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
Navigating Communication Challenges as a Care Partner
Thursday, August 6th at 10:30am
Speaker: Cornelia Poer, MSW, LCSW
Communication needs gradually change for a person living with dementia and their care partner. This affects one’s ability to express oneself and to understand. This session will explore the barriers to good communication and strategies care partners can use to reduce stress and effectively communicate.
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
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms in Family Caregivers
Tuesday, July 21, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Living Meaningfully with Dementia: Creativity & Connection Through Arts
Wednesday, July 22, 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Guilt, Anger, and Resentment: A Conversation with Caregiver Counselors
Thursday, July 23, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Duet.
ALZ Talks: Newly Diagnosed? Real Talk About What Comes Next
Thursday, July 23, 3 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Association.
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
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Thursday, July 16, and Saturday, July 18, 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 July is A Balancing Act. All supplies included.
Reflections Tour
Saturday, August 1, 2 – 3:15 p.m.
Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr., Durham
Free welcoming museum experience designed for people living with memory loss and their care partners.
This tour is a repeat of the “Light and Shadow” theme offered for DDFSP in June.
For more information and to register, contact reflections@duke.edu.
Movies in the Morning
Tuesday, August 11, 10 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St.
Dementia friendly screening of “Grumpy Old Men”
For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE. Hosted by The Town of Cary and Dementia Capable Cares.
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.
In the Moment
Friday, August 14, 1 – 2 p.m.
North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh
Program designed for those living with memory changes and their care partners focused on collective engagement with arts and nature.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by the NC Museum of Art.
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!
