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
The Medication Minefield: Understanding Risky Drugs and Behavioral Symptom Treatments in Dementia
Wednesday, April 15th at 2 pm
Speaker: Tasha Woodall, PharmD, BCGP, CPP
This presentation introduces caregivers to medications that can worsen confusion, falls, or behavior changes in people living with dementia. The session also offers a clear, balanced look at the risks and potential benefits of medications used for behavioral symptoms, giving caregivers practical tools to ask informed questions and partner with healthcare providers on safer, more thoughtful treatment decisions.
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.
When the Caregiver Needs Care: Self-Care, Suicide Prevention & Family Healing
Tuesday, March 31, 11 a.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Aging and Thriving Conference
Monday, April 20 – Thursday, April 23, 10:30 a.m.
Virtual conference designed to help older adults and their families stay information, connected, and empowered.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Jewish for Good.
Managing Family Conflicts About End-of-Life Decisions
Tuesday, April 21, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
What Dementia Caregivers Need to Know About Discharge Planning
Wednesday, April 22, 4 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
2026 NC Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day
Tuesday, May 5, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Raleigh
Training sessions are recommended for those who wish to join.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Association.
Engagement Opportunities
Encore Sentimental Journey Singers
Mondays, March 16 – April 20, 2:30 – 4 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.
Let’s Get Away Together
Tuesdays, April 14 – May 5, 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.
The Remember Balloons
Tuesday, April 21, 1 p.m.
Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham
Dance performance based on the 2018 children’s book, The Remember Balloons, telling the story of a grandchild coming to terms with his grandfather’s dementia.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, April 25, and Thursday, April 30, 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 April is Floral Patterns. All supplies included.
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (lunch included)
Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Road, 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 Alison Smith, alsmith@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!
