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.
March 2026
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.
Penticton: Friday, March 20 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
April 2026
Equip yourself: Knowledge and skills to help get the support you need | Gain the skills and knowledge you need to advocate for yourself and your family member along the dementia journey, including responding to common challenges, getting a diagnosis and accessing home support. For caregivers and persons living with dementia.
Penticton: Thursday, April 2 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.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 persons living with dementia.
Penticton: Thursday, April 9 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Understanding behaviour changes | Explore various changes in behaviours caused by dementia and learn practical strategies for responding in supportive ways. For caregivers.
Osoyoos: Friday, April 17 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.
Osoyoos: Friday, April 17 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.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: Two Wednesdays, April 22 and April 29 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
May 2026
Responding to late-day confusion | 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.
Penticton: Wednesday, May 20 from 1:00 to 3:00 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.
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.
Thirteen Tuesdays, September 9 to December 16 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Eight Tuesdays, January 6 to February 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Nine Tuesdays, March 3 to April 28 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.
Fifteen Wednesdays, September 3 to December 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Eight Wednesdays, January 7 to February 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Eight Wednesdays, March 4 to April 29 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).