Regional programming - South Okanagan and Similkameen
Explore the most recent in-person programs and services in South Okanagan and Similkameen.
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Below, you'll find information about in-person programs and support services available to people in South Okanagan and Similkameen 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.
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.
Penticton: Friday, June 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Driving and dementia | Dementia will affect a person’s ability to drive and for many people this represents a loss of independence. Discuss strategies for how to have the conversations about the topic early and ease the transition when it’s time for someone to retire from driving. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Penticton: Friday, July 11 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.
Penticton: Thursday, July 17 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.
Penticton: Thursday, July 22 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Recognizing your journey as a caregiver | Discuss the personal challenges, guilt and grief of being a caregiver. Learn how to recognize signs of burnout, the importance of self-care and how you can build resilience. There will be opportunities for discussion throughout the presentation. For caregivers..
Keremeos: Friday, July 23 from 1:00 to 2:30 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.
Penticton: Tuesday, July 29 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Understanding behaviour changes | Explore various changes in behaviours caused by dementia and learn practical strategies for responding in supportive ways. For caregivers.
Penticton: Thursday, August 7 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Shaping the Journey: living with dementia® | Explore the journey ahead in a positive, informative and supportive environment with others who are going through similar experiences. Topics include: the brain and dementia, strategies for coping with changes, maximizing quality of life and planning for the future. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Penticton: Five (5) Tuesdays
Weekly from September 8 to October 6 from 10:00 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.
Penticton: Thursday, September 11 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.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.
No available programming.
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.
Penticton: Penticton Community Centre, 325 Power Street.
Eight Tuesdays, May 6 to June 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Eight Tuesdays, July 8 to August 26 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Cost: Pricing available upon request
Registration: Register in person at the Penticton Community Centre or visit www.penticton.ca.
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.
South Okanagan and Similkameen in-person caregiver support group
Open to anyone in the South Okanagan and Similkameen 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.
Penticton: 1st Monday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Princeton: 1st Thursday of the month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Summerland: 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Osoyoos: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Keremeos: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 1 to 2:30 p.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.
Penticton: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 2 to 3:30 p.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).