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, and those who participate, help their localities achieve the official designation of a Dementia Friendly Community.
We also offer activities for persons with dementia and those that care for them.
Open a link below for more information.
This Caregiver Support Group (formerly the 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-Houff Community Center, 210 Virginia Avenue in Bridgewater
Register below or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
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.
These unique dementia care partner events 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 programs to help caregivers understand the many facets of Dementia. 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.
ADDRESS CORRECTION: All sessions take place at the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, 420 College View Drive., Bridgewater, VA
- "Effective Communication Strategies" - June 12, 2024 - 2:00-3:00pm Register Here
- "Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior" - August 14, 2024 - 2:00-3:00pm Register Here
Call 540.615.5341 for more information.
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
Engage in discussion on topics relevant to family caregivers and care partners of persons living with dementia in early stages. This presentation will focus on addressing fears and provide education and empowerment to better cope with the challenges of dementia caregiving.
Starting with education and role plays, the presentation will be followed with 3 round-table discussions including:
- The Emotional Weather Report
- Responding to Changing Dementia Behaviors and Situations
- Creating Comfortable and Engaging Conversations about Dementia and Your Caregiver Role with Family, Friends, Neighbors and Associates.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: Maury River Senior Services, 2137 Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista
Fill out the form below to register or Call 540.261.7474 for more information.
Dealing with Dementia is a four-hour 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.
Date: September 26, 2024 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro VA
Register below or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
These sessions are designed to provide caregivers and their family member living with dementia, opportunities to leave the home, engage with others, and address caregiver needs through the support group while the family member creates abstract art through Opening Minds through Art (OMA).
Dates: First Tuesday of the month from July 2 through December 3
Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Maury River Senior Services, 2137 Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista, VA
*Please register separately for each session you plan to attend and indicate whether or not you will be bringing an artist for the OMA session.
*Immediate Need: Volunteers are needed for these sessions. Volunteers are fully guided by the OMA facilitator throughout each art project, and all levels of artistic ability are welcomed. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have an interest in art, and be comfortable working with older adults living with dementia or other cognitive concerns. Once a volunteer is trained, they may be chosen for future OMA sessions without more training. Click Here to sign up as a Volunteer.
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.
Voluntary and confidential contributions are always accepted and appreciated.