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
Group meets the first Friday of the month at 9 a.m. at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. 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
Dealing with Dementia
This workshop is designed for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia. We will cover:
- Understanding dementia
- Managing problem behaviors
- Handling stress
- Finding time for you
You'll also meet other caregivers on a similar journey, and have the opportunity to share ideas and resources.
- Virtual Workshop - March 9 and March 10, 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Join from the comfort of home! Register here or call 540-615-5341.
- In Person Workshop - Bath Senior Services, Warm Springs, April 25, 2023, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Register here or call 540.468.2178
Confident Caregiver Dementia Conference
This is a "Must Go" for anyone caring with a person living with dementia. Featuring Melanie Bunn, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and speaker for Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care, conference topics will include:
- Using a Positive Approach to Dementia Care
- Coping with Challenging Situations in Dementia Care
- How Lifelong Personality Traits Impact Dementia Care
May 17, 2023, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Blue Ridge Community College Plecker Center, Weyers Cave
Register here or call 540-615-5341
Serious Lego Play for Caregivers
Caregivers, this is a perfect way to spend 120 minutes and it's fun for all ages! This session is designed to help you relax and enjoy yourself. National caregiver expert Loretta Veney will lead you through LEGO building fun to help you build lots of JOY, HOPE or Superpowers to conquer caregiving challenges! She'll help you discover what steals your joy, what brings you joy, and how to maintain joy on tough days.
Wednesday, May 24, 1-3 p.m. - Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Bridgewater - Register here or call 540.615.5341
Thurs., May 25, 1-3 p.m. - Rockbridge Area Relief Association (RARA) Building, Lexington - Register here or call 540.261.7474