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.
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
Dementia 101
Monday, February 9th at 1 PM
Speaker: Daniel Parker, MD, Duke Geriatrician
Join us for an informational session to review the basics of a memory loss diagnosis. This educational webinar will focus on the differences between mild cognitive impairment and dementia, the possible causes, how each diagnosis is made and what treatment options are available.
Click here to view event 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 EASTERN and WESTERN North Carolina events.
Caregiver College
Thursdays, January 22 – February 26, 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 Dementia and Lewy Body
Tuesday, February 3, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library.
Loneliness: A Hidden Risk for Memory Decline
Monday, February 9, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Neurodegenerative Disease Biomarkers: What can they tell us about FTD?
Friday, February 13, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
My Loved One Has Dementia – Now What?
Tuesday, February 17, 10 – 11 a.m.
Virtual roundtable discussion for care partners whose loved one recently received a diagnosis or need support for their next steps.
For more information and to register, contact Aging Transitions or call (919) 968-2087. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.
Navigating Financial Challenges in Dementia Care
Wednesday, February 18, 4 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
Empathy in Dementia: Listening to the Lived Experience
Tuesday, February 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hear from a panel of individuals living with dementia about their lived experiences.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by National Council for Dementia Minds.
Engagement Opportunities
Scribbles that Speak
Wednesdays, February 4 – March 4, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
5-week virtual workshop for caregivers to share writing about their caregiver experience.
For more information, click HERE, to register, contact Deanne Poulos. Hosted by Duet.
Let’s Get Away Together
Tuesdays, February 10 – 24, 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.
Movies in the Morning
Tuesday, February 10, 10 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St.
Dementia friendly screening of “Mamma Mia.” $5.00 ticket includes movie and a snack.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE. Hosted by The Town of Cary and Dementia Capable Cares.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, February 21 and Thursday, February 26, 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 February is Colorful Sticks. All supplies included.
Creative Impressions
Thursday, February 26, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Holly Springs Community Library
Mindful art observation from the NC Museum of Art’s collection and art-making activity for people living with memory changes and their care partners.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library and NC Museum of Art.
Encore Sentimental Journey Singers
Mondays, March 16, 2:30 p.m.
Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill
6-week pilot 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.
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!
