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 Partners 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 Bobbi 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
The Genetics of Dementia and Genetic Testing
Tuesday, September 19 at 2PM EST
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Parker, MD, Duke Geriatrician
Dr. Parker will present on the genetics of dementia, why family history matters, types of genetic testing, and living with the results of genetic testing.
Dr. Parker is a geriatrician, memory disorders specialist, and physician at Duke. Dr. Parker diagnoses and manages cognitive impairment at the inter-professional Duke Memory Disorders Clinic. His research interests center on understanding how diet
and exercise improve brain health and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
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
To register click here or call 1-800-272-3900.
MemoryCare’s Caregiver Educational Series
- Thursday, September 14, 2 – 3:30 p.m.: Genetics and Dementia: Current Understanding and Future Promise
- Thursday, September 21, 2 – 3:30 p.m.:Understanding Guardianship for People Living with Dementia
- Thursday, September 28, 2 – 3:30 p.m.: Alzheimer’s Disease & Treatment
For more information and to register for each training, click here.
Dementia – Let’s Talk About It: Parkinson’s and Dementia
Tuesday, September 19, 10 – 11 a.m. (virtual)
To register contact the Orange County Department on Aging Helpline, at 919-968-2087.
Dementia Inclusive Forum – Understanding Dementia
Thursday, September 21, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Durham Convention Center, 301 West Morgan St., Durham
Look for our information table and don’t miss Cornelia Poer’s presentation on “Stages and Support.” For more information view this flyer and click here to register.
PACE – Health Fair
Thursday, September 28, 4 – 6 p.m.
Senior CommUnity Care of NC PACE, 5400 South Miami Blvd #150, Durham
RSVP here or email Wakisha High, Community Outreach Manager
Attend this health fair to learn about the Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
Dementia Basics, What Can We Expect?
Every Monday, October 9 – 30, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. (in-person)
Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Drive, Hillsborough
To register email Aging Transitions or call 919-968-2070. View flyer here.
Four-part educational series to provide basic information about dementia for individuals with memory concerns, caregivers, and other interested community members. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.
Engagement Opportunities
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.
Brain Connection Café with Teepa Snow
Monday, September 18, 3 – 4 p.m. (virtual)
Open to individuals living with dementia and care partners.
For more information and to register click here.
Memory Café Hosted by Jewish for Good, Durham
Thursday, September 21, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (in-person)
Register by emailing or calling Jordana Brown at 919-354-4924.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Wednesday, September 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. – noon
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 September: “Black and White and Hand-Colored Abstract Collagraph.” All supplies included.
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.
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!
