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VIAL OF LIFE

Durham County Emergency Medical Services, 201 E Main St, Suite 660, 919-560-8285

Durham County EMS offers free Vials of LIFE (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) to anyone who wants to make sure that vital information can easily be found during emergencies. It’s a great way to help ensure that you and your loved ones are protected in times of medical emergencies.

Each Vial of Life kit is made up of one labeled bottle (approximately 3 inches tall with a screw-on cap—it looks like an oversized prescription bottle), an instruction sheet, a special business-card-sized magnet and a form to fill out with the following information: Name, address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, hospital preference, medical history (there’s a list of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, plus a blank space), other medical history/assistive devices, allergies (to medications or otherwise), doctor’s name and phone, advanced directives (like DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), etc), space for listing medications and dosages, health insurance policy info, emergency contacts (names and phone numbers), and a space for additional information.

After filling out the form, you should fold or roll it up, put it in the bottle, and screw the cap on. Then place the bottle somewhere on the top or condiment shelf of your refrigerator so it can be found easily and stick the magnet on the refrigerator door. If EMS is called to your home, they’ll know to check your refrigerator for a Vial of Life magnet, which will then lead them to the Vial of Life bottle inside. Emotions can run high, people can get confused, and it’s so important to have one place where vital information can be accessed quickly.

You can get a set for yourself and even get an extra set so you can place a bottle in your vehicle‘s glove compartment. And if you have a family or live with someone, consider getting a Vial of Life set for each person (especially for elderly members of your family).

You can pick up your free Vials of Life at the Durham County EMS office; call first to make sure they have them in stock. If you can’t stop by, you can order kits by calling Durham One Call (919-560-1200) or via the Durham One Call app, and your order will be mailed to you.

DURHAM COUNTY—DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS)

414 E Main St, 919-560-8000, website

DSS now has a centralized intake line for Aging & Adult Services. You can call 919-560-8588 or visit epass.nc.gov for information and referrals for programs that include Adult Protective Services Reports (to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older or disabled adults), Guardianship Referrals, Home-Delivered Meal Referrals, Adult Care Facilities and Family Care Homes, In-Home Care and Special Assistance, Adult Care Home Complaints, Adult Placement Services, Crisis Services, Nonemergency Medicaid Transportation, Rental Assistance, Low-Income Homeowner Relief Program, and Community Resources. When the DSS offices are closed (after 5pm weekdays, weekends, holidays), call 984-243-1280 to get in contact with an after-hours social worker.

If you or a senior you know are being abused, neglected, or exploited, DSS’s Adult Protective Services wants to help. Older (age 60+) and disabled adults can get help with medical or health care, placement (moving to live somewhere else), in-home aide services, and legal help. Signs of abuse/neglect/exploitation can include evidence of harm (bruises, burns, cuts, scratches, sprains, fractures, dislocations, malnutrition); untreated medical conditions or mental anguish/distress; unsafe or unsanitary housing; unpaid utility and other bills; mismanaged property or savings; lack of needed medications, hearing aids, glasses, or dentures; and sudden changes to wills or powers of attorney. Call and ask for Adult Protective Services; describe everything you know about what’s happening. They’ll work with the adult, secure the necessary essential services and report evidence of mistreatment to the district attorney and related agencies. Your name will be kept confidential (unless the court of law orders that your name be revealed).

SENIOR PHARMASSIST

406 Rigsbee Ave, 2nd floor, 919-688-4772, seniorpharmassist.org

Senior PharmAssist helps Durham County residents age 60+ manage and get access to the medications they need. They’re able to find resources that make medicines available at low cost, and they help teach how to use medications safely and effectively. A staff pharmacist can take a good look at all of the medications being taken by a resident and can recommend which ones are inadvertently working against each other. (This sometimes happens when someone has multiple doctors who aren’t aware of what the others are prescribing.) Call to set an appointment.

