Grass Valley, CA (8/25/26) — Caring for a loved one living with dementia is a journey that often brings complex challenges, ranging from legal and financial planning to the emotional toll on the caregiver. To provide guidance and support to local families, the Alzheimer’s Outreach Program (AOP) of Western Nevada County is proud to offer a free, four-part educational workshop series beginning Friday, September 11, 2026.

Held in-person at Foothills Compassionate Care in Grass Valley, this workshop series is designed to empower caregivers with the knowledge, resources, and community support necessary to navigate every stage of the dementia journey.

“Caregiving is a demanding role, and no one should have to walk this path alone,” says Linda Aeschliman, AOP Coordinator. “Our goal is to provide local families with the tools they need to feel confident and informed, while creating a space where they can connect with others who truly understand the experience.”

The workshop schedule is as follows:

  • Sept 11: Legal and Financial Planning – Featuring Dylan Hendricks, J.D., and Heather Thorpe, CFP®, AAMS®. Experts will cover best practices for managing legal and financial affairs with confidence.
  • Sept 18: Understanding Dementia – Led by Judy Kautz, LCSW, AOP Coordinator. This session explores the science behind dementia, including brain changes, stages, and effective communication strategies.
  • Sept 25: Community Resources and Elder Care Options – Featuring Foothills Compassionate Care and Judy Kautz, LCSW. Attendees will learn about local support networks, palliative and hospice care, and the various levels of residential and home-based elder care.
  • Oct 2: Caring for the Caregiver – Led by Judy Kautz, LCSW. This final session focuses on the importance of self-care and offers a collaborative environment for caregivers to share insights and build community.

All sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Foothills Compassionate Care, 11270 Rough and Ready Hwy, Grass Valley, CA.

Registration Information The workshop is free to the public; however, space is limited, and registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.

Respite Care Support Recognizing the difficulty of leaving a loved one unattended, the AOP offers assistance for those needing respite care to attend these sessions. Interested participants should contact Linda Aeschliman at (530) 648-0592 or via email at linda.aeschliman@commonspirit.org to discuss options.

Registration Link: https://supportsierranevada.org/aopevents

About Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation:

The Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation is dedicated to securing financial resources to support the mission of Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Through community engagement and fundraising initiatives, the Foundation helps ensure the hospital can continue to provide

high-quality healthcare services, invest in advanced technology, and meet the evolving health needs of Western Nevada County.