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 and fourth 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. and fourth Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (in-person), contact Cornelia for info, 919-681-8280.
Long-Term Care Community Support Group: Every third Tuesday at noon, contact Natalie for info, 919-660-7542.
PLWD Group: Every third Monday at 11:00 a.m. contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Younger-Onset: Every second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Caregiver Connections
Making the Move: Understanding Residential Care Options for People with Dementia
Wednesday, August 13th at 1 PM
Speaker: Caryn Utberg, CSA, CLTC
This webinar is designed for families exploring long-term care for a loved one with dementia. Placement specialist, Caryn Utberg, will discuss different types of care facilities, how to know when it’s time to consider a move, what to look for in a quality care setting, and the financial aspects of planning for care.
Click here to view event flyer. Click here to access the presentation the day of the event.
Mark your calendars for Upcoming Caregiver Connections!
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.
Caregiver College
Thursdays, July 10 – August 14, 2 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Memory Care Inc.
Polypharmacy and Common Drug Interactions in Older Adults
Monday, July 14, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Caregiving: Screening and Discussion
Monday, July 14, 5 p.m.
1937 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham
Screening of Caregiving – a PBS documentary produced by Bradley Cooper – followed by a panel discussion with local experts. Limited respite spots available.
For more information, click HERE, and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Jewish for Good.
Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia in Rural Communities
Wednesday, July 16, 4 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
No Vacation from Grief: Coping with Loss in the Summer Season
Thursday, July 24, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by AuthoraCare Collective.
Alzheimer’s Association International Conference for All
Thursday, July 31, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Virtual sessions about the latest in Alzheimer’s treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and care.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Association.
National Council of Dementia Minds: Summer Webinar Series
Tuesdays, August 5 – 26, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
August 5: Benefits of an Early Diagnosis
August 12: What Persons Living with Dementia Want their Caregivers to Know
August 19: Activities Versus Engagement
August 26: Dining with Dementia
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Duke Caregiver Community Event
Wednesday, September 3 and Thursday, September 4
Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Durham
In-person event featuring education sessions, lunch, and variety of support options that can assist in your caregiving journey from Duke Health and in the community.
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Engagement Opportunities
Let’s Get Away Together
Tuesdays, July 8 – 22, 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.
Baseball ALZ-Stars
Wednesday, July 16, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Explore and celebrate decades of baseball memories for people with changes in memory and thinking and their care partner!
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Banner Health.
Creative Impressions
Friday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
East Regional Library, Knightdale
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.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 23, 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 July is: “Optical Illusion.” All supplies included.
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!