Senior PharmAssist will host a series of Medicare Basics seminars for those who are about to turn 65 and need to learn more. In-person workshops will be held at the Durham Center for Senior Life (406 Rigsbee Ave) on Tuesday, September 22; Tuesday, October 13; Tuesday, November 10; and Tuesday, December 8, from 6 to 7pm. Click here or call 919-688-4772 to register for one of these free seminars.

AGING WELL DURHAM

website

Aging Well Durham is an independent community-based nonprofit that works with area nonprofits, faith-based organizations, individuals, community groups, and City and County departments to implement the Durham Comprehensive Aging Plan. The goal is to make Durham more age-friendly and livable for all, including seniors. Visit the website and get in contact if you’d like to work in solidarity with older adults intent on engaging community decision-makers to build a safe, affordable, and connected community that includes seniors.

Click on the R to see The North Carolina Registry for Brain Health’s resource list for families that need information and ways to get help for their loved-ones.

DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION: MATURE ADULTS

Durham Parks and Recreation has programming for the entire community including seniors (DPR uses the term “mature adults”).

Click on the DPR logo to view the

September–December issue

of Play More.

DURHAM CENTER FOR SENIOR LIFE

406 Rigsbee Ave, 919-688-8247, website

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30am–5pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am–7:30pm

Here are a few programs and activities offered by the Center; click here to read Our Times, DCSL’s monthly schedule.

The Center is hosting an Essentials Supply Drive all month to help seniors in need gain access to things that can make their everyday lives a little easier. If you can afford to, please make your donation(s) of any type of cleaning , hygiene, and self-care supplies and/or nonperishable food donations at the front desk. Ensure/Boost and gluten-free options are also needed. Please keep in mind that many struggling seniors are caring for their grandkids and/or elderly partners
DCSL has a new PEAS/Weekend Frozen Meals program, where participants can get two meals per week (picked up on Fridays at 12:30pm). To be eligible, participants need to be Durham residents, age 60+, and have to have problems with three of these ADLs (Activities of Daily Living): bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring meals, walking, and three of these IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living): managing finances, transportation, medication, communication, meal prep, housekeeping. Contact the Support Services specialist at ext 141 or zpowell-jones@dcslnc.org for more info
The DCSL EATS (Ease Access To food for Seniors) program is designed to help those age 55 and up stay healthy with affordable and nutritious foods:
- Food Pantry—If you’re in need, you can get one bag of food per month
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program—When you’re approved (based on age and income), you can pick up food at a certain time and place
- Shop & Grab—You can “go shopping” by choosing food out in the lobby to take home (this month on Monday, October 5, 12:30–2:30pm); call and register at ext 104
- Kitchenless Seniors EATS—Homeless seniors can get free bags of food.

