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
Understanding LATE (Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy)
Tuesday, September 29th at 2pm
Speaker: Milta Little, DO, CMD
LATE is a common Alzheimer’s mimic in older adults, which was only fully described as a dementia syndrome in 2019. The speaker will define LATE, distinguish it from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and discuss the current approach to management of LATE.
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
Discussing Mild Cognitive Impairment
Wednesday, August 19, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, contact Aging Transitions at (919) 968-2087. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.
Family and Friends Series: Hallucinations
Tuesday, August 25, 2 – 3 p.m.
Learning sessions led by people living with dementia sharing their lived experiences.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by National Council of Dementia Minds.
Advanced Healthcare Planning: Are Your Ducks in a Row?
Thursday, August 27, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
207 S. Hollybrook Rd., Wendell
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library.
Duke Caregiver Community Event
Wednesday, September 9th OR Thursday, September 10th (same program both days)
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 the community.
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Engagement Opportunities
Let’s Get Away Together
Tuesdays, August 11 – September 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 and Family Caregiver Alliance.
PONDER: Picture This
Friday, August 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary
Program for people living with dementia and their care partners. Activity will explore photography and include a make-and-take home craft.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Registration will open July 31st. Hosted by Downtown Cary Park.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Thursday, August 20, and Saturday, August 22, 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 August is Rhythmic Design. All supplies included.
Encore Sentimental Journey Singers
Mondays, August 24 – 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.
Shine Your Light
Thursday, September 3, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (opening reception)
Carrboro ArtsCenter, 400 Roberson St., Carrboro
Art created by individuals living with dementia will be on display throughout the month of September. The opening reception will include hands-on art activities and community resources.
For more information, click HERE. Hosted by The Carrboro ArtsCenter.
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!
