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
Managing Chronic Diseases in People with Dementia
Wednesday, June 15 at 2PM
The management of chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, becomes more complex when people develop dementia. We will explore practical considerations for how patients and families living with dementia can change their chronic disease management over time.
Dr. Collin Burks, MD
Dr. Collin Burks is an Assistant Professor of Geriatrics at the Duke University School of Medicine. She primarily works at the Geriatrics Evaluation and Treatment clinic, where she enjoys developing longitudinal relationships with patients and their families.
Click here to view the event flyer.
On the day of the presentation, click on this link to access the event. OR call in by dialing 1-646-876-9923
Meeting ID: 965 7747 1018
Password: 3513
Upcoming Programs Events and Engagement Opportunities
Event Opportunities
Alzheimer’s Association NC Chapter Education Programs
The North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has a variety of webinars and in-person programs over the next few weeks.
View Eastern NC Events here
View Western NC Events here
Una guia como vivir con la enfermedad de Alzheimer
Martes, 14 de enero, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Para más información y para registrarse, haga clic aquí. Alojado por WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Addressing Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Special Focus on Holidays and Anniversaries
Wednesday, January 15, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by American Society on Aging.
Caregiver College
Thursdays, January 16 – February 13, 2 – 5 p.m.
Six-part series for caregivers of persons with memory disorder and designed to improve caregiver understanding of different aspects of dementia care.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by MemoryCare Inc.
How to Handle Caregiver Self-Doubts and Low Self-Esteem
Tuesday, January 21, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Understanding Brain Health and Research
Tuesday, January 21, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Wake County Library.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Wednesday, January 22, 10 – 11 a.m.
Garner Senior Center
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Garner Senior Center and Alzheimer’s Association.
Wishes Registered. Wishes Honored: Advanced Healthcare Directives
Wednesday, January 22, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Duet.
Taking Care of the Person Living with Dementia: A Guide to Making the Most of Your Healthcare Provider Team
Thursday, January 23, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
Friday, January 24, 12 – 1 p.m.
300 N Roxboro St., Durham
For more information and to register click here or call 919-560-9311. Hosted by the Durham County Library and Alzheimer’s Association.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Tuesday, January 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Southwest Regional Durham Library
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Durham County Library and Alzheimer’s Association.
Native American and Indigenous Caregivers
Wednesday, January 29, 4 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
Caregiving – It Takes a Village
Thursday, January 30, February 13, and February 27, 12 – 1 p.m.
Part One: The State of Caregiving
Part Two: The Caregiver Experience
Part Three: Caregiving Resources
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by AuthoraCare Collective.
Raleigh Care Partner Conference
Thursday, February 6, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
North Ridge Country Club, 6612 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Dementia Alliance of NC.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Fridays, March 7 – April 11, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Apex Senior Center, 63 Hunter St., Apex
For more information, click here, or email Elaine Whitford. To register, contact Apex Senior Center, 919-249-3354.
Engagement Opportunities
Meeting of the Minds for Persons Living with Dementia or MCI
Tuesdays, January 14 – 28, 1 p.m.
An opportunity for individuals living with MCI or dementia, to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
January 14: Anger
January 21: Anxiety
January 28: Depression
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by National Council of Dementia Minds.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, January 18 & Wednesday, January 22, 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 January is: “Brilliant Scratch Art.” All supplies included.
Music in the Library: Harp Guitar with Andrew Kasab
Saturday, January 18, 3 – 4 p.m.
Cary Regional Library
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Wake County Library.
Carolina Tiger Rescue Virtual Tour
Wednesday, January 29, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Join for a virtual tour of Carolina Tiger Rescue with Madison Fales, Education Director. Learn about the rescued species and stories of individuals who call the rescue home.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Wake County Library.
Memory Café Hosted by Jewish for Good, Durham
Thursdays, January 23 and February, 6, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Register by emailing or calling Jordana Brown at 919-354-4924.
Creative Impressions
Thursday, January 30, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Holly Springs Community Library
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Wake County Library and North Carolina Museum of Art.
Memory Cafe Hosted by Durham County Library
Friday, February 14, 10 – 11 a.m.
North Regional Library, 221 Milton Rd.
For more information and to register, click here.
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!
