Caring for a loved one with dementia presents unique challenges, demanding compassion, patience, and specialized knowledge. The Duke Family Care Program, also known as the Duke Dementia Family Support Program, stands as a beacon of hope and a crucial resource for families navigating these complexities. Dedicated to providing comprehensive support, education, and consultation, the program empowers both individuals living with dementia and their devoted care families.
Wisdom from the Heart of Caregiving: The Caregiver Collective Wisdom Page
One of the most insightful resources offered by the Duke Family Care Program is the Caregiver Collective Wisdom page. This unique online space is a treasure trove of practical advice and heartfelt reflections gathered directly from fellow caregivers. Responding to the question, “What do you wish someone had told you?”, readers and support group members have contributed invaluable wisdom born from personal experience. This page offers a powerful opportunity to learn from the journeys of others, gaining both practical tips for dementia care and profound emotional support. Explore the Caregiver Collective Wisdom here and discover the strength in shared experiences.
Connect and Share: Upcoming Dementia Support Groups
The Duke Family Care Program understands the vital role of community in the caregiving journey. They host a variety of support groups tailored to specific needs and situations, providing safe and understanding spaces for caregivers to connect, share, and learn from one another. If you are new to the Duke Family Care Program support groups, please reach out to the designated staff member to join.
Here’s a schedule of upcoming support groups:
- African American Dementia Care Partner Support Group: Every third Tuesday at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Duke Dementia Family Support Program at 919-660-7510.
- Long-Term Care Community Support Group: Every third Tuesday at noon. Contact Natalie at 919-660-7542 for details.
- Duke Dementia Morning Care Partners (In-Person): Every second Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and fourth Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Reach out to Cornelia at 919-681-8280 for information.
- Younger-Onset Support Group: Every second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. New attendees should contact Janeli at 919-660-7565.
- Daughters Concerned For Aging Relatives: Every first and third Wednesday at noon. Contact Natalie at 919-660-7542 for information.
- Duke Dementia Evening Care Partners: Every second and fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Contact Rebecca at 919-660-7508 to learn more.
- PLWD Group (People Living With Dementia): Every third Monday at 11:00 a.m. Contact Janeli at 919-660-7565 for details.
Navigating Key Challenges: Caregiver Connections & Dementia and Driving
The Duke Family Care Program goes beyond regular support groups, offering specialized programs like Caregiver Connections to address specific challenges faced by dementia caregivers.
A crucial upcoming event is:
Plan for the Road Ahead: Dementia and Driving – February 27th
On Thursday, February 27th at 1 PM, gain essential insights into the sensitive topic of driving and dementia. This presentation will delve into why driving independence is so important for older adults and the difficulties in recognizing signs of driving impairment in individuals with dementia. Expert strategies and valuable resources will be shared to help navigate driving-related challenges at different stages of dementia.
Featured Speaker: Dr. Anne Dickerson, a Professor in East Carolina University’s Department of Occupational Therapy and Director of the Research for the Older Adult Driver Initiative (ROADI), will lead this informative session. Dr. Dickerson is a renowned international expert in occupational therapy research, particularly concerning older adults and driving, making her uniquely qualified to address this critical issue.
Explore Dementia & Driving Resources here for immediate access to helpful materials.
Mark your calendars for future Caregiver Connections events in March and April, focusing on topics led by experts from Orange County Department on Aging and Lewy Body Dementia.
Expanding Your Support Network: Upcoming Programs, Events, and Engagement Opportunities
The Duke Family Care Program actively collaborates with other leading organizations to broaden the reach of dementia support and resources.
Event Opportunities:
- Alzheimer’s Association NC Chapter Education Programs: Access a wide range of webinars and in-person programs across North Carolina through the Alzheimer’s Association. Find Eastern NC Events here and Western NC Events here.
- COAACH Caregiver College: Attend a special program on February 28th or March 1st in Greensboro focusing on self-care practices and Alzheimer’s education. Register here.
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Participate in a 6-week educational series in Apex (starting March 7th, details here) or Greensboro (starting March 7th, register here).
- Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Join a session on March 7th in Durham. Register here.
Engagement Opportunities:
- Let’s Get Away Together: Enjoy interactive virtual sessions focusing on travel and cultural activities, running Tuesdays until March 4th. Register here.
- Memory Café Hosted by Jewish for Good, Durham: Connect with others at this Memory Café on March 6th. Contact Jordana Brown at 919-354-4924 to register.
- Creative Impressions: Engage in art and memory at Chatham Community Library on March 10th. Register here.
- Memory Café of Cary: Join this monthly Memory Café every second Tuesday. RSVP here.
- ESUMC’s Evening of Dinner and Entertainment: Enjoy dinner and entertainment monthly on the third Wednesday in Raleigh. Register with Lisa Pace at 919-306-1553.
- Millbrook Enrichment Center – Socialization Program: A program for early to moderate-stage dementia individuals in Raleigh, offered Mon/Wed/Fri. More info here. Contact Shelly Gross at 919-277-8628.
- Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care Engagement Events: Access free virtual and in-person engagement events. See the Events page for details.
- Wake County Public Libraries – Memory Care Kits: Utilize memory care kits with books and activities, available with a Wake County library card. Details here.
- Staying Engaged: Find ideas for engaging loved ones at home on the DDFSP’s Engagement page and their Facebook page.
- Reflections Art Talks: The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University offers virtual and in-person tours through their Reflections: Alzheimer’s Program. Contact Rebecca for more information.
The Duke Dementia Family Support Program is your dedicated partner, offering expert consultation, vital education, and compassionate support for individuals facing dementia and their families. They also extend their expertise to professionals and Duke employees seeking guidance in dementia care.
Access and share our comprehensive brochure here to help more families and professionals benefit from the Duke Family Care Program.
