Duke Dementia Family Support Program
Programs and services, offered free of charge, to help families live their best lives with changes in memory and thinking.
Our Support Groups
African American Dementia Care Partner Support Group: Every third Tuesday at 7 p.m., contact Duke Dementia Family Support Program for info, 919-660-7510.
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 Rebecca for info, 919-660-7508.
Duke Dementia Morning Care Partners: Every second Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. (virtual) and fourth Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (in-person), contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Long-Term Care Community Support Group: Every third Tuesday at noon, contact Natalie for info, 919-660-7542.
PLWD Group: Every third Monday at 11:00 a.m. contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Younger-Onset: Every second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Caregiver Connections
Transitioning to Long-Term Care: Tips for Success
Wednesday, December 10th at 1 PM
Speakers: Kay Paksoy Castillo and Bill Lamb
Join Friends of Residents in Long Term Care (FOR) as we discuss ideas to make transitioning to long-term care a success. We will discuss the importance of getting involved with resident and family councils, knowing your regional long-term care ombudsman, and working with your home to resolve issues. Plus, we’ll share resources for you to keep on hand and refer back to throughout your stay.
Click here to view event flyer. Click here to access the presentation the day of the event.
Upcoming Programs Educational and Engagement Opportunities
Educational Opportunities
Alzheimer’s Association NC Chapter Education Programs
Click here to view EASTERN and WESTERN North Carolina events & events en español.
Making the Case for Music in Dementia Care
Tuesday, December 9, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Foundation.
FTD Research 2025: Paving the Path Towards Effective Treatments
Wednesday, December 10, 3 – 4 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
Enhancing Resilience in Aging: Digital Health Approaches to Geriatric Rehabilitation
Thursday, December 11, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
The Holidays and Dementia: Tips for Making the Holidays More Enjoyable
Tuesday, December 16, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Foundation.
Capacity, Competency, and Dementia Discussions
Wednesday, December 17, 4 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
Friday, December 19, 12 – 1 p.m.
300 N. Roxboro St., Durham
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Durham County Library and Alzheimer’s Association.
Dementia Basics: What Can We Expect?
Thursdays, January 8 – 29, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Drakeford Library Complex, Carborro
Four-part series providing basic information about dementia to individuals with memory concerns, their caregivers, family members, friends, & community members
For more information and to register email or call Aging Transitions at 919-968-2087. Hosted by the Orange County Department on Aging.
Keeping the Faith: How to Reconnect People with Alzheimer’s Disease to their Religion and Sacred Traditions
Thursday, January 8, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Engagement Opportunities
Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Apex United Methodist Church
Sage Crossing is offering a new volunteer-supported enrichment program for people living with dementia to help increase social interaction and cognitive stimulation.
$65 per session, including lunch.
For more information, click HERE, or call Caitlin Masters at (919) 335-7773.
Let’s Get Away Together
Tuesdays, December 2 – 16, 4 – 5 p.m.
Virtual interactive sessions focusing on a new place or cultural activity each week, while incorporating storytelling, music, poetry, writing, and/or a simple craft.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by The Hummingbird Project and Family Caregiver Alliance.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 17, 2 – 4 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 December is Cut Paper Collage. All supplies included.
NEW! R Wave Respite Memory Cafe
Monday, December 15, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (lunch included)
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1320 Umstead Rd., Durham
Aldersgate United Methodist Church will begin hosting a regular respite program in February 2026. More information to come, and you are invited to join their Memory Cafe.
Registration required by emailing RWaveRespite@Aldersgate.org.
Memory Cafe: MLK Day of Service
Saturday, January 17, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Seymour Center, Chapel Hill
Intergenerational, dementia friendly event with games, crafts, and a group service project.
For more information and to register, call (919) 968-2070. Hosted by the Orange County Department on Aging.
The Remember Balloons
Wednesday, January 28, 1 p.m.
Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham
Dance performance based on the 2018 children’s book, The Remember Balloons, telling the story of a grandchild coming to terms with his grandfather’s dementia.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE. Hosted by The Carolina Theatre of Durham.
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 for ideas, tips, and activities!
