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
What to Do When a Loved One Dies
Wednesday, June 11th at 1 PM
Speaker: Molly Ciaccio, JD
This webinar will walk you through the essential tasks following a death, including who needs to be notified, when different steps should be taken, and where to find help and support.
Key Topics Include:
- Planning the funeral
- Closing bank accounts and credit cards
- Settling final bills
- Rehoming pets
Click here for event flyer. Click here to access the presentation the day of the event.
Mark your calendars for Upcoming Caregiver Connections!
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.
Challenging Behaviors in People with Dementia
Thursday, June 12, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Friday, June 13, 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.
The Empowered Dementia Caregiver: Supporting Independence
Tuesday, June 17, 6:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Duke and UNC ADRC, Alzheimer’s Association, NC Registry for Brain Health, and Wake County Library.
The Pride of Caring Series
Wednesday, June 4, 11 a.m.: Mental Health and Caregiving: A Matter of Importance for LGBTQ+ Adults
Wednesday, June 11, 11 a.m.: What we can all Learn from the Experiences of LGBT+ Caregivers: Implications for the Future of Caregiving
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Spring Educational Series
Thursday, June 19, 2 – 3:30 p.m. – Palliative Care: How can it benefit my loved one?
Thursday, June 26, 2 – 3:30 p.m. – Brain Health: Impact of diet & lifestyle choices
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by MemoryCare Inc.
Financial Planning for Care and Beyond
Wednesday, June 25, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Dementia Basics: What Can We Expect?
Tuesdays, July 8 – 29, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
UNC Wellness at Meadowmont
Four-part series providing basic information about dementia to individuals with memory concerns, their caregivers, family members, friends, & community members.
For more information and to register, email Aging Transitions or call at (919) 968-2087. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.
Caregiver College
Thursdays, July 10 – August 14, 2 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Memory Care Inc.
Duke Caregiver Community Event
Wednesday, September 3 and Thursday, September 4
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 in the community.
For more information and to register, click HERE.
Engagement Opportunities
Meeting of the Minds
Tuesdays, June 10 – 24, varying times available
Webinar and Q&A for individuals living with memory changes, family, and friends to explore topics of risks and safety, driving, and conserving cognitive energy.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by National Council of Dementia Minds.
Let’s Get Away Together
Tuesdays, June 10 – July 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.
Breathe, Stretch, Restore: Chair Yoga & Mindfulness
Tuesday, June 17, 4:30 p.m.
Virtual chair yoga to help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and support emotional well-being. For care partners and people with changes in memory and thinking.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Memory & Movement Charlotte.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 25, 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. All supplies included.
Creative Impressions
Friday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
East Regional Library, Knightdale
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!
