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New Oxford, PA — Cross Keys Village – The Brethren Home Community, one of the nation’s largest stand-alone nonprofit continuing care retirement communities and the largest in Pennsylvania, continues to expand its impact as a regional leader in dementia education and memory support. Serving individuals and families throughout York and Adams Counties, the organization offers a robust lineup of free and low-cost programs designed to support both individuals living with neurocognitive disorders and the care partners who walk alongside them.

Guided by an “age in your preferred place” philosophy, Cross Keys Village provides personalized care, memory support, and educational resources that empower adults to live with dignity, connection, and purpose. The organization has also been an early leader in the York/Adams Dementia Friendly America initiative, further strengthening its commitment to building a more informed and compassionate community.

Lifespring Memory Support Resource Center

All Memory Support programs are offered through the Lifespring Memory Support Resource Center, located at 227 Village Drive, New Oxford, PA. Programs are open at no cost to Cross Keys Village residents and neighbors from the surrounding community unless otherwise noted.

Embracing Your Story: A Signature Two-Chapter Series

A cornerstone of the community’s dementia support programming is Embracing Your Story, a two-chapter series designed to inform, empower, and inspire individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, along with their care partners. Offered twice annually in the spring and fall, the series requires pre-registration.

Chapter 1: Embracing You

For individuals navigating a recent dementia diagnosis
March 9–April 13 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Chapter 2: Embracing Us

For individuals living with a dementia diagnosis seeking connection and shared learning
                                                                             March 9–April 13 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Please register by Friday, March 6 to ensure your spot. Participants who complete either chapter are invited to attend Memory Café events—special, invitation-only gatherings centered on social connection and shared experiences. Past events have included community outings, themed breakfasts, and engaging group activities that foster belonging and joy.

Ongoing Support Groups and Gatherings

Cross Keys Village recognizes that support must be ongoing and accessible. Several monthly groups provide education, encouragement, and connection.

Embracing Today

A monthly support group for care partners addressing communication strategies, stress and burnout, role changes, and self-care.
Third Tuesday of each month | 2:00–3:00 p.m.

Parkinson’s Thursday Support Group

Empowering individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners.
Third Thursday of each month | 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Parkinson’s Luncheon

A relaxed, social gathering held at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – Hanover.
Second Tuesday of each month | 11:00 a.m.
(Participants pay the cost of their own meal.)

Living Fully, Dying Well

A thoughtful, open community gathering that encourages conversation about mortality, meaning, and what matters most—without agenda or counseling.
Beginning March 24 | Fourth Tuesday of each month | 10:00–11:30 a.m.

FREE Memory Screening Day

Each spring and fall, Cross Keys Village offers free memory screenings using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a standardized, non-invasive cognitive screening tool.

Spring Screening Date:
April 20 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Appointments are required.

Special Presentation

Living Fully, Dying Well Presentation

Join Erin Nelson, Director of Memory Support and trained End-of-Life Death Doula, on February 16 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. for a special presentation exploring the history of Death Cafés and the transition to Living Fully, Dying Well.

Professional Education Opportunity

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar

Wednesday, April 29 | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Led by Jennifer Holcomb, Chief Clinical Integration Officer, this full-day seminar is open to healthcare professionals, frontline staff, family members, and students interested in expanding their expertise in dementia care.

Registration fees apply. Details and registration are available at crosskeysvillage.org/seminar.
Please register by Wednesday, April 15 to ensure your spot.

A Community Committed to Exceptional Care

Located on more than 360 scenic acres in south-central Pennsylvania, Cross Keys Village serves approximately 1,200 residents and is supported by more than 500 dedicated team members. As a nonprofit, faith-based continuing care retirement community, it remains committed to exceptional care, vibrant living, and compassionate support.

The Brethren Home Foundation, the organization’s philanthropic arm, provides assistance to residents in need and funds ongoing campus growth and enhancements—ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from comprehensive, person-centered care.

Learn More or Register

For program information, registration, or to schedule a memory screening, contact:

Erin Nelson, Director of Memory Support
📞 (717) 624-5403
✉️ e.nelson@crosskeysvillage.org

Through education, connection, and compassionate care, Cross Keys Village continues to strengthen individuals, families, and the broader community—helping all to live fully, with dignity and support at every stage of life.