Home

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 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. (virtual) 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.

Person Living with Memory Changes Diagnosis (PLWD) Group: Every third Monday at 11:00 a.m. contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.

Younger-Onset: Every second Tuesday at noon and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.


Caregiver Connections

 

Dementia and Firearms

Wednesday, June 24th at 1 pm

Speaker: Emmy Betz, MD, MPH

This informative webinar will provide an overview of firearm ownership among older adults, firearm-related risks in dementia, and practical options and resources for older adults, care partners, and clinicians.

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

 

 


Upcoming Programs Educational and Engagement Opportunities

Educational Opportunities

Alzheimer’s Association NC Chapter Education Programs

Click HERE to view North Carolina events.

 

Building Brain-Healthy Habits

Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 p.m.

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

 

Caregiver College

Thursdays, June 11 – July 16, 2 – 5 p.m.

A series of six, three-hour virtual lectures designed to improve caregiver understanding of different aspects of dementia care.

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

 

Beyond Family: Building a Village of Supporters

Tuesday, June 16, 1 – 2 p.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.

 

Hearing Changes in Dementia

Tuesday, June 23, 2 – 3 p.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by National Council of Dementia Minds.

 

New Advances in Dementia Treatment

Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.

 

Strategies for Support: Transfer Techniques

Wednesday, June 24, 2:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by The Lewy Body Dementia Association.

 

Ask the Expert: What’s in a Fall?

Thursday, June 25, 12 – 1 p.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.


Engagement Opportunities

Let’s Get Away Together

Tuesdays, June 9 – July 14, 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

Thursday, June 11, and Saturday, June 13, 1 – 3 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 June is Little Textural Tiles. All supplies included.

 

Free Memory Cafe Hosted by R Wave in Durham

Saturday, June 27, 10:00 a.m. – noon

Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Family Life Center, 1320 Umstead Rd., Durham

A two-hour stimulating and enjoyable social experience where care partners and loved ones can connect and have fun together.

Please RSVP by emailing RWaveRespite@aldersgate.org.

 

R Place

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (lunch included)

Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill

Suggested donation of $25 for Orange County residents and $50 for non-Orange County residents.

Click HERE for program information.

Registration required by emailing Gwyn Esch, gesch@orangecountync.gov.

 

R Wave Respite Care

Mondays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (lunch included)

Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Family Life Center, 1320 Umstead Rd., Durham

Click here for the program brochure with more information.

Registration required by emailing RWaveRespite@Aldersgate.org.

 

Sage Crossing

Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Apex United Methodist Church

Sage Crossing is offering a new volunteer-supported enrichment program for people living with dementia to help increase social interaction and cognitive stimulation.

$65 per session, including lunch.

For more information, click HERE, or call Caitlin Masters at (919) 335-7773.

 

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!


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.