Confident Caregiver Conference - November 5, 2025
The Confident Caregiver Conference provides an opportunity for family caregivers to learn about resources and tools that can help them on their caregiver journey. The conference includes a resource fair, presentations and breakout sessions, and opportunities to socialize with other caregivers.
Admission is free of charge for attendees. Lunch will be provided, and attendees will be provided with a full day of practical, uplifting, and empowering content tailored to your needs. If you're caring for an older adult, save yourself a seat at this popular annual event today!
This year’s highlights include:
- ·Sonya Barsness, a revisionary gerontologist and national advocate for person-centered care
- ·A new Caregiver Skills Station for hands-on learning
- ·An in-depth session on Long-Term Care led by our local Ombudsman
- ·A mesmerizing Music Therapy session featuring a talented harpist
- ·Breakout sessions led by industry experts on a variety of caregiving topics
Date: November 5, 2025 from 8:30am - 4:00pm
Location: Blue Ridge Community College, Plecker Workforce Center, 1 Collage Lane, Weyers Cave, VA
*Participants should park in the parking garage across from the Plecker Workforce Center.
Register Here or contact Joyce Nussbaum or Heather Lawrence for more information. You may also call our Harrisonburg office at 540.615.5341
*To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Leigh-Anne Lees at leighanne@vpas.info
Maury River Pickers and Singers Christmas Concert
Get into the holly jolly spirit with help from the Pickers and Singers from Maury River Senior Services! Their Christmas concert is on December 12th at 12:00 noon and is free and open to the public. Join us at 2137 Magnolia Ave. in Buena Vista, VA and for more information call 540.261.7474.
New Partnership with Memory Cafe Alliance
June 6, 2025- In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June, Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) is announcing a new partnership with Memory Cafe Alliance.
The Memory Cafe Alliance was formed to sustainably increase the number of high-quality Memory Cafes throughout the U.S. As part of the partnership, VPAS Memory Partners programs are now included in a nationwide directory of Memory Cafes on the Dementia Friendly Website. Participation in this network signals VPAS’ commitment to dementia care best practices and a strong belief that by focusing on those living with dementia and their caregivers, we can enrich their lives together.
VPAS offers monthly programs designed to help dementia care partners experience joy, connection, and purpose.
Memory Cafes – or Memory Partners, as VPAS calls them – are a place where people experiencing cognitive challenges, along with their caregivers, can find meaningful programming and acceptance. Participants enjoy Tai Chi, games and other activities, and discover new resources.
VPAS offers Memory Partners programs at the following locations and times:
- Massanutten Regional Library - First Thursday of every month, 10 a.m.
- VPAS Waynesboro Office - Second Thursday of every month, 10 a.m.
Additionally, VPAS hosts Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) sessions with special Support Groups to help address the challenges that come with caregiving. These are offered from 1-2 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at Maury River Senior Center in Buena Vista.
“It is possible to lead a high-quality life with dementia,” said VPAS program director Joyce Nussbaum. “The important thing to realize is you are not alone. In VPAS, you will find a supportive network of experts and nationally-recognized programming that provides a safe path forward for dementia care partners.”
There is no cost to participate in VPAS care partner programs. Registration allows for better planning and improves the program experience. For more information or to register, call 540-615-5341.
VPAS 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Released
February 24, 2025 - VPAS' 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is now complete and available to the public. Producing this plan has involved much time and input from the VPAS staff, the Board of Directors and Advisory Council, and the clients VPAS serves. We look forward to seeing the further development and implementation of these plans and goals and welcome the community's support.