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.
Caregiver Connections
Palliative Care, Hospice, and Dementia:
Who, What, When, Where and Why
Tuesday, November 12th at 1PM
This presentation is aimed at helping caregivers better understand the differences between hospice and palliative care and how each can support their loved one with dementia. Symptoms that are common in advanced dementia and treatment options are reviewed, and a patient case highlights the complexities of decision making in advanced dementia.
Sarah Lipscomb, MSN, AGNP-C, RN
Sarah Lipscomb is a palliative care nurse practitioner with expertise in cancer and liver transplant. She studied nursing in 2010 and found her true calling while working as a hospice nurse at Duke’s inpatient hospice unit.
She completed her nurse practitioner degree at UNC Chapel Hill in 2019 and initially served vulnerable homebound patients through the Just for Us program. She joined Duke palliative care in 2021 as a full-time ambulatory nurse practitioner. Sarah is the Director of Palliative Care at Duke Cancer Center North Durham.
Tuesday, December 3 at 1PM
Mini Mental Makeover for Dementia 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
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
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!
