Dementia Awareness

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 and 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

Group meets the first Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg.  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

Register here or call 540.615.5341

 

Confident Connections: Art and Ed for Dementia Care Partners

This unique dementia care partner event will provide education and respite for the care provider alongside a guided art experience for the care receiver. The sessions will occur simultaneously in nearby spaces, creating a safe, enriching and empowering opportunity for both care partners.

For the Care Provider: The Alzheimer's Association will present "Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior". Attendees will learn about some of the common triggers for behaviors associated with dementia, how to assess the person’s needs, and how to intervene effectively.

For the Care Receiver: VPAS will present "Opening Minds through Art", a national arts program developed for those living with dementia. Artists are partnered with trained 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.

Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater, VA

Call 540.615.5341 for more information.

 

Voluntary and confidential contributions are always accepted and appreciated.