Long Island Gains Dementia Lifeline as Two Non-Profits Unite

LONG ISLAND, NY – April 15, 2026 – For the tens of thousands of Long Island families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, a critical new resource has just become available. CaringKind, a leading expert in dementia care, has officially extended its renowned free Helpline to all residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties. This expansion, effective April 1, is the result of a new affiliate partnership with the Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center (ADRC), a trusted local organization with a 43-year history in the community.

The collaboration marks a significant enhancement of support services in a region grappling with a high prevalence of the disease. Recent studies estimate that one in eight Long Island seniors has Alzheimer's, with rates in both counties exceeding 70% of counties nationwide. This partnership aims to provide a direct, immediate, and compassionate lifeline to individuals, families, and caregivers facing the daily realities of dementia.

A Beacon of Hope in a High-Need Area

For those feeling isolated or overwhelmed by a dementia diagnosis, the expanded helpline offers a beacon of hope. It provides free, confidential guidance from trained professionals on a wide range of issues, from developing a care plan and managing day-to-day challenges to finding emotional support and connecting with local programs.

"This is about meeting families where they are, often in moments of uncertainty, fear, or isolation, and making sure no one faces dementia alone," said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, President and CEO of CaringKind. "Opening our Helpline to every Long Island family deepens our commitment to being a trusted partner in care at every stage of the journey."

The partnership is designed to combine the strengths of both organizations. ADRC maintains its deep community roots while integrating the comprehensive, evidence-based programs that CaringKind has developed over nearly five decades. This synergy ensures that Long Islanders receive support that is both world-class in its expertise and intimately familiar with the local landscape.

"Our affiliation with CaringKind allows ADRC to remain a trusted, Long Island-rooted presence for the families we've served for decades, while bringing the full strength of CaringKind's expertise and resources to our community," explained Lauren Vlachos, Executive Director of ADRC. "CaringKind's Helpline gives Long Island families a trusted lifeline to turn to."

A Strategic Model for Expanding Care

The alliance between CaringKind and ADRC exemplifies a growing trend in the non-profit sector, where strategic partnerships are becoming crucial for expanding services and ensuring long-term sustainability. Rather than a full merger that might erase local identity, this affiliation model allows the smaller, community-focused organization to leverage the infrastructure and resources of a larger entity. Both organizations boast high ratings from Charity Navigator, reflecting their strong financial health and commitment to accountability, a solid foundation for this joint venture.

This model is particularly effective in specialized healthcare fields like dementia care, where the demand for services is rapidly outstripping the capacity of individual organizations. By joining forces, CaringKind and ADRC can achieve economies of scale, reduce duplication of effort, and create a more streamlined system for users. The collaboration extends CaringKind’s full suite of services—including one-on-one care consultations, professionally-led support groups, and educational workshops—across Long Island, with the Helpline acting as the primary point of entry.

Enhancing the Regional Care Ecosystem

The effectiveness of such helplines is well-documented. Studies of similar national models show that callers report significant improvements in their mental health and ability to manage caregiving duties. Within a month of calling, a majority of users typically implement action plans and access additional support services, demonstrating the helpline's role as a catalyst for proactive care management. With New York State having one of the highest Alzheimer's rates in the nation, initiatives like this are not just helpful but essential.

This new service joins an existing network of resources on Long Island, including the Alzheimer's Association Long Island Chapter and the Long Island Alzheimer's & Dementia Center. The addition of CaringKind's comprehensive support system through ADRC is poised to fill critical gaps, particularly in providing continuous, personalized support for the growing number of families affected. The expansion addresses the silent epidemic of dementia with a proactive, community-based solution designed to improve quality of life for both individuals living with the disease and their dedicated caregivers.

Getting Help and Getting Involved

Accessing this new support system is straightforward. Long Island residents can connect with a dementia specialist through the local point of contact, CaringKind's Long Island Helpline, at 1-631-580-5100, or by visiting adrcinc.org. They also have full access to CaringKind's main 24/7 Helpline at 646-744-2900 or wearecaringkind.org.

To further support these free programs, the community is invited to participate in ADRC's annual 5K Walk & Brain Health Festival. The event will be held on Saturday, June 20, at Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa Park. This year's walk will honor Victoria Schneps of Schneps Media for her longstanding commitment to the community. The family-friendly festival serves as a day of remembrance and celebration, bringing together care partners and community advocates to raise crucial funds and awareness. Proceeds from the event will directly support the newly expanded services, ensuring that no family on Long Island has to face dementia alone.