REPEATING EVENTS

MONDAYS
- Fitness Center/Computer Room/Recreation Room, 8:30am–4:45pm, open for drop-ins
- ConnecTech, 8:35–10am, in the Computer Lab
- Muscle Pump, 8:40–9:35am, in the Exercise Room FB*
- Conversational French Club, 9:30–10:30am, in the Classroom
- Learn & Play Blackjack, 9:30–10:30am
- Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room FB
- Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activity Room
- Meeting Health & Wellness Goals, 10:30am–noon, in the Volunteer Room
- Sewing, 11am–1pm, in the Art Studio; call for info at ext 110
- Bible Study, 12:45–2:30pm, in the Volunteer Room
- Pickleball 101, 1–2:30pm, in the Exercise Room; call to register
- Life Line Dancers, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Exercise Room
TUESDAYS
- Fitness Center/Computer Room/Recreation Room, 8:30am–4:45pm, open for drop-ins
- Seniors on the Move Line Dancing, 8:35–9:30am, in the Exercise Room
- Just Ask George (tech questions), 9–11am, in the Computer Lab; bring your device for one-on-one support
- Talk Tuesdays, 9am–2pm; counseling students from North Carolina Central University can meet one-on-one and can connect members to mental health resources
- Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 9:30–10:55am, in the Classroom
- Yoga Your Way, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room FB
- Keep It Moving Gentle Exercise, 10–11am, in the Activity Room
- ASL (American Sign Language) Class, 11am–noon, in the Volunteer Room
- Belly Dance for Fitness, 11:30am–12:05pm, in the Exercise Room
- Crocheting Club, noon–2:30pm, in the Volunteer Room
- Golden Genie Dance Troupe Class, 12:10–12:55pm, in the Exercise Room
- Pinochle, 12:15–6:45pm, in the Activity Room
- BINGO, 1–1:45pm, in the Lower Commons
- Quilt Making, 1–3pm, in the Art Studio
- DCSL Band Practice, 2–4pm, in the Theater
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Exercise Room (no class 10/13)
- Kings in the Corner, 2:30–6:45pm, in the Classroom
- Fitness Center and Tech Lab open for drop-ins 5–7:15pm
WEDNESDAYS
- Fitness Center/Computer Room/Recreation Room, 8:30am–4:45pm, open for drop-ins
- Muscle Pump, 8:40–9:35am, in the Exercise Room FB
- Sweat & Salsa, 9–10am, in the Activity Room
- Quick Drawing, 10–11am, in the Art Studio
- Hispanic Heritage Group, 10am–2pm, in the Classroom
- Learn, Teach & Play Pinochle, 12:30–4pm, in the Activity Room
- Learn, Teach & Play Kings in the Corner, 12:30–4pm, in the Activity Room
- Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room FB
- Life Line Dancers, 3:30–4:30pm, in the Exercise Room
THURSDAYS
- Fitness Center/Computer Room/Recreation Room, 8:30am–4:45pm, open for drop-ins
- Seniors on the Move Line Dancing, 8:35–9:30am, in the Exercise Room
- Just Ask George (tech questions), 9–11am, in the Computer Lab; bring your device for one-on-one support
- Breakfast BINGO, 9:30–10am, in the Café
- Yoga Your Way, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room FB
- Keep It Moving Gentle Exercise, 10–11am, in the Activity Room
- Conversational French Club, 11am–noon, in the Boardroom
- Cardio & More, 11:15am–noon, in the Activity Room
- African Dance & Drumming, 11:30am–1:30pm, in the Exercise Room
- Kings in the Corner, noon–6:45pm, in the Classroom
- Pinochle, 12:15–6:45pm, in the Activity Room
- Thursday Bible Study, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Volunteer Room
- BINGO, 1–1:45pm, in the Lower Commons
- Open Painting Studio 1–3pm, in the Art Studio
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Exercise Room (no class 10/1 or 10/22)
- Acrylic Painting, 3–4:45pm, in the Art Studio (call for info)
FRIDAYS
- Fitness Center/Computer Room/Recreation Room, 8:30am–4:45pm, open for drop-ins
- Fitness with Keta, 8:40–9:30am, in the Exercise Room
- Total Body Workout, 10–11am, in the Exercise Room FB
- Ping-Pong, 10am–noon, in the Activities Room
- Ladies in Fitness Training, 11:30am–1pm, in the Fitness Center
- Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention, noon–1pm, in the Activity Room (no class 10/9)
- Crochet Club, noon–2pm, in the Volunteer Room
- Friday Matinees, 12:30pm; with free popcorn
  - October 2—Flamin Hot
  - October 9—La Bamba
  - October 16—The Wedding Planner
  - October 23—Selena y los Dinos: A Family Legacy
  - October 30—Coco
- Afternoon BINGO, 1–2pm, in the Lower Commons
- Chair Flow & Flex, 1–2pm, in the Exercise Room (no class 10/9 or 10/23) FB
- Duke Healthy Aging for America: Nutrition Series, 2–3pm (starting October 16), in the Volunteer Room.

