, Waynesboro - Register here or call 540.949.7141
- Fourth Tuesday of the month at 3pm- Sunnyside Retirement Community, Harrisonburg - Register here or call 540.615.5341
- Fourth Wednesday of the month at 2:15pm - Maury River Senior Services, Buena Vista - Register here or call 540.261.7474
Opening Minds through Art - Volunteer Training in Lexington
Do you enjoy socializing in an encouraging atmosphere? Do you appreciate bright colors, creativity, and fun? This experience might just be for you!
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 volunteers who 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 welcomes all skill levels and offers artistic success through the creation of abstract art. All materials are provided.
This is a perfect volunteer opportunity for adults who appreciate artistic expression and supporting people with various cognitive concerns through planned and guided art sessions.
Training takes place June 8, 2-4 pm, at Rockbridge Area Relief Association in Lexington.
Register here or call 540.615.5341.
Opening Minds through Art - Lexington
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 volunteers who 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: June 15, 22, 29 and July 6 at the Rockbridge Area Relief Association in Lexington.
Register here or call 540.615.5341
Dealing with Dementia - Bridgewater
Join us for this family caregiver workshop designed to help you understand dementia. Learn how to deal with problem behaviors, handle stress and find more time for yourself. Includes a 350+ page Dementia Caregivers Guide.
July 11 and 12, 1:00-3:30 at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren in Bridgewater, Va. Please plan to attend both days.
Register here or call 540.615.5341
This workshop is also available at the Bath County Public Library on July 14, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Register here or call 540.839.5604
Opening Minds through Art - Volunteer Training in Harrisonburg
Do you enjoy socializing in an encouraging atmosphere? Do you appreciate bright colors, creativity, and fun? This experience might just be for you!
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 volunteers who 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 welcomes all skill levels and offers artistic success through the creation of abstract art. All materials are provided.
This is a perfect volunteer opportunity for adults who appreciate artistic expression and supporting people with various cognitive concerns through planned and guided art sessions.
Training takes place Sept. 26, 10 am-12 pm, at the VPAS office in Harrisonburg
Volunteers must be available for Opening Minds through Art sessions to be held on: Oct. 3, 10, 24, 31
Register here or call 540-615-5341.
Opening Minds through Art - Harrisonburg
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 volunteers who 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: Oct. 3, 10, 24, 31 at the VPAS office in Harrisonburg
Register here or call 540.615.5341