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 9 a.m. at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. Register here or call 540-615-5341.
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.
- 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
Opening Minds Though Art
Do you enjoy socializing in an encouraging atmosphere? Do you appreciate bright colors, creativity, and fun? This experience might just be for you!!
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is a person-centered arts program that pairs people living with dementia and other cognitive concerns (artists) with volunteers (students, families, caregivers) who are trained to rely on imagination instead of memory and focus on remaining strengths instead of lost skills. OMA enables people with dementia to assume new roles as artists and teachers as they create beautiful artwork. OMA has been widely replicated. OMA welcomes all skill levels and offers artistic success through the creation of abstract art. All materials are provided. Kathy Guisewite, Caregiver Outreach Coordinator, will facilitate these sessions. There is room for 6 artists who will be paired with 6 volunteers.
OMA art sessions are from 10-12:30 on Feb. 28, March 7, March 14, March 21 - VPAS office in Harrisonburg
Register here or call 540.615.5341
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.
Learn more about our Dementia Friends initiative and how you can get involved!
Voluntary and confidential contributions are always accepted and appreciated.