Nicole M. Clagett
Experienced in social work in a clinical capacity, with a macro approach, she co-founded Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center. This charity supported caregivers who provide care to adults, typically older adults with chronic conditions, with information, referral, education and support at no charge. Nicole is currently working at Duke Health and is building caregiver support within the health system. The program will officially launch in early 2022. Through her role at Duke Health, they created the first-ever Duke Caregiver Community Event (2021) which served over 2,300 caregivers in our community with free education and connection to resources.
Working with older adults and their caregivers continues to be her focus. Nicole has worked with various media outlets through broadcast & digital journalism by using her voice and expertise to educate consumers.
Nicole received an honorary doctorate and Global Humanitarianism Award (2019) around her work in caregiver support as well as the Raleigh Media Award (2018) for her work in radio and the Presidential Lifetime achievement award (2021).
Nicole is the contributor to ABC11's Caregivers Corner. She also manages ABC11's online Facebook group that allows community members to support one another during their caregiver journeys.
Nicole's Stories
Caregivers Corner: Changing the conversation around disability
March is Disability Awareness Month. "People...don't want to say the word disability, because of the societal negative assumptions about disability. That's the opposite of what we want. Disability is a normal part of human existence."
Caregivers Corner: How to determine if your loved one has growing care needs
After spending more time with aging loved ones, changes in their health may have been revealed.
Caregivers Corner: Duke Health prioritizes caregiver education
Duke Health is offering two caregiver education opportunities this fall, online and in person.
Caregivers Corner: How to partner with your doctor when caregiving for a loved one
If you are caregiving for someone, here are some tips to help you better communicate with doctors or other medical professionals.
Caregivers Corner: Who will speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself?
Advance directives documents are valuable for every adult -- young or old, healthy or sick, disabled or able-bodied.
Caregivers Corner: Male caregivers, hidden in plain sight
The face of the caregiver is changing, over 40 percent of caregivers today are men.
Caregivers Corner: Making Mental Health Approachable
Mental health concerns are becoming more apparent in older adults, yet the stigma of mental illness often prevents them from seeking help.
Caregivers Corner: Healing vs. Curing
Palliative care, "comfort care", aims to help keep your loved one as comfortable as possible as they go through the course of their treatment.
A document checklist for family caregivers
Tax season is a great time to think about important documents and information to have on hand for yourself and those you care for.
Caregiver burnout: Laughter really is the best medicine
Family caregivers who are challenged daily with managing and mastering schedules, resources, and risks most likely experience caregiver burnout.