Regional programming - North and Central Okanagan

Explore the most recent in-person programs and services in North and Central Okanagan.

Education-workshop

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Below, you'll find information about in-person programs and support services available to people in North and Central Okanagan who are living with dementia or caring for someone who is. 

We also offer online programs for people who prefer to access support and education from home, which you can learn about here

To register call our First Link® Dementia Helpline unless otherwise noted:

  • English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
  • Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Education 

Our in-person education programs empower people living with dementia, along with their families and friends, through knowledge and support. Unless otherwise noted, location details are provided upon registration. You can also learn more about our dementia education.

Understanding and adapting to communication changes along the dementia journey | A person’s ability to communicate will change over the course of the dementia journey. Learn how different types of dementia affect communication and discuss strategies for adapting to and coping with these changes.. For caregivers.
Salmon Arm: Monday, June 16 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Mapping your journey: Stages and progression of dementia | While each dementia journey is unique, there are some signposts to the stages of dementia. Learn about what to expect as the disease progresses and how you can manage changes as they happen. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Kelowna: Wednesday, June 24 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Making activities dementia friendly | Remaining active and meaningfully engaged is vital for people living with dementia to live well. Discuss how you can adapt different kinds of activities to be inclusive of the person living with the disease to help improve quality of life and enjoy your time together. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Peachland: Tuesday, July 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.


Considering the transition to long-term care | Learn about the options for accessing long-term care, including eligibility requirements. We will also discuss factors to consider when planning a move and provide tips for easing the transition. For caregivers.
Vernon: Tuesday, July 15 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.


Practical tips for long-distance caregivers | Family members aren’t always nearby, which can present additional challenges. Learn how you can overcome emotional and practical challenges long-distance caregivers face and identifying resources and strategies to help make the most of each visit.  For caregivers.
Kelowna: Thursday, July 17 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Supporting friends on the dementia journey | Explore ways to support a friend who is living with dementia or caring for someone who is. Gain insight into the impact of dementia and learn how you can continue to show up and offer support they need to live well.  For the general public.
Kelowna: Tuesday, July 22 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.


Strategies for self-care: Prioritizing your well-being |Learn about strategies to positively manage stress and prioritize self-care to cope with the changes brought by dementia. For caregivers.
Peachland: Tuesday, August 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Working with the care team in long-term care | Caring for someone in long-term care brings a change in role for caregivers as the support team expands. Learn how to adjust your caregiving role and work effectively with the care team to ensure the person receives the care they need and you also feel supported.  For caregivers.
Kelowna: Wednesday, August 13 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Creating a safe home environment: Identifying and minimizing risks  | Learn to identify safety risks in the home and make adaptations to prevent accidents. Topics include safety measures for medications, food, hazardous substances and more. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Vernon: Tuesday, August 19 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Navigating the dementia journey | Explore the journey ahead with others who are going through similar experiences. Topics include: the brain and dementia, how to respond to the diagnosis, practical strategies to live well and how to access resources, so that people affected by dementia have the confidence to navigate the journey ahead. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Kelowna: Tuesday, August 26 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Preparing for end-of-life on the dementia journey | Learn what to expect when transitioning from advanced dementia to end-of-life. We will explore the physiological signs of dying, key decisions to be made, ways to discuss end-of-life wishes in advance and strategies to maintain connection throughout the end of the dementia journey.  For caregivers.
Kelowna: Tuesday, September 9 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Coping with change, grief and loss | The dementia experience involves change, loss and uncertainty. Explore coping strategies for managing emotions and overcoming challenges, as well as ways to find meaning in daily life.  For caregivers.
Kelowna: Tuesday, September 16 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Navigating the dementia journey | Explore the journey ahead with others who are going through similar experiences. Topics include: the brain and dementia, how to respond to the diagnosis, practical strategies to live well and how to access resources, so that people affected by dementia have the confidence to navigate the journey ahead. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Revelstoke: Tuesday, September 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Coffee and Chat

We offer a social program to help caregivers and people living with dementia meet new people, engage in social activities and have fun. Learn more about the program.

Kelowna - Coffee and Chat for people living with dementia
Fourth Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Registration:
please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

Minds in Motion® 

Discover our in-person fitness and social program tailored for people with early-stage dementia to attend with a care partner, promoting wellness and connection. Learn more about the program.

Vernon: Vernon Recreation Centre, 3310 37 Avenue  
Six Tuesdays, May 13 – June 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Pricing available at registration.

Registration: Register online at www.gvrec.ca or in person at the recreation centre.

Kelowna: Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way
Ten Wednesdays, April 9 - June 11 10:30 a.m. to noon
Cost:
Pricing available at registration.

Registration: Register in person or call Parkinson Recreation Centre at 250-469-8800.

Support Groups 

Dementia can leave people affected by dementia feeling isolated, but you don’t have to face it alone! Join our in-person support groups and connect with a community that understands you. Below are all support groups in your area. Learn more about our support groups.

North & Central Okanagan in-person caregiver support group
Open to anyone in the North & Central Okanagan in-person caregiver support group who is currently caring for a person living with dementia. Our family caregiver support groups offer a safe place to learn about dementia and community resources. Connect with other family members on the dementia journey.

Vernon: For more information, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.
Kelowna: For more information, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.
Salmon Arm: 2nd Monday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon
Enderby: 1st Thursday of the month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

In-person early-stage support group
Open to people living with early symptoms of dementia to discuss the impact of the disease, share stories, experiences and learn from  one another about how to live well with dementia.

Kelowna: For more information, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.
Vernon: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10 to 11 a.m.

For our online programming, click here.

If you need dementia support, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 (English), 1-833-674-5007 (Cantonese and Mandarin) or 1-833-674-5003 (Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu).