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 information, 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 Bratsch for info, 919-660-7508.
PLWD Group: Every third Monday at 11:00 a.m. contact Janeli for info, 919-660-7565.
Caregiver Connections
Mini Mental Makeover for Dementia Family Caregivers
Tuesday, December 3 at 1pm
Slow down, reflect, and grow in gratitude. This session will help you ground yourself, giving you time to focus on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Speaker: Laurie Kovens, LCSW, CEAP
Laurie Kovens is a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience. She is a senior counselor with the Duke Personal Assistance Service.
Click here to share the event flyer.
On the day of the event, click on this link to access the presentation. 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
How to Age in Place with Grace: A Comprehensive Look at Fall Prevention
Thursday, December 12, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Caregiving During the Holidays
Friday, December 13, 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.
Regresso a Casa para Las Fiestas Navideñas
Lunes, 16 de diciembre, 1 – 2 p.m.
Para más información y para registrarse, haga clic aquí. Alojado por WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Building Confidence: Exploring Fall Risks, Fear, and Prevention Strategies
Tuesday, December 17, 1 – 2 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by the American Society on Aging.
Supporting Independence
Tuesday, December 17, 2 – 3 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Association.
Communicating with Children, Adolescents, and Families About Dementia
Wednesday, December 18, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Sandwich Caregivers
Wednesday, December 18, 4 – 5 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.
Home Safety Made Simple
Thursday, December 19, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Alzheimer’s Association.
Dementia Basics: What Can We Expect?
Thursdays, January 9 – 30, 1 – 3 p.m.
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, call 919-968-2087. Hosted by the Orange County Department on Aging.
Caregiver College
Thursdays, January 9 – 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.
Engagement Opportunities
Let’s Get Away Together (Virtual)
Tuesdays, December 10 – 31, 4 p.m.
Series is comprised of interactive sessions with each week focusing on a new place or cultural activity. Each session will include a follow-up message filled with tips, activities, and recipes for families to continue to enjoy after the virtual trip.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Family Caregiver Alliance and The Hummingbird Project.
Memory Café Hosted by Durham County Library
Friday, December 13, 10 – 11 a.m.
North Regional Library, 221 Milton Rd., Durham
For more information and to register, click here.
Dog Days at the Library: Holiday Edition
Friday, December 13, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
300 N Roxboro St., Durham
Adoptable pets will be dressed in their best holiday outfits from the Animal Protection Society.
For more information, click here. Hosted by Durham County Library and Durham Animal Protection Services.
North Carolina Polka Time Christmas Time Allstars
Saturday, December 14, 12 – 2 p.m.
Blue Note Grill, Durham
Free, family-friendly concert of holiday favorites performed by the 10-piece polka band, The North Carolina Polka Time Allstars.
For more information, click here.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, December 14 & Wednesday, December 18, 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 December is: “Negative Painting #3.” All supplies included.
Memory Café Hosted by Jewish for Good, Durham
Thursday, December 19, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Register by emailing or calling Jordana Brown at 919-354-4924.
Holiday Cookie Decorating
Saturday, December 21, 2 – 3 p.m.
Chatham County Community Library, 197 NC Hwy 87 N, Pittsboro
Cookies and decorating materials are provided.
For more information and to register, click here. Hosted by Chatham County Library.
Memory Café Hosted by Durham County Library
Friday, January 10, 10 – 11 a.m.
North Regional Library, 221 Milton Rd., Durham
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 weekly ideas, tips, or activities!
