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.
September 2026
What is dementia? | Learn how dementia affects an individual’s brain and behaviour. General topics include different types of dementia, stages and progression and dispelling some common myths. For caregivers and persons living with dementia.
Keremeos: Thursday, September 3 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Shaping the Journey | 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 persons living with dementia.
Penticton: Five Mondays, September 14, 21, 28 and October 5, 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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.
Keremeos: Wednesday, September 16 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Q&A Session | Have questions and concerns about dementia? Learn about helpful resources and strategies. Follow-up on issues discussed in other workshops. For the general public.
Keremeos: Wednesday, September 23 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
October 2026
What is dementia? | Learn how dementia affects an individual’s brain and behaviour. General topics include different types of dementia, stages and progression and dispelling some common myths. For caregivers and persons living with dementia.
Penticton: Tuesday, October 6 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Family caregiver series | An education series for family members who are caring for a person living with dementia that covers understanding dementia, communication and behaviour, as well as planning for the future and self-care for caregivers. For caregivers.
Penticton: Four Wednesdays, October 14, 21, 28 and November 4 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Understanding behaviour changes | Explore various changes in behaviours caused by dementia and learn practical strategies for responding in supportive ways. For caregivers.
Summerland: Thursday, October 15 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
November 2026
Family caregiver workshop | An education workshop for family members who are caring for a person living with dementia that covers understanding dementia, communication and behaviour, as well as planning for the future and self-care for caregivers. For caregivers.
Oliver: Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Q&A Session | Have questions and concerns about dementia? Learn about helpful resources and strategies. Follow-up on issues discussed in other workshops. For the general public.
Penticton: Tuesday, November 17 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Responding to late-day confusion | People living with dementia may become restless or confused late in the day, a phenomenon that has been referred to as “sundowning”. Caregivers may feel helpless, not knowing how to alleviate the restlessness and agitation. Learn the signs and explore strategies for responding.. For caregivers.
Penticton: Thursday, November 26 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
December 2026
Accessing dementia services and support | Navigating health-care systems and looking for support services can be overwhelming. Learn about community supports – including home care, respite and adult day programs – as well as how to address challenges in accessing them. For caregivers.
Penticton: Tuesday, December 1 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.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, December 8 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Q&A Session | Have questions and concerns about dementia? Learn about helpful resources and strategies. Follow-up on issues discussed in other workshops. For the general public.
Summerland: Thursday, December 17 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.
Nine Tuesdays, May 5 to June 30, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Eight Tuesdays, July 14 to August 25, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Eight Tuesdays, September 8 to October 27, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Cost: Pricing available upon request
Registration: Register in person at the Penticton Community Centre or visit www.penticton.ca.
Osoyoos: United Church, 7814 Spartan Dr.
Eight Wednesdays, May 6 to June 24, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Eight Wednesdays, July 8 to August 26, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Nine Wednesdays, September 2 to October 28, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Cost: No cost.
Registration: Register through the DHL.
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.
Oliver: 4th Thursday of the month, 1 to 2:30 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, 2:30 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).