Blue Ridge Respite, formerly the Nelson Enrichment Club, has added a Thursday option to its existing Monday, Wednesday and Friday program, which operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rockfish Presbyterian Church. The program, launched in 2024, is a service of Here to Stay Wintergreen in partnership with Blue Ridge Medical Center and Rockfish Presbyterian.
The program offers social, cultural and movement-based recreation for people with memory loss and Parkinson’s disease, while also giving caregivers a welcome break. Regular activities include music, art, brain games, physical fitness, pet therapy and practical group projects.
A new partner, the Nelson Heritage Center in Arrington, will host the Thursday gathering. The center, located at 1653 Thomas Nelson Highway, offers the same hours as the original program, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here to Stay Wintergreen founder Gordon Walker said organizers also hope to add Tuesdays in Arrington, potentially providing caregivers with respite opportunities five days a week…