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
Next Steps: A Guide for Families After a Dementia Diagnosis
Wednesday, May 13th at 1 pm
Speakers: Bobbi Matchar, MSW, MHA, and Natalie Leary, MSW, LCSW
A diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia can feel overwhelming. In this webinar, we’ll walk through practical next steps to help you move from uncertainty to action. Think of it as a roadmap for the early stage of the journey.
We’ll cover how to:
- Decide who to tell — and when
- Put essential legal documents in place
- Protect finances and reduce risk
- Balance safety with independence
- Build a strong support team
- Create a backup plan before a crisis occurs
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.
Which Legal Documents Are Needed When Alzheimer’s Touches Your Family?
Thursday, May 14, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Association of America
Advance Care Planning and Dementia
Wednesday, May 20, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
For more information and to register, contact Aging Transitions at 919-968-2087. Hosted by the Orange County Department on Aging.
Making Sense of Medications in Lewy Body Dementia
Wednesday, May 20, 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Touch Changes in Dementia
Tuesday, May 26, 2 – 3 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by National Council of Dementia Minds.
Guilt, Anger, and Resentment: A Conversation with Caregiver Counselors and Coaches
Thursday, May 28, 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Duet.
Building Brain-Healthy Habits
Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library and Alzheimer’s Association.
Caregiver College
Thursdays, June 11 – July 16, 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.
Engagement Opportunities
Wowzitude Memory Travels
Tuesday, May 12, 11 a.m.: Liverpool, England
Tuesday, May 19, 11 a.m.: Tbilisi, Georgia
Tuesday, May 26, 11 a.m.: Krakow, Poland
Series of free, live-streamed travel experiences designed for individuals with memory changes and their caregivers.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Thursday, May 14, and Saturday, May 23, 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 May is 3D Clay Tiles. All supplies included.
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!