* FB = also broadcast live on DCSL’s Facebook page

SPECIAL EVENTS

Here are some special events for October; see more by exploring the Our Times online newsletter:

EATS: Nutrition Today Cooking Demonstration/Durham Cooperative Extension Master Food Volunteers—Friday, October 2, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café; led by Leslie McClellan

Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, October 5, 9am–noon; military veterans and their families are encouraged to find out what benefits they’re eligible to sign up for; call and register at ext 103
Medicare 101—Monday, October 5, 9:30–10:30am, in the Volunteer Room; learn the basics of Medicare so you can make safe and lasting choices for your healthcare
Basics of Essential Oils—Monday, October 5, 11am–12:30pm, in the Classroom; learn how to choose them and how and when to put them to good use
Veteran Support Group—Monday, October 5, noon–1pm; Tiffany Chavis, Raleigh Veteran Center Director, will run this welcoming, confidential space where military veterans can connect, find support, and learn about valuable resources
EATS: Shop & Grab—Monday, October 5, 12:30–2:30pm; choose groceries to take home; call and register at ext 104
Stroke Peer Support Group—Monday, October 5, 1–2:30pm, in the Classroom; share strategies for daily life and find comfort from others who have survived a stroke
Digital Bridge: Technology Series—Monday, October 5, 1:30–2:30pm, in the Computer Room; get smartphone tips and learn about online safety, communication, and how to spot scams and misinformation
Nothing Bundt Home: Home for Every Season—Tuesday, October 6, noon–1pm, in the Classroom; learn simple, smart, and affordable ways to make your home safer so you can avoid falls and support your independence and changing needs
Grief Support Group—Tuesday, October 6, 1:10–2:30pm, in the Classroom; process your sadness in a supportive environment; call and register at x110
Free Notary Services—Wednesday, October 7, 9:30–11am, in Office 216; get your important documents notarized; call and register at ext 104
Mind Moves Memory Challenge Game Show—Wednesday, October 7, noon–1pm, in the Theater; speech language Kris Adora will host this fun and interactive presentation about practical strategies for memory
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration—Wednesday, October 7, 1–3:30pm; enjoy a fashion show, music, food, and dance, and welcome guest speakers Javiera Caballero and Matt Kopac
Exploring Art Mediums: Paper Marbling—Thursday, October 8, noon–1pm, in the Art Studio; create colorful swirls on paper, which can later be used to wrap presents , or for greeting cards, bookmarks, and more; call and register at ext 110
Caregiver Support Group—Thursday, October 8, 12:30pm, in the Boardroom; anyone caring for someone over age 55 can get resources and support; no need to register

Card Stamping Class—Monday, October 12, 9–11:30am, in the Art Studio
Northstar Digital Literacy—Monday, October 12, 10:30–11:30am, in the Computer Room; staff from the Durham County Library will lead a presentation about Northstar, an online platform offering free, self-paced technology-skill classes
Aging in Place: Decluttering—Monday, October 12, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; certified senior housing professional Tracy Drakeford-Pierce will share tips on preparing your home for autumn and the upcoming holidays
Digital Bridge: Technology Series—Monday, October 12, 1:30–2:30pm, in the Computer Room; get smartphone tips and learn about online safety, communication, and how to spot scams and misinformation
Breast Cancer Awareness: Pink & Denim Day—Tuesday, October 13, noon–1pm, in the Lower Commons; wear pink and denim in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and celebrate survivors through dance performances by the Golden Genies and Seniors on the Move Line Dancers
Learn Life Insurance with SECU—Wednesday, October 14, 9:30–10:30am, in the Boardroom; learn all about life insurance
Sewing Class—Wednesday, October 14, 11am–12:30pm, in the Art Studio
Free Notary Services—Wednesday, October 14, 1–2pm, in Office 216; get your important documents notarized; call and register at ext 104
Sexual Health Education—Thursday, October 15, 11am–noon, in the Classroom; learn about the importance of sexual health and the upcoming test opportunities with the Alliance of AIDS Services of the Carolinas
DCSL Growing Garden Club Meeting—Thursday, October 15, 11am–12:30pm, in the Volunteer Room and the Lucas Legacy Garden; join plans to set up the community garden for this fall
Pride Evening Matinee—Thursday, October 15, 5pm, in the Theater; watch Maurice (1987)
More than a Helping Hand: Volunteer Fair—Friday, October 16, 9–11:15am, in the Theater and Lower Commons; connect with local organizations that are looking for volunteers
EATS: Nutrition Today Cooking Demonstration/Durham Cooperative Extension Master Food Volunteers—Friday, October 16, 9:30–10:30am, in the 406 Café; led by Leslie McClellan
Chinese Workshop—Friday, October 16, 11am–noon, in the Volunteer Room; learn about Chinese language and culture
Duke SciTalks—Friday, October 16, noon–1pm, in the Classroom; hear about the latest in science and health with postdoctoral Duke University researchers; this month they’ll talk about urinary health, air pollution, and the connection between the heart and mitochondria
Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, October 16, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources

