At Valley Area Agency on Aging, we have resources and programs to support you and your journey. You are not alone.
See our current programs below and join our caregiving group in Facebook to connect with fellow caregivers. This is a great place to ask questions, get advice and share your knowledge with others. Or, have a look at these caregiving resources.
Need help getting started? Contact our team, we’re happy to help!
Valley Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce that Shiawassee County is joining Genesee County in being a Dementia Friendly Community. Shiawassee county has been recognized as Dementia Friendly by the Dementia Friendly America® Network. Read more here.
Caregiving Programs
Check back for upcoming tours!
If you are an active caregiver of a family member or friend with dementia living at home, this workshop will help you gain the special skills and knowledge you will need to be successful. The Savvy Caregiver will help you:
- Understand the impact of dementia on both you and your loved one
- Learn skills you need to manage daily life
- Take control and set goals
- Communicate more effectively
- Strengthen family resources
- Feel better about your caregiving
- Take care of yourself!
Upcoming Classes
Check back!
ARE YOU CARING FOR A PERSON WITH MEMORY LOSS?
Attend an in-person workshop series for help! This Dementia Caregiving workshop is 3-session program for those caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It assists with reducing caregiving stress by providing useful tools and information.
Learn how to:
• Understand basic information about dementia and its impact on brain function
• Communicate more effectively with someone who has dementia
• Recognize stages of dementia
• Provide meaningful daily activities based on your loved one’s interests and abilities
• Better understand and address dementia- related behaviors
• Create a positive caregiving environment
• Learn strategies and benefits of self-care• Build your network of support
Location: Atlas Twp Hall
7386 S Gale Rd. Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Tuesday, October 6 (12:30pm – 2pm)
Tuesday, October 13 (1:00pm – 2:30pm)
Tuesday, October 20 (12:30pm – 2:00pm)
To register call Natalie G. at 810- 498-0038
Or Email: [email protected]
Location: Memorial Healthcare NOW
Building819 N Shiawassee St. Suite 100, Owosso, MI 48867
Thursdays, October 8, 15 and 22, 2026
1:00pm – 2:30pm
To register call Stacey at 989-723-1390
Location: Metamora Library Branch
4018 Oak St, Metamora, MI 48455
Thursdays, November 5, 12 and 19, 2026
1:30pm – 3:00pm
To register call – (810) 600-0633
Or Email: [email protected]
Location: Genesee District Library-Grand Blanc-McFarlen Branch
515 Perry Rd. Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Dates: February 2nd, 9th, 16th from 12:30pm – 2:00pm
RSVP by 1/28/27 with Jennifer Joyner at [email protected]
Location: Grand Blanc Senior Center
12632 Pagels Dr. Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Wednesdays, March 3, 10 and 17, 2027
5:30pm – 7:00pm
To register call – (810) 695-3202
Or Email: [email protected]
Location: Flushing Area Senior Center
106 Elm Street Flushing, MI 48433
Dates: February 17, 24 and March 3, 2027
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Register: Call (810) 659-4686
Location: Swartz Creek Senior Center
8095 Civic Dr #2, Swartz Creek, MI 48473
Dates: January 8, 15, and 22, 2027
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Register: Call 810-635-4122 Swartz Creek Senior Center
These workshops are available in part through funding from the Older American’s Act and Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports. For more information, please reach out to Abbie Mars, Health and Wellness Program Manager at Valley Are Area Agency on Aging at (810) 239-7671 Ext. 213.
Mi Caregiver Connection is your starting point for finding real, local support. Whether you’re helping a parent, partner, or friend — we’re here to help you. There are 16 Area Agencies on Aging across the state of Michigan — your local source of trusted information to assist older adults and persons with disabilities — helping you connect with critical resources.
As a caregiver, you give so much — know that we’re here to support you with guidance, compassion, and care to save you time and make caregiving a little easier. From figuring out next steps to finding practical help, there are some trusted tools to guide you.
Location: Eastside Senior Center
3065 N Genesee Rd. Flint, MI 48506
Thursday, October 15, 2026
1:00PM – 2:00pm
Please contact Eastside Senior Center to register at (810) 250-5000
Location: Carman Ainsworth Senior Center
2071 S Graham Rd. Flint, MI 48532
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Please contact Carman Ainsworth Senior Center to register at(810) 732-6290
Location: Mundy Township Senior &
Enrichment Center
1286 West Hill Rd. Flint, MI 48507
Thursday, November 5, 2026
1:30PM – 2:30PM
Please contact Mundy Township Senior & Enrichment Center to
register at (810) 922-4557
Location: Lapeer District Library Marguerite deAngeli Branch
921 W Nepessing St, Lapeer, MI 48446
Tuesday, December 15, 2026
12:30pm – 1:30pm
To register please call (810) 239-7671 or email Jennifer Joyner, VAAA at [email protected].
Location: Grand Blanc Senior Center
12632 Pagels Drive, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Monday, February 8, 2027
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Please contact Grand Blanc Senior Center to register at (810) 953-0726.
This workshop is made available in whole or part with funding from the Federal Older Americans Act and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services/ The Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports through Valley Area Agency on Aging. If you would like additional information, please call Abbie Mars at Valley Area Agency on Aging at 810-600-0633 or [email protected]
The Caregiver UPdate
Since 2023 Genesee County has been recognized as Dementia Friendly by the Dementia Friendly America Network. We are on a mission to support people with dementia and their family and friend care partners by working with a diverse community action team, increasing dementia awareness with community education and advocating for people with dementia. Valley Area Agency on Aging and the Dementia Friendly Genesee County Action Team welcomes any caregivers and/or community members/organizations to join us in making Genesee County a stronger Dementia Friendly Community. Please contact Jennifer Joyner, Health and Wellness program coordinator at [email protected] for more information or to join the Genesee County Task Force.