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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

 

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): An Overview of PACE

Monday, March 23rd at 1 PM

Speakers: Kristin Hlebowitsh, MD, and Destiny Alston, MPA

This presentation will offer an overview of PACE including eligibility, services, and how to know if partnering with PACE might be helpful in your caregiving journey. PACE is a comprehensive managed care program of services and supports designed to help keep people living at home for as long as possible.

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.

 

An Ounce of Prevention

Thursday, March 12, 1 – 2 p.m.

Webinar on caregiver preventative health and updates on Alzheimer’s prevention and testing.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

 

Conversations for Caregivers and Families: Palliative Care and Hospice

Thursday, March 19, 12 – 1 p.m.

Interactive session for care partners to get a better understanding of these care options.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.

 

Learning One’s Genetic Status: The Long-Term Impact

Thursday, March 19, 12 – 1 p.m.

Discussion on genetic testing and how it impacts an individual to know they carry a genetic mutation that causes familial Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Youngtimers.

 

Dementia and Vision Changes

Tuesday, March 24, 11 a.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by National Council of Dementia Minds.

 

Caring for Yourself While Caring for Someone with Dementia

Wednesday, March 25, 4 – 5 p.m.

For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.

 

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.


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.

 

Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop

Thursday, March 26, and Saturday, March 28, 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 March is Little Lake Landscapes. All supplies included.

 

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.

 

NEW! R Wave Respite Care

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.

 

Sage Crossing

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!


The Duke Dementia Family Support Program provides consultation, education and support to people living with dementia and their care families. We also consult with professionals caring for people living with dementia and Duke employees seeking help with elder care decisions.

Click here to view and share our brochure with families and professionals.