Duke Dementia Family Support Program
Caregiver Collective Wisdom
Check out our new addition to the website, Caregiver Collective Wisdom! We asked e-news readers and support group attendees to tell us, “What do you wish someone had told you?”. On this page, you can read through the wisdom and compassion of the responses, with a range of practical caregiving advice and honest reflections on caring for a loved one with dementia.
Upcoming Support Group Dates
If you have not previously participated in a support group, but are interested in joining now, please contact the appropriate staff member.
**Please note that there are no support group meetings in July, due to staff development.**
African American Dementia Care Partner Support Group: Every third Tuesday at 7 p.m., contact Bobbi for info, 919-660-7509.
Long-Term Care Community Support Group: Every third Tuesday at noon, contact Natalie for information, 919-660-7542.
Duke Dementia Morning Care Partners: Every second Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and fourth Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (in-person), contact Cornelia for info, 919-681-8280.
Younger-Onset: Every second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., contact Janeli if joining for the first time, 919-660-7565.
Daughters Concerned For Aging Relatives: Every first and third Wednesday at noon, contact
Natalie for info, 919-660-7542.
Duke Dementia Evening Care Partners: Every second and fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m, contact Natalie for info, 919-660-7542.
PLWD Group: Every third Monday at 11:00 a.m. contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Caregiver Connections
August to December 2024 Caregiver Connections
Tuesday, August 20 at 2PM
Lewy Body Dementia & Frontotemporal Degeneration
Dr. Andrea Bozoki, Division Chief, UNC Memory and Cognitive Disorders
Tuesday, September 17 at 2PM
Grief & Dementia Caregivers
Anthony Galanos, MD, MA, Professor of Medicine, Duke University
Wednesday, October 16 at 2PM
Dementia 101 in Spanish
Liza Genoa, MD, Geriatric Medicine Specialist, Duke University
Tuesday, November 12 at 1PM
Palliative Care & Hospice Care in Dementia
Sarah Lipscomb, RN, MSN, AGNP-C, Nurse Practitioner, Palliative Care, Duke University
Tuesday, December 3 at 1PM
Mini Mental Makeover for Deentia Family Caregivers
Laurie Kovens, MSW, Certified Employee Assistance Professional, Duke University
Upcoming Programs Events and Engagement Opportunities
Event Opportunities
Alzheimer’s Association NC Chapter Education Programs
The North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has a variety of webinars and in-person programs over the next few weeks.
See Eastern NC Events here
See Western NC Events here
Safe Walking: A Strengths-Based Approach to Wandering
Thursday, July 11, 1 p.m.
Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Register here free of charge.
MemoryCare’s Caregiver Educational Series
Thursday, July 11, 2 – 3:30 p.m.: Combating Elder Fraud
For more information and to register click here.
Hosted by MemoryCare.
Power of Knowing: The Dementia Journey – A Three-Part Series
July 16 – Part One: Is it normal aging or dementia?
July 30 – Part Two: The ever-changing needs of someone with dementia
August 13 – Part Three: Guidance for an improved dementia experience
Offered free and virtually by AuthoraCare Collective Greensboro. Register once and attend the sessions that interest you.
Rediscovering Dementia: Unveiling Surprising Truths and Innovations
Webinars led by individuals living with dementia from National Council of Dementia Minds
July 30, 1 p.m. – Living Well with Dementia
Aug. 6, 1 p.m. – Benefits of an Early Diagnosis
Aug. 13, 1 p.m. – Dementia Symptoms Checklist
Aug. 13, 1 p.m. – Tech Tools for Dementia Support: Empowering Service Providers
Aug. 27, 1 p.m. – What Researchers Need to Know. Register for the entire series HERE.
Rediscovering Dementia: Unveiling Surprising Truths and Innovations
Webinar series led by individuals living with dementia from National Council of Dementia Minds. Register here for the series.
Duke Caregiver Community Event
Thursday, September 5, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Durham. Registration for family caregivers costs $15. (lunch included) or $10 if you wish to have lunch on your own. Professionals can attend for $75. For more information and registration, click here.
Engagement Opportunities
Banner Health: Back to Baseball – A Reminiscence Series
Wednesday, July 17, 1 – 2:30 p.m. (virtual)
Caregivers and individuals with dementia can relive the best of America’s favorite sport.
To learn more and register click here. Please note the time listed on the registration form is Mountain Standard Time, so the event stats at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, July 23, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Margaret Lane Gallery, Hillsborough
To register click here or call 919-296-8938.
For caregivers who are caring for those with dementia. The art lesson for July is: “Colorful Collage.” All supplies included.
Memory Café of Cary
Every second Tuesday of the month, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Cary Senior Center, 120 Maury Odell Place, Cary
For more info and to RSVP click here.
ESUMC’s Evening of Dinner and Entertainment
Every third Wednesday of the month, 4 – 6 p.m.
Edenton Street United Methodist Church, Raleigh
Dinner is $10 per person. Open to individuals living with dementia and care partners.
Register by emailing or calling Lisa Pace at 919-306-1553.
Millbrook Enrichment Center – Socialization Program
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
1712 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh
$40 per day, with a reduction for the third day if you sign up for three days. Program for individuals with early to moderate-stage dementia or other mild disabilities. For more information click here or contact Shelly Gross at 919-277-8628.
Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care Engagement Events
Free virtual and in-person engagement opportunities for individuals living with dementia such as the Brain Connection Café and Bingo with Creativity. For more information and to register, see the Events page on their website.
Wake County Public Libraries – Memory Care Kits
Memory kit includes books and activities designed to spark memories, initiate conversation, and provide positive interaction between caregiver and individual with memory loss. A Wake County library card is required to reserve the kits, but some of the digital resources in the online guide are accessible to all and may be available at your local library! Click here for more information.
Staying Engaged
Need ideas on how to engage your loved one with dementia at home? Check out the DDFSP’s Engagement page or like our Facebook page for weekly ideas, tips, or activities!
