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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 Duke Dementia Family Support Program for info, 919-660-7510.

Long-Term Care Community Support Group: Every third Tuesday at noon, contact Natalie for info, 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 Rebecca for info, 919-660-7508.

PLWD Group: Every third Monday at 11:00 a.m. contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.


Caregiver Connections

 

Communication and Word Finding Difficulties in Dementia

Wednesday, May 14th at 1 PM

Speaker: Daria Borowski, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP

This webinar will explore how dementia impacts communication and offer practical, research-based strategies to support meaningful connection.

Key Topics Include:

  • Why word-finding difficulties happen in dementia
  • How to best support communication
  • Easy-to-use strategies to encourage conversation
  • Tools and techniques to help your loved one express themselves

Click here for event flyer. Click here to access the presentation the day of the event.

 

Mark your calendars for Upcoming Caregiver Connections!

Wednesday, June 11th at 1PM

Molly Ciaccio will present on What to Do When a Loved One Dies

Wednesday, August 13th at 1PM

Caryn Utberg will present on Residential Long-Term Care Options for Loved Ones with Dementia

Monday, September 29th at 1PM

Dr. Daniel Parker will present on Emerging Diagnostic Tools for Dementia

Tuesday, October 21st at 10:30 AM

Dr. Allen Samuelson will present on Dental Care for People with Dementia

Tuesday, November 18th at 1 PM

Dr. Anne Johnson will present on Behavioral Changes in Dementia

Wednesday, December 10th at 1 PM

Kay Castillo will present on Logistics of Long-Term Care Placement

 


Upcoming Programs Educational and Engagement Opportunities

Educational Opportunities

Alzheimer’s Association NC Chapter Education Programs

Click here to view EASTERN and WESTERN NC events.

 

Caregiver College

Thursdays, April 10 – May 15, 2 – 5 p.m.

Six-session series designed to improve caregiver understanding of different aspects of dementia care.

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

 

Aging and Thriving Conference

Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

A virtual speaker series for older adults and their families.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Jewish for Good.

 

Understanding Brain Disorders: A Focus on Dementia

Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library, NC Registry for Brain Health, and Alzheimer’s Association.

 

Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Education Conference

Friday, May 2, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by the The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

 

Veterans Assistance Benefits: What to Know and How to Apply

Wednesday, May 7, 1 – 2 p.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by American Society on Aging.

 

Remember Me: Dementia in the African American Community

Thursday, May 8, 3:30 – 6 p.m., Durham Center for Senior Life

For more information and to register, click HERE.

 

Building Foundations of Caregiving

Friday, May 16, 12 – 1 p.m.

300 North Roxboro St., Durham

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Durham County Library and Alzheimer’s Association.

 

Decisions About Driving & Dementia

Tuesday, May 20, 1:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, email or call Aging Transitions 919-968-2087. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.

 

Early Detection of Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Thursday, May 29, 1 – 2 p.m.

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

 


Engagement Opportunities

Let’s Get Away, Together!

Tuesdays, April 8 – May 13, 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 Family Caregiver Alliance and The Hummingbird Project.

 

Encore Creativity Information Sessions

Monday, April 28, 1 p.m. (Virtual): Information Session

Wednesday, May 28, 1 p.m. (Seymour Center, In-person): Chorale Session

Join to learn more about Sentimental Journey Singers a community chorus for people with early to mid-stage memory loss, their care partners, and volunteer singers.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.

 

Creative Impressions

Tuesday, April 29, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Southeast Regional Library, Garner

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library and NC Museum of Art.

 

Caregivers Connect

Monday, May 19, 2:30 p.m.

East Regional Library, Knightdale

Afternoon with exciting activities and valuable resources for caregivers to relax, connect, and take a breather.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library.

 

Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop

Saturday, May 7 & Wednesday, May 21, 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 May is: “Stippled Acrylic Flowers.” All supplies included.

 

Creative Impressions

Wednesday, May 28, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Oberlin Regional Library, Raleigh

Mindful art observation from the Museum’s collection and art-making activity.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library and NC Museum of Art.

 

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 ideas, tips, and activities!


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.