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 and fourth 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 and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Caregiver Connections
Behavioral Changes in Dementia
Tuesday, November 18th at 2 PM
Speaker: Dr. Anne Johnston
This webinar will explore common behavioral symptoms that occur in dementia, such as agitation, personality changes, and delusions and hallucinations. Family caregivers will learn why these changes happen and how to respond in ways that reduce distress for both the person with dementia and themselves.
Click here to view event flyer. Click here to access the presentation the day of the event.
Mark your calendars for Upcoming Caregiver Connections!
Wednesday, December 10th at 1 PM
Kay Castillo and Bill Lamb 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 North Carolina events.
Caregiving During the Holidays
Friday, November 14, 12 – 1 p.m.
300 N. Roxboro St., Durham
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Durham County Library and Alzheimer’s Association.
Sundowning Syndrome: Signs, Symptoms, and Steps to Help
Friday, November 14, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Dementia and Incontinence Discussion
Tuesday, November 18, 2 – 3 p.m.
For more information and to register, contact Aging Transitions. Hosted by Orange County Department on Aging.
Caregivers of Persons Living with Dementia and Addictions
Wednesday, November 19, 4 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
Navigating Difficult Care Conversations
Friday, November 21, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Engagement Opportunities
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.
The Caring Show
November 5 – 23, Opening Reception Sunday, November 9, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Margaret Lane Gallery, Hillsborough
Diverse collection of art produced by caregivers of loved ones with dementia.
For more information, click HERE.
Let’s Get Away Together
Tuesdays, November 11 – December 16, 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.
Inclusive Engagement
Saturday, November 15, 10 – 11 a.m.
4026 Glenn Rd., Durham
Free creative engagement for people living with dementia and their care partner.
For more information, click HERE, to register, contact Caroline Ryskiewich.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, November 15 and Wednesday, November 19, 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. The art lesson for November is Cut Paper Collage. All supplies included.
Movies in the Morning
Tuesday, November 18, 10 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St.
Dementia friendly screening of “A Christmas Story.” $5.00 ticket includes movie and a snack.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE. Hosted by The Town of Cary and Dementia Capable Cares.
The Remember Balloons
Wednesday, January 28, 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. Hosted by The Carolina Theatre of Durham.
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!