Durham County Veteran Services—Monday, October 19, 9am–noon; military veterans and their families are encouraged to find out what benefits they’re eligible to sign up for; call and register at ext 103
Breast Cancer Trivia—Monday, October 19, noon–1pm, in the Classroom; learn about breast cancer, including risks, screenings, and more
Veteran Support Group—Monday, October 19, noon–1pm; Tiffany Chavis, Raleigh Veteran Center Director, will run this welcoming, confidential space where military veterans can connect, find support, and learn about valuable resources
Grief Support Group—Tuesday, October 20, 1:10–2:30pm, in the Classroom; process your sadness in a supportive environment; call and register at x110
Free Notary Services—Wednesday, October 21, 9:30–11am, in Office 216; get your important documents notarized; call and register at ext 104
Flu + COVID 19 Shot Clinic—Wednesday, October 21, 9:30–11am, in the Volunteer Room; don’t forget your insurance card (this service is being provided by Walgreen’s)
Diabetes Self-Management Workshop Series—Wednesdays, September 23–October 14, 10–11am, in the Volunteer Room; develop tools for managing diabetes during this 4-week program; call and register at x114
Painting with Police—Wednesday, October 21, 12:30–3pm, in the Art Studio; socialize and paint with police officers; call and register at ext 110
AARP Chapter Meeting—Wednesday, October 21, 2–3:30pm, in the Theater
Patient 101: Finding, Evaluating, and Using Health Information to Help Make Informed Decisions—Thursday, October 22, 10–11am, in the Classroom
NCCU/Duke Elder Law Program—Friday, October 23, 10am–4pm; those needing legal help or questions should make an appointment by stopping by the Support Services office or by calling and registering at ext 104

Card Stamping Class—Monday, October 26, 9–11:30am, in the Art Studio
Senior Legal Advisor—Monday, October 26, 12:30–1:30pm, in the Classroom; discussion about legal issues of great importance to seniors; led by Rick Messemer
Monthly Member Check-in—Tuesday, October 27, 12:15pm, in the Lower Commons; share your ideas and thoughts on the Center’s events and activities; feel free to bring your lunch
A Toast to Survivorship: Pink & Pearls Tea—Wednesday, October 28, 9:30–11am, in the Activity Room; wear pink and pearls and enjoy light refreshments in honor of those who have survived breast cancer
Free Notary Services—Wednesday, October 28, 9:30–11am, in Office 216; get your important documents notarized; call and register at ext 104
Sewing Class—Wednesday, October 28, 11am–12:30pm, in the Art Studio
Monthly Birthday Celebration—Wednesday, October 28, 12:30pm, in the Lower Commons; celebrate your October birthday with treats and fun
Pro Bono Elder Law Planning—Thursday, October 29, 9am–noon, in Office 216; Attorney Anthony Nicholson will help those with or in need of Medicaid for longterm care and will give advice on protecting your home and assets “pro bono” means free); call and make an appointment at ext 104
Chinese Workshop—Friday, October 30, 11am–noon, in the Volunteer Room; learn about Chinese language and culture
Aging with Pride Social Club—Friday, October 30, 2:15–3:15pm, in the Classroom; senior members of the LGBT+ community can meet and share resources.

