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Caregiver Support Services
Orange County Caregiver Awareness, Respite, Education & Support (OC CARES) is proud to offer both individualized and community level supports to caregivers. Please reach out to the Aging Information Helpline at 919-968-2087 or AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov for more information.
Office Consultations
- An opportunity to speak with a caregiver or dementia support specialist regarding your specific caregiving situation.
In-Home Coaching
- Our social worker and occupational therapist team are available to support you through challenging situations that may arise along the dementia-caregiving journey.
Memory Screenings
- Schedule a time with an occupational therapist to complete a screening and learn more about you or a loved one’s specific areas of cognitive strength and challenge.
Options Counseling
- Trained Options Counselors provide guidance to individuals as they make informed choices about long-term services and supports.
Music In My Mind
- A program to create a personalized music playlist for your loved one with memory change
- Music In My Mind Orange County
In-Home Assistance Resources
- Information about where and how to hire help at home
- Aging in Place Support (see In-Home Assistance)
Caregiver Day of Care - November 14, 2020
Inviting Orange County family caregivers to join us for a time of self-care, wellness and appreciation at the Caregiver Day of Care. The event celebrates National Family Caregivers Month by recognizing and honoring the efforts and commitment of family caregivers in Orange County.
Caregivers will enjoy:All-day relaxation room with massage and aroma therapy
- Wellness activities
- Educational classes
- Art workshops
- Live Music
- Raffles
- Refreshments, lunch and more!
Fee: FREE
Note: Limited respite care, on a first come, first serve bases will be available during the Caregiver Day of Care. Registration to open Summer 2020.
Caregiver E-Newsletter
'Community News for Caregivers’ is a monthly email newsletter that provides information on upcoming events, relevant community topics, and related resources.
Sign up for the Community News for Caregivers
Caregiver Education Series: Caring Basic
A NEW monthly education series designed to provide information for individuals providing care and support for a friend or family member. Caregivers, join us to strengthen your skills and resilience, and bolster your ability to nurture and support those for whom you care. You may register for one or multiple sessions.
Instructors: Aging Transitions Team and Experienced Community Professionals
Register by: 1 week prior to event / Fee: FREE
Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill, NC
Topics and Dates:
- Assistive Devices: Tools to Help You
Monday, January 27, 1:30 - 2:30 pm - Managing Someone Else's Money
Monday, February 24, 1:30 - 2:30 pm - Advanced directives 101
Monday, March 23, 1:30 - 2:30 pm - Downsizing
Monday, April 20, 1:30 - 2:30 pm - Discharge Planning
Monday, May 18, 1:30 - 2:30 pm - Making the Most of a Doctor Visit
Monday, June 15, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Care Partner Collaborative
Join us as we come together weekly to co-create a space that welcomes and supports people experiencing early-stage memory loss. In a warm and relaxed setting, we’ll share conversation, have lunch, and enjoy movement and other activities of our own design.
This gathering, which takes place at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill, is part of a collaborative project that relies on the input of care partners, who are invited to participate on a limited basis. Through their involvement in various aspects of the collaborative, care partners gain connection, community, comfort and confidence for their journey ahead.
Participation is free and registration is required. Please email Lisa Meinert or call 919-245-4251 to discuss eligibility details and whether this is a good fit for you and the person you are caring for.
Caregiver Support Groups
Meet with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities.
The group meets:
- The first Tuesday of each month at the Passmore Center from 1:00 - 2:30PM
- The second and fourth Fridays of each month at the Seymour Center, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
*Note that both groups meet the 1st and 3rd weeks in December
Download the Caregiver Support Group Schedule:
2019 Caregiver Support Group Schedule (PDF)
2020 Caregiver Support Group Schedule (PDF)
Dementia Education Collaborative
The Dementia Education Collaborative is designed to provide basic information about dementia to individuals with memory concerns, caregivers, family members, friends, and interested community members.
Dementia Basics: What Can We Expect?
Dementia Basics is a four-part series with topics regarding brain health, types and stages of dementia, communication, and preparation for the journey ahead. Download the Dementia Basics flyer.
Fee: FREE
Chapel Hill Public Library
Tuesdays, Feb. 4 - 25, 10 am - 12 pm
Register by: Fri., Jan. 31, call 919-245-4279 or email mdagger@orangecountync.gov
Dementia Friendly Businesses
A free education program for local businesses and organizations that provides them with awareness and resources to better support clientele who are living with dementia.
See a complete list of Dementia Friendly organizations
If you would like to request a Dementia Friendly training, email the Aging Transitions Team or call 919-968-2087
Memory Café
We gather at Cup-A-Joe in Hillsborough on the first Tuesday of each month from 2:30 – 3:30 pm and at Bruegger's Bagels on the second Monday of each month from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. This is a monthly opportunity for persons with dementia and their care partners to relax over a cup of coffee and socialize.
Memory Café on the Move
Fun opportunities for persons with dementia and their care partners to explore the community and connect with others.
Upcoming dates:
- Tuesday, November 19,1:30 pm – Duke Chapel Tour
- Tuesday, December 17, 2 pm – Carolina Inn: 12 Days of Christmas Tour
- Wednesday, January 15, 1:30 pm - Carolina Basketball Museum
- Tuesday, February 18, 10:30 am - Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University