Home Duke Caregiver Community Event In-Person Duke Caregiver Community Event

Event Agenda

September 9 and Sept 10, 2026

Time: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (EST)

Cost: Registration for family caregivers is $20 (lunch and all event-day activities included). Registration for professionals is $75.

Location: Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park

Presentations at the Duke Caregiver Community Event will inform and educate you about your options for support from Duke Health and in the community.

Click each timeframe below to find information about presentations and resources available to you during the event. The schedule is the same on September 9 and September 10.

General Attendees

Click the arrow next to each time frame to expand the selection and read about the sessions.

Keynote Presentation & Opening Session

Chiaroscuro: Finding Light in the Darkness of Caregiving. Reframing the Nature of Caring in Modern Society

Timothy G. Ihrig, MD, MA; CEO of Ihrig MD & Associates

  • Join Dr. Ihrig as he shares about his experience being a caregiver, physician, friend, teacher, and eldest son caring for his mother and father. Through stories and personal anecdotes, Dr. Ihrig will address social and ethical questions our society faces today related to the growing aging population and systems meant to care for them, plus what it means to truly care for other people.

Putting the “Team” in Care Team

Speakers: Amera Bilal, Vice President of Policy & Programs, Caregiver Action Network; Nichole Goble, Director of Community Initiatives, Caregiver Action Network

  • Learn how to take a team approach in caregiving. During this session, caregivers share lessons in setting boundaries, asking for help, and preventing burnout so relationships don’t get consumed by day-to-day caregiving tasks. Participants will be introduced to scripted conversations and strategies to widen their circle of care support, mitigating the risks of caregivers losing themselves in their role.

The Final Chapter: Dementia Care at the End of Life

Speaker: Melanie Bunn, MS, RN, Dementia Alliance of North Carolina; Loy Campbell. MS, OTR/L, Dementia Alliance of North Carolina

  • Explore physical, sensory, emotional, and cognitive changes that often occur near the end of life for people living with dementia, and the supportive responses a care partner can use. Specific attention and opportunity for practice will be paid to communication and hands-on care techniques for comfort and personal care.

Helping EMS Help You: How to Prepare for a 911 Emergency

Speaker: Capt. Helen Tripp, MIH Program Manager

  • Calling 911 can be intimidating and confusing. Join us to learn more about the purpose of the 911 center and what happens when you call. You will learn how to prepare for a 911 call to ensure emergency responders have all the information they need before and during their arrival to your home.

Through the Lens of Love: A Daughter’s Journey of Care, Connection, and Cancer

Facilitator: Nancy Borowick

  • When both of her parents were diagnosed with cancer, photographer Nancy Borowick became a caregiver and storyteller. She shares her family’s journey through love, loss, and resilience, revealing how creativity and compassion helped her navigate the challenges of caregiving and find beauty in the hardest moments.

Getting It Right: Legal Tools for Incapacity and Death

Speakers: Attorneys Mark O. Costley and Jonathan D. Williams, Clarity Legal Group

  • Learn about legal issues and tools related to incapacity and death, including estate planning tools such as powers of attorney, health care directives, wills, and trusts. Additionally, this session will discuss the role of guardianship and why it should be avoided if possible, and planning for eligibility for long-term care benefits such as Medicaid.

Together at the Table: Caregiver Connections

This dedicated lunch experience will spark meaningful conversations and connections. Optional conversation starters at each table invite caregivers to share stories, exchange insights, and connect in a relaxed, supportive setting.

The Art of Kintsugi: Finding Beauty in Brokenness

Speaker: Bridget Pemberton-Smith, ATR-BC, ATCS

  • In this workshop, participants will learn about the history of the Japanese art of kintsugi and how it applies to real-life experiences, especially grief. For the second part of the session, art therapist Bridget Pemberton-Smith will lead the group in a kintsugi-inspired art activity, creating a magnet to serve as a reminder that there is beauty in brokenness.

Caregiving Through the Lens of Parkinson's Disease

Speaker: Anne Kosem, MSW, LCSW, Duke Movement Disorders Clinic; Maggie Ivancic, MSW, LCSW, UNC Movement Disorders Center

  • This session focuses on supporting caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease by teaching coping skills, and discussing how to build an interdisciplinary team. Participants will explore practical strategies for self-care, emotional resilience, and effective communication, and learn how to access community resources and support networks.

Resources - Don’t Leave Anything on the Table

Speaker: Janeli McNeal, MSW, LCSW-A, Duke Dementia Family Support Program

  • Learn what resources are available in North Carolina for families seeking respite support — a temporary break for caregivers.

