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
Dementia 101
Monday, February 9th at 1 PM
Speaker: Daniel Parker, MD, Duke Geriatrician
Join us for an informational session to review the basics of a memory loss diagnosis. This educational webinar will focus on the differences between mild cognitive impairment and dementia, the possible causes, how each diagnosis is made and what treatment options are available.
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.
When Aging Parents Don’t Want to Receive Help
Tuesday, January 20, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Ask the Expert: Live Q & A for Caregivers
Thursday, January 22, 12 – 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.
Caregiver College
Thursdays, January 22 – February 26, 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.
I Made a Promise
Wednesday, January 28, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Program for dementia caregivers as they face emotionally difficult decisions that may contradict promises made earlier in the caregiving journey.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Understanding Dementia and Lewy Body
Tuesday, February 3, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, click HERE. Hosted by Wake County Library.
Loneliness: A Hidden Risk for Memory Decline
Monday, February 9, 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.
Let’s Get Away Together
Tuesdays, January 13 – February 24, 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.
Memory Cafe: MLK Day of Service
Saturday, January 17, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Seymour Center, Chapel Hill
Intergenerational, dementia friendly event with games, crafts, and a group service project.
For more information and to register, call (919) 968-2070. Hosted by the Orange County Department on Aging.
Free Creative Respite for Caregivers Workshop
Saturday, January 24 and Thursday, January 29, 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 January is Colorful Sticks. All supplies included.
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.
NEW! R Wave Respite Care
Monday, February 2, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (lunch included)
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Family Life Center, 1320 Umstead Rd., Durham
This will be the official opening day for R Wave Respite Care. The program will operate Mondays, except holidays. Hot lunches will be served. A $50.00 donation per day is requested. No one will be turned away because of financial burdens.
Registration required by emailing RWaveRespite@Aldersgate.org.
Scribbles that Speak
Wednesdays, February 4 – March 4, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
5-week virtual workshop for caregivers to share writing about their caregiver experience.
For more information, click HERE, to register, contact Deanne Poulos. Hosted by Duet.
Movies in the Morning
Tuesday, February 10, 10 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St.
Dementia friendly screening of “Mamma Mia.” $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.
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!
