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
The Road Ahead: A Discussion About Comprehensive Driving Evaluations
Wednesday, October 14th at 1pm
Speaker: Melissa Werz, OTD, OTR/L, CRDS
This webinar will discuss:
- How mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia impact driving
- Warning signs to stop driving or get an evaluation
- How to discuss driving concerns with a loved one
- The before, during and after of a driving evaluation
- Who is notified of the results of the driving evaluation
- What happens if someone continues to drive when it has been recommended that they stop driving
Click here for program 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.
R Wave Respite Care & In-Person Educational Programs
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Family Life Center, 1320 Umstead Rd., Durham
Click HERE to learn about upcoming in-person educational programs and to access the program brochure with more information about respite.
Registration required for all programs by emailing RWaveRespite@Aldersgate.org
Diagnosing Dementia Beyond Alzheimer’s: Biomarkers, Clinical Insight, and Lived Experience
Thursday, October 15, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Ask the Expert: Activities and Strategies to Manage Behavioral Symptoms
Thursday, October 15, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.
Caregiver College
Thursdays, October 15 – November 19, 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.
Understanding GINA: Genetic Information Protections & Familial Alzheimer’s Disease
Tuesday, October 20, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Youngtimers.
What to Do When an Aging Parent Refuses Help
Tuesday, October 20, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
What Persons Living with Dementia Want Care Partners to Know
Tuesday, October 27, 2 – 3 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by National Council for Dementia Minds.
2026 Caregiver Summit: Preparing for Tomorrow with Confidence
Thursday, November 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (English presentation)
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Jueves, 12 de noviembre, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Spanish presentation)
Para más información y para registrarse, haga clic AQUI.
Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Engagement Opportunities
Encore Sentimental Journey Singers
Mondays, September 14 – December 14, 2:30 – 4 p.m. For full schedule, click HERE.
Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill
Program for 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.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Thursday, October 22, and Saturday, October 24, 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 October is Peaceful Gradations. All supplies included.
PONDER: Spooky Season
Friday, October 30, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
327 S. Academy St., Cary
For more information, click HERE. Contact Jennifer Armstrong to register. Hosted by Downtown Cary Park.
Reflections Tour
Saturday, November 7, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr., Durham
Free, welcoming museum experience designed for people living with memory change and their care partners.
For more information and to register, contact reflections@duke.edu.
Local Ongoing Enrichment Activities
Jewish for Good Memory Cafe
Levin JCC, 1937 W. Cornwallis Road, Durham
Two Thursdays, monthly, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Click HERE to view calendar of events.
For more information and to register, contact Jordana Brown at (919) 354-4924.
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.
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.
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!