Grief 101 for the Caregiver

Speakers: Anthony Nicholas Galanos, MA, MD, Professor of Medicine, Duke Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Medicine

  • Grief is not just about loss of life but loss of relationships or roles. Caregivers are known to experience both ‘anticipatory grief’ and ‘ambiguous grief’. This talk will emphasize the caregiver.

Seeing More Than Loss -- An Ability-Based Approach to Care

Speaker: Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, ECHM; founder of Positive Approach to Care™ and Snow Approach Foundation

  • Look at dementia through a different lens by focusing on the abilities that remain rather than what is lost. This simple shift opens up significant possibilities to improve care and support. We will explore this shift through the GEMS States of Brain Change, with each state corresponding to a particular gemstone. The GEMS States recognize the shifts in skills and abilities that occur for all individuals in different moments, not just those living with brain change. The session will address the different characteristics of each GEMS State, and will then discuss the most effective ways to offer support for each state, with the goal of improving interactions and relationships.

Investment Fraud: Guarding Your Assets in a Scary World

Speaker: John Maron, Director, Investor Protection and Education Services, NC Department of the Secretary of State

  • Avoid becoming a victim of investment fraud! Join us and learn how to recognize and avoid possible investment fraud. Learn how to do your due diligence and the questions to ask your investment professional. This seminar will help you to understand what to do if you become a victim of an investment scam. Information will also be presented on how you can register your advance health care directives with the Secretary of State office so that you or your caregiver can access them at any time from anywhere in the world.

Straight from the Experts: Hear from the Care Partners

Facilitator: Natalie Leary, MSW, LCSW, Director, Duke Dementia Family Support Program & A family of Care Partners

  • During this session, family care partners will share observations and wisdom gained from their experience caring for a loved one.

Laughter Yoga: Laughter as Medicine

Speaker: Lisa Levine, Senior Director of Programs, Dementia Alliance of North Carolina

  • In this session, we will laugh together even if it is difficult to find the blessing in the mess. Laughter Yoga combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing. It is a unique concept where anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on humor, jokes, or comedy.

Navigating Dementia Health Care

Speaker: Dr. Scott Robert, Alzheimer's Association Board member, caregiver, internist, assistant professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine; Lori Balog, Alzheimer's Association, Health Systems Director for NC, SC, and GA

  • Dementia care involves navigating a complex health care system that includes primary care providers, specialists, social services, and medication management—often presenting challenges for caregivers and families. Physicians and other medical professionals play a central role on the care team for individuals living with dementia. This session provides practical tools for navigating the health care system and communicating effectively with care team members, helping ensure coordinated, high-quality care for the person living with dementia.

Seeing More Than Loss - An Ability-Based Approach to Care

Speaker: Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, ECHM; founder of Positive Approach to Care™ and Snow Approach Foundation

  • Look at dementia through a different lens by focusing on the abilities that remain rather than what is lost. This simple shift opens up significant possibilities to improve care and support. We will explore this shift through the GEMS States of Brain Change, with each state corresponding to a particular gemstone. The GEMS States recognize the shifts in skills and abilities that occur for all individuals in different moments, not just those living with brain change. The session will address the different characteristics of each GEMS State, and will then discuss the most effective ways to offer support for each state, with the goal of improving interactions and relationships.

Professional Attendees

Click the arrow next to each time frame to expand the selection and read about the sessions.

Opportunities to Design the Future of Healthcare with Artificial Intelligence

Speaker: Eric Poon, MD MPH FACMI; Chief Health Information Officer, Duke Health Professor of Medicine, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine

  • Learn about the key types of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and how they might be used in health care. Dr. Poon will also review how to ensure AI is used responsibly and invite participants to envision how AI could be applied in their daily work.

The Science of Bite-sized Well-being During Uncertain Times: Evidence, Practice and Resources to Share

Speaker: Bryan Sexton, PhD, VP, Clinician Well-being, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Director, Duke Center for the Advancement of Well-being Science (CAWS)

  • Although the pandemic was associated with an increase in burnout, we now know from clinical trials that bite-sized well-being interventions can improve well-being by the same magnitude. What took the pandemic three years to do can be undone in 10 days using the interventions discussed during this session. We'll go deeper into the science behind each intervention and look at the prevalence and severity of well-being deficits, all while informing, comforting, and inspiring a weary workforce.

Through the Lens of Love: A Daughter’s Journey of Care, Connection, and Cancer

Speaker: Nancy Borowick

  • When both of her parents were diagnosed with cancer, photographer Nancy Borowick became a caregiver and storyteller. She shares her family’s journey through love, loss, and resilience, revealing how creativity and compassion helped her navigate the challenges of caregiving and find beauty in the hardest moments.

