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. 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
Emerging Diagnostic Tools for Dementia
Monday, September 29th at 1 PM
Speaker: Daniel Parker, M.D., Duke Geriatrician
Learn about the latest advances in blood tests and brain imaging that are changing how dementia is diagnosed. This session will help family caregivers understand what these emerging tools can (and can’t) tell us, and what they might mean for early detection and care planning.
Click here to view event flyer. Click here to access the presentation the day of the event.
Mark your calendars for Upcoming Caregiver Connections!
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.
Latinx and Hispanic Caregivers of People Living with Dementia
Wednesday, September 24, 4 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by UCLA’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD): Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood
Thursday, September 25, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
“Memories of My Grandfather”: Screening and Discussion
Tuesday, September 30, 2 p.m.
Premiere of the mini-tv series “Memories of My Grandfather” that tells the story of an aging family patriarch and the impact of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis on his family.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Association.
Dementia Basics: What Can We Expect?
Mondays, October 6 – 27, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Passmore Center, Hillsborough
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 Aging Transitions or call at (919) 968-2087. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.
Tuesdays, October 7 – November 11, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
United Methodist Church of Cary
6-week educational series to provide family caregivers with practical tools to care for themselves while caring for a loved one.
For more information and to register, contact Molly McGinnis or call 919-460-0567. Hosted by the Center for Volunteer Caregiving.
Engagement Opportunities
Let’s Get Away Together
Tuesdays, September 9 – 30, 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
Wednesday, September 24, 10 a.m. – 12 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 September is Cut Paper Hearts. All supplies included.
Creative Impressions
Monday, September 29, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Oberlin Regional Library, Raleigh
Mindful art observation from the Museum’s collection and art-making activity for people living with memory changes and their care partner.
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 for ideas, tips, and activities!