JFK TOWERS (DCSL SATELLITE)

4900 N Roxboro Rd, 919-688-8247, ext 113

JFK Towers, a senior-residential building that’s now a satellite of the Durham Center for Senior Life, offers fun activities and lunch for participants age 55+. Call to register and to get more information.

Here are some of the activities being offered right now:

MONDAYS
- Coffee & Community, 8:30–9:30am
- Bible and Spiritual Studies, 9:30–10:15am
- Mindfulness & Stretch, 10:30–11:15am
- Congregate Meal, 11:30am–12:30pm
- Music Circle or Group Game, 12:30–1:30pm
TUESDAYS
- Coffee & Community, 8:30–9:30am
- Travel Tuesday, 9:30–10:15am
- Virtual Fitness, 10:30–11:15am
- Congregate Meal, 11:30am–12:30pm
- BINGO, 12:30–1:30pm
WEDNESDAYS
- Coffee & Community, 8:30–9:30am
- Waffles & Trivia, 9:30–10:15am
- Virtual Fitness, 10:30–11:15am
- Congregate Meal, 11:30am–12:30pm
- Club Meetings, 12:30–1:30pm
THURSDAYS
- Coffee & Community, 8:30–9:30am
- Health and Wellness Activity, 9:30–10:15am
- Cardio & More, 10:30–11:15am
- Congregate Meal, 11:30am–12:30pm
- BINGO, 12:30–1:30pm
FRIDAYS
- Coffee & Community, 8:30–9:30am
- Nature & Discovery Activity, 9:30–10:15am
- Walking Group, 10:30–11:15am
- Congregate Meal, 11:30am–12:30pm
- Movie Time or Arts & Crafts, 12:30–1:30pm.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Here are some special events for October; see more by exploring the Our Times online newsletter:

Flu Shot Clinic—Tuesday, October 14, 9:30–noon; don’t forget your insurance card. This service is provided by Harris Teeter

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia—Wednesday, October 15, 12:15–1:15pm; someone from the Alzheimer’s Association will explain the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia and will describe the symptoms of both

Adult Story Time: Spooky Ghost Stories—Thursday, October 22, 12:30–1:15pm; led by Bob from the North Regional Library

Field Trip to the Nasher Museum of Art—Friday, October 23; sign up with Stephanie Chaney for a field trip to Duke University’s famous art museum

Final Friday: Halloween Movies and Treats—October 30, 12:30–1:15pm.

Here’s a nice Spanish/English message from the Durham Center for Senior Life.

LITTLE RIVER SENIOR CENTER

8305 N Roxboro Rd, in Bahama, 919-381-6464

The Little River Senior Center, part of the Little River Community Complex, is an independent venue that serves older adults in northern Durham County and surrounding communities, including Bahama and Rougemont:

REPEATING EVENTS

Coffee Talk—Monday–Friday 8:30–9am
Walking Club—Monday–Friday 8:30–10am
Free Play Gym—Monday–Friday 8:30am–1pm
Games and Quilting—Monday–Friday 9:30am–1:30pm
Group Exercise—Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10–10:30am
Bible Study—Tuesdays 10–11am
Guitar Lessons—Tuesdays and Thursdays 10–11am
Cards—Thursdays 10–11:30am
BINGOcize—Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30am
BINGO—Tuesdays 11–11:30am, Thursdays 10–11am, Fridays 10:30–11am
Lunch (congregate meal)—Monday–Friday, 11:30am
Bass Guitar Lessons—Tuesdays and Thursdays noon–1pm
Crocheting—Monday–Friday 12:30–1:30pm.

AGING FORWARD OF DURHAM

2121 Umstead Rd, 919-489-2217, agingforwarddurham@gmail.com, website

Folks from three north Durham churches got together to discuss the need to help area seniors who were living independently but were unable to get to their medical appointments. They decided to create a local chapter of Aging Forward, a nationwide nonprofit, to find ways to solve this problem. Nearly two dozen neighbors stepped forward to drive seniors (age 65+) to their doctor, dental, eye, and physical therapy appointments. More are needed. Ideally, this program will expand to cover more of Durham and will include trips to and from banks, houses of worship, hair salons/barbers, grocery stores, etc. Because most of the volunteer drivers’ vehicles can’t accommodate wheelchairs, they can only serve seniors who are able to walk. The drivers walk them to and from their vehicles, making sure that they return home safely. This service is provided free of charge and the volunteer drivers are background-checked. Contact Aging Forward of Durham if you’d like to be a driver or if you live north of I-85 and need this service.