Protection or Decision-Making? Navigating APS and Guardianship for Vulnerable Adults

Speaker: Randy Robinson and Ericka White, Durham County Social Services

  • Learn the appropriate intervention when a disabled or vulnerable adult faces a situation requiring either protection or a decision maker, or both. This presentation aims to clarify the distinctions and overlap between Adult Protective Services (APS) and Guardianship. The audience will leave with essential knowledge about these two distinct yet related programs that serve similar populations.

On-Site Activities

Resource and Exhibit Hall

  • Visit our expansive exhibit hall to interact with representatives from 100+ organizations, gather information, and discover tools that can assist in every aspect of caregiving. From medical supplies to homecare options, support groups, and new places to call home, it’s all here under one roof.

Durham Medical Orchestra (8:00 am - 9:00 am)

The Durham Medical Orchestra (DMO) is a community orchestra based in Durham, North Carolina, composed of healthcare professionals, community members, and students. Under the direction of Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant the orchestra will have an ensemble playing in the gallery during registration.

Duke Health Career Information Drop-in (8:00 am - 3:00 pm)

Jacqueline Huff, Talent Acquisition Consultant, Duke University Health System Talent Acquisition

Location: Park Boardroom

  • Explore career opportunities with Duke Health and be part of our compassionate commitment to advance health. Learn how Duke’s Total Rewards Program is designed to support you — both on and off the clock. Drop in any time during the event or email Jackie to connect (Jacqueline.Huff@Duke.edu) or schedule a call with her to discuss a career with Duke Health.

Dogs with a Purpose (12:40 pm - 1:00 pm)

  • Visit with certified therapy dogs after lunch. Dogs with a Purpose are coming to be part of your wellbeing. The benefits of certified therapy dog visits include facilitating a sense of calm and relaxation as well as lowering anxiety, alleviating loneliness, and even normalizing heart rate and blood pressure.

Maintain “Power” Over Your Healthcare with a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) (8:00 am - 3:30 pm; closed 10:30-11:30)

Facilitators: Clarity Legal Group and Mind My Health

Location: Windsor Board Room

  • A Health Care Power of Attorney ensures a person’s medical preferences are respected even when they cannot communicate them. Whether due to illness, injury, or incapacitation, having a trusted individual empowered to act in your best interest provides peace of mind for you and those you love. A team of professionals will be available to help you understand the nuances of Health Care Powers of Attorney in North Carolina and equip you with concrete “next steps.”

Creating A Safe Space (8:00 am - 3:30 pm)

Facilitator: Marie Dagger, MS, OTR/L, ECHM; Aging Transitions Occupational Therapist,
Orange County Department on Aging

Location: Exhibit Hall

  • Aging and living with chronic illness can cause challenges for mobility as well as increase an older adult's risk of falling. The Duke Caregiver Community Event will feature a before-and-after demonstration of how to modify an older adult’s living space, remove potential hazards, and make a safer environment. Home modification professionals and physical and occupational therapists will be present to talk about common household hazards and how they can be eliminated or modified to reduce the risk of falling.

Virtual Dementia Tour™ (8:00 am - 3:30 pm)

Spring Arbor Senior Living

Location: Bull Durham

  • The Virtual Dementia Tour™ is an up-close, hands-on experience to help caregivers better understand some of the seemingly inappropriate and, at times difficult, behaviors exhibited by those with dementia. Attendees of the Virtual Dementia Tour™ will gain a greater understanding of dementia through the use of patented sensory tools and instruction. 

DukeWELL-ness Clinic (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

Location: Exhibit Hall

Experience a comprehensive 15-minute wellness visit! Our dedicated team will assess vital aspects of your health and offer a wide range of services to support your overall well-being:

  • Screenings: BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetic screening, mental health assessments, vision screening, stress screenings, and free prescription eyewear for the uninsured.
  • Retina Screenings: Retina screenings to detect early signs of eye conditions.
  • Flu Shots: Flu shots to help protect you during flu season.
  • Primary Care Appointments: Schedule comprehensive health evaluations.
  • Imaging Services: Mammography, lung education, and cardiac scoring.
  • Community Outreach: Connect with social workers for assistance with housing, nutrition, and other social services.
  • Body Mechanics -- Save Your Back!: Join our occupational therapist for a 3-part series on Bed Mobility, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Transfers, and Adaptive Equipment. Learn safe transfer techniques to protect your body, especially your back.
     

The Family Imprint (8:00 am - 4:30 pm)

By: Nancy Borowick

  • The Family Imprint tells the intimate story of my family, as my parents both underwent treatment for stage-four cancer at the same time. The story, however, is not about cancer or their deaths. This is a story about life, love, and loss through the lens of a first-time caregiver and daughter.
     

 

 

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