During National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November, the Alzheimer’s Association’s Eastern North Carolina Chapter and Western Carolina Chapters are amplifying the voices of people living with dementia and their caregivers to empower more families to find support, connection and hope.
More than 381,000 North Carolinians provide unpaid care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. They contribute more than 739 million hours of care each year, valued at over $13 billion, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2025 Facts and Figures report.
Caregivers are the backbone of dementia care, offering comfort, stability and compassion in the face of a complex and unpredictable disease. Their role is not only essential — it’s deeply personal.
This year, the Alzheimer’s Association has launched several new and expanded resources to help families navigate the challenges of dementia at every stage.
- My ALZ Journey: a free, personalized digital tool that helps people newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias — and their care partners — access tailored information and local support. To date, the app has been downloaded nearly 13,000 times. It has also recently been nominated for two Anthem Awards, a recognition that honors the purpose and mission driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide.
- Transitions in Care: a new online education program that helps families navigate the decision to transition a person living with dementia into long-term care.
- The Empowered Caregiver: an evidenced-based education program designed for middle- and late-stage caregivers to build skills, manage stress and find community.
“Caregiving is one of the most selfless acts of love there is,” said Katherine Lambert, regional VP for the Alzheimer’s Association. “This month, and every month, we honor those who show up every day to provide care, comfort and dignity for their loved ones. We’re here to make sure they have the resources and support they need.”
The Alzheimer’s Association provides free local support and programs to families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia, including a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) staffed by master’s level clinicians and specialists who are available 365 days a year and can help families navigate a variety of disease-related issues.
The Alzheimer’s Association Chapters in North Carolina offer free education programs and support groups to help all area caregivers and their families year round.
During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, our featured programs include:
Caregiving During the Holidays
For many caregivers the holiday season gives rise to stress, frustration and anger, instead of peace and goodwill. This program is designed to teach caregivers to care for themselves, their loved ones, and about holiday safety all while giving suggestions that may make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.
November 6 |2 – 3 p.m. | Hickory
November 6 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | HamletNovember 7 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Pineville cancelled
November 12 |1 -2 p.m. | Lexington
November 16 | 2 – 3 p.m. | live webinar (access recording by registering at the link here)
Supporting Sandwich Generation Caregivers
November 7 | 4 – 5 p.m. | live webinar
Learn about sandwich generation caregivers, the unique challenges they experience and to learn caregiving tips and strategies from an experienced sandwich generation caregiver. Presented by the Northeastern NY Chapter
Community Caregiver Workshop: Living in the Moment
November 9 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Leland
Speakers will share lessons learned and experiences in hospice care, focusing on the power of positivity, laughter, storytelling, play, and of course, gratitude.
The Empowered Caregiver Part 1: Building Foundations and Supporting Independence
November 11 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Newton
This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Topics include tips for understanding key aspects of caregiving, supporting independence, communicating effectively, responding to dementia-related behaviors and exploring care and support services.
Alzheimer’s Facts, Figures and Caregiving
November 13 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Greenville
Learn about caregiving statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures report, the burden of dementia caregivers nationally and statewide, its impact to the community and the role of public health in supporting caregivers.
Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits and Legal & Financial
November 14 | 10 – 11 a.m. | Leland
When someone is showing signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family about changing behaviors can be challenging and uncomfortable. This program provides tips for breaking the ice with your family so you can address some of the most common issues that are difficult to discuss: going to the doctor for a diagnosis or medical treatment, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care.
Empowered Caregiver: Communicating Effectively and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
November 14 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Durham
Dementia affects a person’s ability to communicate and creates changes in their behaviors. Join us to discover new ways to communicate effectively at any stage of the disease. You will learn tips to improve communication, steps to recognize and manage dementia-related behaviors and their triggers, and how to recognize when additional help is needed.
The Empowered Caregiver: Supporting Independence
November 14 | 4 – 5 p.m. | Wilmington
A person living with dementia often wants to stay independent for as long as possible. Caregivers can learn how to balance safety and manage expectations to support independence at every stage of the disease.
The Empowered Caregiver Part 2: Communicating Effectively, Managing Behaviors and Exploring Care Services
November 18 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Newton
This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Topics include tips for understanding key aspects of caregiving, supporting independence, communicating effectively, responding to dementia-related behaviors and exploring care and support services.
Caregiver Conversations: Journey of Hope
November 20 | 12 – 2 p.m. | live webinar
No one size fits all when it comes to caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Regardless if you are a caregiver close by or caregiving from a distance, as the disease progresses, one’s role as a caregiver also changes. It is helpful to know what to expect and how to prepare. Join us for a panel discussion with caregivers as they share tips, strategies and lessons learned throughout their journey. Presented by the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter
Holidays & Dementia: Recognizing Warning Signs & Supporting Caregivers
November 20 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. | Wilmington
Learn what caregivers are facing during the holiday season, ways to support them and strategies for families and friends to adjust expectations and modify celebrations.
Creative Caregiving: Holiday Arts & Crafts for Alzheimer’s Support
November 23 | 10:30 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Charlotte
Join us to learn about tips for reducing stress associated with the holidays and caring for the caregiver. Activities include lunch and craft therapy. Care partners, caregivers, loved ones, family and friends of all ages welcome.
For a complete list or to register for upcoming programs, visit, call 800-272-3900 or visit:
Western Carolina Chapter: act.alz.org/ncmonthlyprograms
Eastern North Carolina Chapter: act.alz.org/encmonthlyprograms
The Alzheimer’s Association also provides a 24-7 Helpline staffed by master’s level clinicians and specialists who are available 365 days a year and can help families navigate a variety of disease-related issues. Call 800-272-3900.
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 
Thinking about our family journey with Alzheimer’s. My mom started this battle when I was a junior in high school. She was oldest of 12. As time went on 6 of the 12 developed Early Onset Alzheimer’s. Their age ranged from 38-45. This was 43-45 years ago. We hooked up with Duke’s Alzheimer’s Research. Family members donated blood, hair, skin, and at end of life brain tissue. Lots of information came from our family. However not enough to slow or end this. Now we start the 3rd generation of this mean disease. It’s heart breaking to see loved ones and friends suffering from this disease. Some of my family returned to Duke to donate blood, spinal fluid, have scan of brain, and go through a battery of questions and assessments. We hope we can provide some insight to this disease again as we start the 3rd generation of early onset. We want to help with research and families fighting this disease. Our hearts go out to all the caregivers and families!!
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