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
*Registration encouraged but not required.
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.
*Registration encouraged but not required.
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
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. with Heather Lawrence, VPAS Caregiver Support Coordinator.
Register below or call 540.615.5341
*Registration encouraged but not required.
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.
*Registration encouraged but not required.
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.
*Registration encouraged but not required.
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.
*Registration encouraged but not required.
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, January through August of 2025
Time: 3:00-4:30pm
Location: Bridgewater Retirement Community- Blue Ridge Room, 210 Virginia Avenue in Bridgewater
Register below or call 540.615.5341 for more information
*Registration encouraged but not required.
ONGOING CARE PARTNER PROGRAMS
Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) is an abstract arts program designed for those living with dementia and other cognitive concerns. Each artist is paired with a trained community volunteer to help guide them through the abstract art project. Autonomy and fun are accentuated! Caregivers will meet down the hall during this time for sessions on the following topics:
- Coping skills for caregivers (we will talk about practicing self-care.)
- Managing emotions and dealing with feelings.
- Communication.
- Planning for the future.
Date: The first Tuesday of each month beginning May 6, 2025 (no meeting on August 5th)
Time: 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Maury River Senior Services, 2137 Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista, VA
Register below or call 540.471.5633 for more information.
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.
Time: 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Location: Waynesboro VPAS Office, 325 Pine Ave., Waynesboro
*Registration encouraged but not required.
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
*Registration encouraged but not required.
*No meeting on January 2 or July 3, 2025
LIMITED SERIES GROUPS
Welcome to a new 3-part series focused on the family caregiver. Caregivers spend their time caring for others and now is the time to explore new ways to practice self-care.
Sessions will include information on:
The benefits of journaling as a stress reliever and as a creative outlet. We will talk about gratitude journaling and how changing the outlook to looking for a positive instead of focusing on something which has not gone well.
Aromatherapy and how it can be used for stress relief. We will make our own dough by adding a scent and color and talk about how it engages the sense of smell and touch. The sense of smell is tied to the part of the brain that stores memories and emotions.
Getting outside or nature therapy. We will talk about garden therapy and the healing power of being outdoors.
All sessions are focused on relieving caregiver stress and hopefully each caregiver will find a new way to get a break even if it's at home or to make a plan for a longer respite break.
*One registration below covers all sessions
Dates: August 20, September 24th and October 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 - 3:00pm
Location: Bridgewater Retirement Community, Shenandoah Room, 302 N. 2nd Street, Bridgewater, VA
Register below or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
ONE TIME EVENTS
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. A light lunch will be provided.
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 9:30am-2:30pm
Location: VPAS Office, 985 S. High street, Harrisonburg, VA
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: August 5, 2025
Location: Waynesboro Public Library, 600 South Wayne Ave., Waynesboro
Time: Please choose just one available time slot on the registration form below.
Register below or call 540.363.7006 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: June 10, 2025
Location: Massanutten Presbyterian Church, 50 Indian Trail Road, Penn Laird 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: July 16, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Sentara RMH Medical Center, Medical Office Building, 2006 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg
*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.
Please register below and for more information call 540.615.5341
Voluntary and confidential contributions are always accepted and appreciated.