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 Duke Dementia Family Support Program for info, 919-660-7510.
Long-Term Care Community Support Group: Every third Tuesday at noon, contact Natalie for info, 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 Rebecca for info, 919-660-7508.
PLWD Group: Every third Monday at 11:00 a.m. contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Caregiver Connections
Communication and Word Finding Difficulties in Dementia
Wednesday, May 14th at 1 PM
Speaker: Daria Borowski, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP
This webinar will explore how dementia impacts communication and offer practical, research-based strategies to support meaningful connection.
Key Topics Include:
- Why word-finding difficulties happen in dementia
- How to best support communication
- Easy-to-use strategies to encourage conversation
- Tools and techniques to help your loved one express themselves
Click here for event flyer. Click here to access the presentation the day of the event.
Mark your calendars for Upcoming Caregiver Connections!
Wednesday, June 11th at 1PM
Molly Ciaccio will present on What to Do When a Loved One Dies
Wednesday, August 13th at 1PM
Caryn Utberg will present on Residential Long-Term Care Options for Loved Ones with Dementia
Monday, September 29th at 1PM
Dr. Daniel Parker will present on Emerging Diagnostic Tools for Dementia
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.
Caregivers of People with Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia
Wednesday, May 28, 4 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
Early Detection of Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Thursday, May 29, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Spring Educational Series
Wednesday, June 4, 3 – 4:30 p.m. – Through Their Eyes: A new perspective on resistance
Thursday, June 19, 2 – 3:30 p.m. – Palliative Care: How can it benefit my loved one?
Thursday, June 26, 2 – 3:30 p.m. – Brain Health: Impact of diet & lifestyle choices
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by MemoryCare Inc.
Engagement Opportunities
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Wednesday, May 21, 2 – 4 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 May is: “Stippled Acrylic Flowers.” All supplies included.
Baseball ALZ-Stars
Wednesday, May 21, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Participants will be guided through reminiscent activities to explore and celebrate decades of baseball memories, for people with dementia and their care partner!
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Creative Impressions
Wednesday, May 28, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Oberlin Regional Library, Raleigh
Mindful art observation from the Museum’s collection and art-making activity.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library and NC Museum of Art.
Encore Creativity Information Sessions
Wednesday, May 28, 1 p.m. (Seymour Center, In-person): Chorale Session
Join to learn more about Sentimental Journey Singers a community chorus for people with early to mid-stage memory loss, their care partners, and volunteer singers.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.
The Caregiver’s Palette
Saturday, May 31, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
6000 Glenview Garden Place, Cary
Free painting and Prosecco class for caregivers. Respite care available through The Glade Adult Day Center (Glenaire Continuing Care Retirement Community).
For more information and to register, email Mary Arthur or call 919-447-4494.
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 ideas, tips, and activities!
