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 2025
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) Mondays
Weekly from September 8 to October 6 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
October 2025
An Introduction to brain health | It’s never too late to make changes for a healthier brain. Learn how to maintain or improve your brain health by exploring topics including natural aging changes, dementia, risk reduction, memory, brain training and more. For the general public.
Penticton: Thursday, October 2 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Family Cargeiver 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: Wednesday, October 15 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Transitions along the dementia journey | This facilitated discussion will explore the process of change and how this affects feelings of grief and loss. Hear from other caregivers and learn strategies for coping along the dementia journey. For caregivers.
Penticton: Friday, October 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
November 2025
Family Cargeiver 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: Thursday, November 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 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.
Penticton: Tuesday, November 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Creating moments of joy along the dementia journey | Learn ways of supporting the positive moments along the dementia journey through a screening and discussion of the film, "Creating moments of joy". For caregivers.
Penticton: Friday, November 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
December 2025
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: Wednesday, December 3 from 1:00 to 2:30 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 persons living with dementia.
Penticton: Friday, December 12 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 persons living with dementia.
Penticton: Thursday, December 18 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, 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.
Osoyoos: United Church, 7814 Spartan Dr.
Eight Wednesdays, September 3 to October 22 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 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).