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Duke Dementia Family Support Program

 

Duke Dementia Family Support Program Staff: Natalie, Bobbi, Cornelia, Janeli & Tiffany

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 Tiffany for info, 919-660-7508.  

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 Tiffany for info, 919-660-7509.

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

 

Be Present, Open Up, and Do What Matters: Cultivating Psychological Flexibility to Cope with Caregiver Stress

March 13, 2024 at 2PM

Speaker:Dr. Jackie Ma, PhD, Tailored Brain Health

For March’s Caregiver Connection series, Dr. Jackie Ma, a clinical health psychologist at Tailored Brain Health, will define psychological flexibility, present a brief research overview of the topic, and lead some short guided exercises to cultivate psychological flexibility.

Headshot_JM_edited.jpgDr. Jackie Ma is a clinical health psychologist at Tailored Brain Health. She has extensive experience working with individuals facing both acute and chronic medical concerns, working to manage physical symptoms and emotional distress. Her approach is all about empowering you to handle thoughts and emotions in a skillful way, and she draws from mindfulness- and acceptance-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Self-Compassion.

Event Flyer


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

 

The Alzheimer’s Family -Caring, Coping, Connecting

 Thursday, March 7 1:00 – 3:00

Join Mary Ann Drummond for a conversation focused on the special needs of the “family” and how roles change when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. We’ll review “Meet Me Where I Am” caregiving, along with how to maintain family connections for as long as possible.

Click here for the flyer information.

 

What’s Next: A Middle-Stage Program 

Every Monday, April 15 – May 6, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Limited respite slots available

Passmore Senior Center, Hillsborough

To learn more email or call 919-660-7510. View the flyer here.

Are you facing the unique challenges of caring for a family member with middle-stage dementia? We’re here to support you. Join our four-week workshop designed specifically for caregivers navigating the transition from care partner to care giver. Led by experienced professionals, this workshop offers practical strategies and emotional support to help you cope with the complexities of dementia care. Hosted by Duke Dementia Family Support Program.

 

Introduction to Art Journaling for Caregivers

Weekly, January 1 – March 31 (in person)

Relaxing in Art Studio, 1703 Chapel Hill Road, Durham

Did you enjoy the December Caregiver Connections art journaling webinar? For those who would love an opportunity to explore this a bit more, artist Maria Geary is hosting a new program in 2024 to help you kick off your self-care practice for the year. Cost: $25 per caregiver/per session (For the $25 discounted rate include code: SELFCARE2024). To register email Maria.

 

Engagement Opportunities

 

Banner Health: Back to Baseball – A Reminiscence Series

Every third Wednesday of the month from Feb. – May (virtual)

Caregivers and individuals living with dementia can relive the best of America’s pastime sport of baseball through trivia, reminiscence, and social activities. To learn more and register click here. 

**Please note registration is in Mountain Standard Time and Eastern Standard Time for the event starts at 1 p.m.

 

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.

 

R Place – Social Engagement Program

Every Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Road., Chapel Hill

Free social program for individuals with dementia. Suggested donation of $20 per day. View flyer here. Enrollment is required, contact Alison Smith to RSVP.

 

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!


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.