Regional programming - North and Central Okanagan
Explore the most recent in-person programs and services in North and Central Okanagan.
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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 behaviour changes | Explore various changes in behaviours caused by dementia and learn practical strategies for responding in supportive ways. For caregivers.
Kelowna: Thursday, April 17 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.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.
Vernon: Tuesday, May 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
From home to care home: Preparing and adjusting to the new environment | Making a transition into long-term care can be challenging for both the person living with dementia and the caregiver. Discuss strategies for minimizing the challenges, including how to prepare for the move and respond to common issues. For caregivers.
Kelowna: Wednesday, May 14 from 9:30 to 11:00 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.
Kelowna: Wednesday, June 11 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.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.
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.
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.
Vernon: Vernon Recreation Centre, 3310 37 Avenue
Six Tuesdays, April 1 – May 6 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).