DEMENTIA ALLIANCE OF NORTH CAROLINA

9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, 919-832-3732, website

DANC provides personal, individualized support to families across the state that need to learn about dementia and how to deal with it as thoughtful caregivers. One of their programs is My Music NC, where your loved-one with dementia can get, with your help, a personalized playlist of familiar songs that can help keep them calm and and can smooth out stressful moments. If your loved-one is living at home, they qualify for a free creative engagement session and an at-home mp3 music player kit. Call or write for more info. Click here to go directly to the My Music NC page. Two additional services that DANC offers are the Caregiver Resource referral and information program and the Caregiver Assistance Fund; call for more info.

Here are some handy tips for traveling with a loved-one with dementia:

Have a bag of essentials with you at all times that includes medications, travel itinerary, a comfortable change of clothes, water, snacks, and activities
Pack necessary medications, up-to-date medical information, a list of emergency contacts, and photocopies of important legal documents
Create an itinerary that includes details about each destination. Give copies to emergency contacts at home. Keep a copy of your itinerary with you at all times
If you will be staying at a hotel, inform the staff ahead of time of your specific needs so they can be prepared to assist you
Bring along familiar items, especially things that are soothing: soft comfort items, special activities, books, pictures or favorite scented lotions. Be sure clothing is comfortable
Take a photograph of your loved-one so you’ll know what clothes he/she is wearing … just in case. In fact, take pictures along the way so you can document your trip and enjoy looking at them later
Travel during the time of day that is best for the person with dementia *
Make sure the person is carrying or wearing some form of identification that includes your cell phone number. Look into getting a safe-return bracelet. **

* Personal note: DANC is probably referring to “sundowning,” which refers to a distinct change of mood (fear, apprehension, nervousness) at the end of the day when it gets dark.

** Like MedicAlert; click here for more info.

ECU DEMENTIA CAREGIVER/PATIENT SURVEY

Dr Rashmita Basu, 252-744-2785, basur19@ecu.edu

Dr Rashmita Basu from Eastern Carolina University is looking for people with dementia and caregivers of individuals with dementia who can fill out surveys for research purposes. The caregivers will be asked questions describing the tasks they take on to help their loved-ones, and the people with dementia will be asked if they need help throughout the day. It should take around a half-hour to complete the survey, and each person with receive a $15 gift card for their participation.

NORTH CAROLINA REGISTRY FOR BRAIN HEALTH

919-613-8633, ncbrainhealth.org

The NC Registry for Brain Health connects people to current research studies, tips for maintaining brain health, and resources for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. After joining, registrants will receive regular updates, quarterly newsletters, free educational materials, and no-pressure invitations to research studies. The registry was made possible thanks to a partnership of Duke University, the UNC School of Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, North Carolina A&T State University, and Eastern Carolina University. Visit the website to learn more and to register. Click here to read the Fall 2025 newsletter.

ADD-ME

DukeUNC-ADDME@duke.edu, website

The Alzheimer’s Disease Discoveries in Medicine (ADD-ME) is for those who want to keep up with the latest information and research and who are willing to participate in upcoming clinical trials. This endeavor is a partnership between Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Visit the website for more info and to sign up.

