Programs and Services

Support Groups

Join us for ongoing weekly and bi-weekly Caregiver and Parkinson’s. Meet with others in similar situations, share experiences, insights, and gain expert advice for caring for yourself and loved ones with dementia.

Currently, nine support groups are offered – some online and in person: Caregiver Support Group 2nd & 4th Monday of each month at Brookdale Mirage Inn, 10:30 am; Parkinson’s support group, Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. (for Care Partners and Persons with Parkinsons); Caregiver Support Group Wednesdays, 9 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom; Caregiver Support Group Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. via Zoom; Caregiver Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at 11:00 am at Atria Hacienda; Caregiver Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at 2:00 pm at Vista Cove Senior Living; Caregiver Support Group 1st Friday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Pacifica Senior Living in Palm Springs; Caregiver Support Group 1st and 3rd Friday of each month at 2:30 p.m.at the Palms in La Quinta.

Call 760-776-3100 to register.

This eight-week social and educational program is for both the caregiver and diagnosed loved one. Experts in a variety of fields present a different topic each week designed to educate, support and prepare families along their Alzheimer’s journey.

The group then divides into a support group for caregivers and an activity group for the diagnosed.

Call 760-776-3100 to register.

Caregivers and loved ones are invited to join us every Tuesday & Thursday at 10 a.m. for fun social time with music, games sing-alongs, exercise, Bingo, conversations, and a delicious lunch – all part of the social interaction.

On Fridays we meet online at 10:00 a.m. for chair yoga, more games and fun!

Program takes place at our facility on Cook Street in Palm Desert. Call 760-776-3100 to register.

Breathing Space is ACV’s scholarship program for family caregivers to hire a temporary licensed caregiver for their loved one with dementia so that the family caregiver can take much-needed respite time for him/herself.

Caregivers may apply for scholarships for up to $500 per month for three months with re-evaluation each 90 days. Scholarships are paid directly to qualified professional in-home caregivers or to licensed care facilities. Scholarships are contingent on funds available.

An application for Breathing Space dollars is available at the ACV office, call Priscilla at (760) 776-3100 or email priscilla@cvalzheimers.org.

Dementia Caregiver Training

Professional caregivers learn the best practices to care for clients with Alzheimer’s/dementia and earn California state-approved Continuing Education Units for ACV Dementia Caregiver Training. A different topic is provided each month.

Family caregivers become better prepared to care for loved ones with Dementia Caregiver Training with such topics as planning the day, mealtimes, communication and more.

Classes are free of charge, ususally held the last Thursday of each month, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and taught by Edwina Dirk, RN. See our calendar for latest information.

Call (760) 776-3100 to register or email priscilla@cvalzheimers.org.

Meaningful Conversations with the Cognitively Impaired Person

This two-part series, taught by Pat Kaplan and Judy Rhodes, RN, helps families, friends and caregivers prepare for a positive experience and alleviate stress for both the patient and visitor. From learning the dos and don’ts of communicating, role playing, creating a “reminiscence box,” to practicing some of the techniques and journaling, Meaningful Conversations better equips families for visiting their loved ones.

Classes are free. Call 760-776-3100 to sign up for next class.

Community Outreach/Speaker’s Series

ACV’s professional volunteers are available to speak on a variety of topics related to Alzheimer’s/dementia, in-home and other care options, as well as community resources.

Programs may be tailored for country clubs, service and business organization audiences.
Call (760) 776-3100 for more information.

Screening Center - Now Open

Opened in January 2023, the ACV Screening Center offers accessible, no cost evaluations for those concerned with memory loss or cognitive impairment. At client’s request, results may be shared with primary care physician and/or neurologist and resources given.

Call (760) 776-3100 or email priscilla@cvalzheimers.org for more information.

Come for our Sing-a-Long group, Tunes for the Memory! Taking place every Friday at 1:30 pm, Katherine Campbell and her Ukulele will engage everyone with singing and playing instruments. Guest musicians featured on the last Friday of each month.