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.

 

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.

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Caregiver Connections

 

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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

 

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (Virtual)

Thursdays, October 7 – November 7, 3:30 – 5 p.m.

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by AARP NC.

 

Dementia Basics: What Can We Expect?

Mondays, October 7 – 28, 1 – 3 p.m.

Four-part series to provide basic information about dementia to persons living with memory concerns and care partners.

Part 1: Monday, October 7 – Brain Health

Part 2: Monday, October 14 – Types & Stages of Dementia

Part 3: Monday, October 21 – Communication

Part 4: Monday, October 28 – Preparing for the Journey Ahead

For more information and to register, email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov or call (919) 968-2087.

Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.

 

Finding Meaning and Hope Discussion Series

Tuesdays, October 8 – December 10, 4 – 6:30 p.m. OR

Thursdays, October 10 – December 19, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

10 week discussion series based on the book Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope While Coping with Stress and Grief by Pauline Boss, Ph.D.

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Duet.

 

Caregiver College (Virtual)

Thursdays, October 10 – November 14, 2 – 5 p.m.

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by MemoryCare Inc.

 

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (In-Person)

Tuesdays, October 15 – November 19, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by the Center for Volunteer Caregiving.

 

Family Caregiver Virtual Symposium

Wednesday, October 16, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Duet.

 

Hispanic Heritage Webinar Series

Thursday, October 17 & 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Thursday, October 17: Reframing Agitation and Aggression as Responsive Behaviors

Thursday, October 24: Safe Walking: A Strengths-Based Approach to Wandering

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

 

Moore County Care Partner Symposium

Thursday, October 24, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Dementia Alliance of NC.

 

Caregiving for a Family Member Who Treated You Unkindly

Thursday, October 24, 5 – 6 p.m.

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Valley Caregiver Resource Center.

 

Dr. Macie P. Smith: Supporting Caregivers in Black Communities

Tuesday, October 29, 1 – 2 p.m.

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Being Patient.

 

Understanding Dementia with a Focus on Alzheimer’s and Frontotemporal Degeneration

Tuesday, October 29, 6 – 7 p.m.

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and Alzheimer’s Association.

Engagement Opportunities

Lets Get Away, Together

Tuesdays, September 10 – October 29, 4 – 5 p.m. (Virtual)

For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by The Hummingbird Project.

• October 8th – Encore Presentation – Let’s Return to Beautiful Hawaii!
• October 15th – Let’s Experience the Majesty of Glaciers!
• October 22nd – Let’s Experience Flower Festivals and Botanical Gardens Around the World!

Memory Café Hosted by Jewish for Good, Durham 

Thursday, October 10 & 24, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Register by emailing or calling Jordana Brown at 919-354-4924.

 

Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop

Wednesday, October 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 October is: “Distressed Stamped Design.” All supplies included.

 

Slow Art for Care Partners (Virtual)

Thursday, October 31, 12 – 1 p.m.

Virtual program adapted for care partners to have their own experience with art, mindfulness, and each other, guided through a meditation and centering practice.

For more information and to register, contact Samantha Pell. Hosted by the Orange County Department on Aging.

 

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!

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The Duke Dementia Family Support Program provides consultation, education and support to people living with dementia and their care families. We also consult with professionals caring for people living with dementia and Duke employees seeking help with elder care decisions.

Click here to view and share our brochure with families and professionals.