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.
Caregiver College
Tuesdays, April 10 – May 15, 2 – 5 p.m.
Six-session series designed to improve caregiver understanding of different aspects of dementia care.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by MemoryCare Inc.
Aging and Thriving Conference
Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A virtual speaker series for older adults and their families.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Jewish for Good.
Understanding Brain Disorders: A Focus on Dementia
Tuesday, April 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library, NC Registry for Brain Health, and Alzheimer’s Association.
Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Education Conference
Friday, May 2, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by the The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
Veterans Assistance Benefits: What to Know and How to Apply
Wednesday, May 7, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by American Society on Aging.
Remember Me: Dementia in the African American Community
Thursday, May 8, 3:30 – 6 p.m., Durham Center for Senior Life
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Building Foundations of Caregiving
Friday, May 16, 12 – 1 p.m.
300 North Roxboro St., Durham
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Durham County Library and Alzheimer’s Association.
Decisions About Driving & Dementia
Tuesday, May 20, 1:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, email or call Aging Transitions 919-968-2087. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.
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.
Engagement Opportunities
Let’s Get Away, Together!
Tuesdays, April 8 – May 13, 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 Family Caregiver Alliance and The Hummingbird Project.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Wednesday, April 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 April is: “Bas-Relief with Polymer Clay.” All supplies included.
Encore Creativity Information Sessions
Monday, April 28, 1 p.m. (Virtual): Information Session
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.
Creative Impressions
Tuesday, April 29, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Southeast Regional Library, Garner
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library and NC Museum of Art.
Caregivers Connect
Monday, May 19, 2:30 p.m.
East Regional Library, Knightdale
Afternoon with exciting activities and valuable resources for caregivers to relax, connect, and take a breather.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, May 7 & 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.
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.
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!
