VPAS offers a wide variety of programs, workshops, support groups and activities for family caregivers. Share experiences, tips, problem solve together, gain insight and connect with others in similar situations.
Click on the links below for more information about events we are hosting!
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.
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 beginning March 14, 2024
Time: 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Location: Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Ave., Waynesboro
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.
All sessions take place at the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, 110 East College St., 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.
Opening Minds through Art is an internationally recognized arts program designed for those living with dementia and other cognitive concerns. Some of the goals of OMA include: learning about abstract artists and creating abstract art, building positive rapport between the volunteer and the artist, and offering time to engage in the creative process with autonomy and fun. All levels of artistic ability are welcomed. from -
Dates: Wednesdays on June 5, 12, 19. and 26
Time: 10:30-11:30am
Location: Summit Square, 501 Oak Avenue, Waynesboro
This is a four part series. Participants should register below or call 540.471.5633 for more information.
*Immediate Need: Volunteers are needed for this series of workshops. 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. Volunteers must be able to commit to all four of the June sessions. Once a volunteer is trained, they may be chosen for future OMA sessions without more training. The number of volunteers needed for each session is dependent on how many artists are signed up. The training is on May 29 from 10:00-12:00. Click Here to sign up as a Volunteer.
The Virtual Dementia Tour is an in-person sensitivity training designed to help you understand what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia. Participants’ hearing, vision, and other senses are distorted to simulate the effects of the disease.
Individuals are guided through the tour by trained facilitators. Each tour takes approximately 45 minutes.
Date: Saturday, June 8th with tours beginning at 9:00 and continuing throughout the day.
Location: Weavers Mennonite Church, 2501 Rawley Pike, Rockingham VA 22801
For more information call 540.615.5341
Register and choose a time for your tour below.
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: April 30 from 12:45pm - 4:45pm
Location: Massanutten Regional Library, Central Branch, 174 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg
Register below or call 540.615.5341 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: May 14th from 12:00 - 4:00pm
Location: Waynesboro Public Library, 600 S. Wayne Ave., Waynesboro
Register below or call 540.615.5341 for more information.
Confident Caregiver Circle is a 4-week series 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.
Date(s): Mondays beginning April 22 through May 13
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.
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:
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The Emotional Weather Report
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Responding to Changing Dementia Behaviors and Situations
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Creating Comfortable and Engaging Conversations about Dementia and Your Caregiver Role with Family, Friends, Neighbors and Associates.
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 1:30-4:30pm
Location: VPAS Offices, 325 Pine Avenue, Waynesboro VA
Fill out the form below to register or Call 540.949.7141 for more information.
Voluntary and confidential contributions are always accepted and appreciated.