LEGAL AID OF NORTH CAROLINA

Senior Legal Helpline, 877-579-7562, website

Legal Aid NC has a Senior Legal Helpline, where older adults can get free legal help with housing issues, including landlord/tenant disagreements and mortgage foreclosure; elder abuse, including exploitation and physical abuse; consumer affairs, like collections and repossessions; benefits (Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps (SNAP/EBT), Social Security and SSI, and military veterans’ benefits); and documents, including wills and living wills, and healthcare and legal powers of attorney. Call between the hours of 9 to 11am or 1 to 3pm on weekdays.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

NIA Information Center 800-222-2225 • Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center 800-438-4380

Keep up with useful information and resources on healthy aging and dementia in English and Spanish:

Healthy Aging—Access health information, videos, and infographics on exercise, caregiving, and more; click here
Envejecimiento Saludable—Acceda a información de salud, videos e infografías sobre ejercicio, cuidados de familiares y más; clic aquí

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias—Find tips, resources, and clinical trials for people living with dementia, caregivers, and families; click here
Enfermedad de Alzheimer y Demencias Relacionadas—Encuentre sugerencias, recursos y estudios clínicos para personas que tienen demencia, y sus cuidadores y familias; clic aquí

Free Print Publications—Order easy-to-read materials on topics related to healthy aging and dementia; click here
Publicaciones Impresas Gratuitas—Solicite materiales fáciles de leer sobre temas relacionados con el envejecimiento saludable y la demencia; clic aquí.

CHECK FOR SAFETY

Click on the brochure for a detailed checklist on staying safe and avoiding falls as an older person living at home.

DUKE HEALTH—PACT STUDY

919-668-3154, PACTStudy@duke.edu, website

Researchers at Duke Health are conducting a study to see if Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented with cognitive training. The PACT* Study is looking for people age 65+ who would like to volunteer to participate in the study and undergo computerized training exercises that are designed to reduce that risk.

To qualify, participants should be age 65 and older, with no neurological disorders or cognitive impairments and no history of stroke or brain injury. The potential benefits of taking the computerized training exercises can include enhanced mental quickness, improved gait and balance, and protection against depression. The length of the study will be approximately 3 years, with three study visits of up to 2 hours each. The 45 1-hour computer training sessions will be done in your own home.

* PACT = Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Raleigh office, 919-277-4201, website

The BBB wants to point out three of the most-used scams out there that are targeting seniors. Make sure that your families and friends are aware that tricksters like to prey on older adults when they’re not up with the latest scams:

Lottery and sweepstakes scams—Criminals will send you a check with a cover letter congratulating you for winning a huge amount of money. They’ll tell you to deposit the check and then wire funds to cover the cost of fees, insurance, taxes, or whatever. Even if the check looks real and has the name of an actual bank on it, it’s a fake. If you went ahead and sent funds from your account, you have lost that money. Remember, you’re not likely to win a contest you didn’t enter, and you should never pay anyone to accept a prize.
Medical alert scams—You’ll get a phone call from someone claiming to be from Medicare or another government office. They’ll ask for all kinds of personal information, like bank account/credit card numbers, claiming that they’re trying to verify or update something or to fix an error. Medicare never calls and asks for information—if you’re on Medicare (or Medicaid), the government already has all the information they need.
Grandparent scams—A stranger will call you on the phone claiming to be your grandchild (sometimes saying that they have a bad connection if you don’t recognize their voice). They’ll claim that they’re in trouble or ran out of money and will beg you to wire they some money to help them out. Stay calm and ask questions you know only your grandchild would know the answer to. You can also call their number or their parents’ number after hanging up. Sometimes criminals go so far as to call, claiming to have people’s grandkids in custody and demanding a ransom. Frantic family members can lose thousands with these sick scams.

If you’d like to have someone from the local Better Business Bureau to speak to your group about senior issues, call the Raleigh office at the number listed above.

OLLI (the OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE)

Duke Continuing Studies, Box 90700, Durham NC 27708; 919-684-6259, OLLI@duke.edu

OLLI (the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) is a Duke University–affiliated organization that offers a wide variety of classes and activities for older folks. In-person courses will be held at Judea Reform Congregation (1933 W Cornwallis Rd, in the Education Bldg). Annual membership is $60; click here to start an account and become a member. If you’d like to participate but need a scholarship, write to Kathy.Parrish@duke.edu and ask about “Community Membership.”

Click on the image below to view the Summer 2025 catalog.