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
Demencia 101/Dementia 101
Wednesday, October 16 at 2PM
*Esta Presentation va a ser en Español/This Presentation will be in Spanish
¿Qué es la Demencia?/What is Dementia?
¿Cómo se Diagnostica?/How is Diagnosis Made?
¿Cuáles son los Síntomas Comunes?/What are Common Symptoms?
¿Qué Tratamientos Hay Disponibles?/What Treatments are Available?
Únase a Zoom Aquí.
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming 2024 Caregiver Connections
Tuesday, November 12 at 1PM
Palliative Care & Hospice Care in Dementia
Sarah Lipscomb, RN, MSN, AGNP-C, Nurse Practitioner, Palliative Care, Duke University
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
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.
Managing Stress During the Holidays
Tuesday, October 22, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Dementia Alliance of NC.
Insights into Incontinence
Wednesday, October 23, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by American Society on Aging.
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!