Our Mission
EnergizeCare exists to provide true, meaningful respite care for care partners of individuals living with early-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. We do this by creating adult day sessions where participants are deeply cared for through purposeful, engaging experiences that support socialization, dignity, connection and joy — allowing care partners to rest, restore and care for themselves without worry.
Our Vision
We envision a future where care partners are no longer isolated, exhausted or invisible — where respite care is accessible, trusted and understood as an essential piece to every care plan. EnergizeCare is building a new standard of adult day care services, where care partners have supportive communities, participants live well and families know they are not alone.
Our intention is to provide respite care throughout the week, expanding access through a unique mall-based respite care center — transforming how communities support caregivers and those they love.
Our Story
EnergizeCare was founded from love, resilience, and a deep desire to support care partners.
Dr. Kenneth Vitellas—a dedicated radiologist and father—experienced the challenges of Alzheimer's firsthand when his wife, Lisa, was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Suddenly, the physician who had spent his life helping others was navigating a reality he never anticipated: caring for his wife while remaining present for their three daughters and holding onto hope for the future.
While Dr. Vitellas had some flexibility to support Lisa, he quickly recognized that many care partners do not have the same resources, time, or support systems.
Determined to make a difference, he founded EnergizeCare to provide both relief for care partners and meaningful engagement for individuals living with early-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. By partnering with local facilities, EnergizeCare is creating welcoming spaces where participants can experience purpose, social connection, and joy—while care partners gain precious time to rest, recharge, and tend to their own well-being.
With passionate board members and growing community support—including encouragement from the New Albany City Council—EnergizeCare is working toward its ultimate vision: creating the Midwest's first mall-based respite and engagement center specifically designed for care partners and individuals living with early-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
At its core, the mission is simple yet powerful: no one should face the journey of dementia alone.
Because caring for care partners is just as vital as caring for those they love.
Our Values
Everything we do begins with the care partner. When care partners are supported, families remain whole, and care becomes sustainable. By caring for the person in the best possible way — with love, respect, expertise, and presence — we give care partners what they need most: trust, peace of mind, and true respite.
Trust Through Excellence
Care partners trust us because participants are cared for with intention, expertise, consistency, and love — every minute of every session.
Dignity, Love, and Respect
We honor every individual — participant and care partner — with compassion, patience, and humanity.
Community and Shared Strength
Care partners, staff, volunteers, students, and families form a community of mutual support, learning, and hope.
Purposeful Engagement
Activities are not fillers. Each 30-minute engagement block is designed to regulate emotion, foster connection, and support well-being.
Lived Experience Matters
Real caregiving journeys inform our work. Experience, education, and empathy guide our model.
People With Dementia Can Live Well
With the right environment and engagement, individuals living with dementia can experience joy, connection, and meaningful relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
EnergizeCare is a community-based wellness program designed to support individuals living with memory loss and the care partners who support them. Through movement, music, creative engagement, and social connection, our programs help participants stay active, engaged, and connected in a supportive environment.
Our programs are designed for individuals experiencing memory changes, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, or other forms of dementia. Their care partners are also an important part of the EnergizeCare community, and we provide programs and support specifically designed for them.
No. A formal diagnosis is not required to participate in EnergizeCare programs. Many families seek engagement and support when they first notice memory changes. If you are unsure whether our programs are appropriate, we are happy to speak with you and help determine the best fit.
Our programs are designed for individuals experiencing early-to-moderate memory changes, including mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia.
If you are unsure whether a program is appropriate, our team can help guide you through the registration process and discuss the best options.Individuals with early-to-moderate Alzheimer's and other dementias engage in meaningful activities that create moments of joy and happiness, while care partners gain the invaluable gift of time to rest, recharge, and care for themselves.
EnergizeCare offers a variety of evidence-informed activities that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being, including:
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Gentle movement and wellness activities
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Music and rhythm engagement
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Creative arts and expression
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Cognitive stimulation activities
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Social engagement and group connection
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Nature-based experiences and community outings
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Conversation and connection-building
Sessions are designed to promote joy, connection, and meaningful engagement. Programs are offered in both indoor and outdoor environments to encourage variety.
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Our outdoor respite experiences take place at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where participants can enjoy nature, fresh air, and guided social engagement in a supportive setting.
Participants should bring:
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Comfortable clothing for movement and activity
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Comfortable walking shoes, especially for outdoor programs
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Weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor sessions
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Every Saturday in New Albany
10 am -1:30 pm
Lunch is complimentary
Every Tuesday and Thursday, at the Columbus Zoo (from April 2-October 29)
11 am – 1:30 pm
Lunch and admission are complimentaryRegister online on our online participant application and intake form, or contact our team to learn more.
Some programs may include a participation fee. However, EnergizeCare works to keep programs accessible for all families.
We offer sliding-scale program fees and scholarships for those who qualify. Many programs are also supported through community partnerships, grants, and donations.
Yes, many families choose to attend an introductory session to see how the program feels and to ensure it is a good fit. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where participants and care partners feel comfortable and supported.
Morning Connections is a weekly community gathering that includes:
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A morning engagement activity
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A relaxed stroll and social connection
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Time for conversation and community
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Lunch together
Morning Connections is held at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing in Dublin, Ohio.
This program provides a welcoming environment where participants and care partners can build friendships, stay socially connected, and enjoy a relaxed start to the day.
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EnergizeCare programs are designed to create optimal respite time for care partners, allowing them the time to rest, recharge, or attend to personal needs while their loved one is engaged in meaningful activities.
However, care partners are always welcome to attend and participate in any session if they wish.
Founder, President, and care partner Dr. Kenneth Vitellas is present at most sessions and is available for conversation, support, and engagement with care partners.
Yes, safety and participant well-being are central to all EnergizeCare programs.
Sessions are led by trained facilitators who understand the needs of individuals living with memory challenges. To ensure attentive care and a comfortable environment, sessions maintain a maximum group size of 16 participants with a provider-to-participant ratio of approximately 1:3.
Yes, EnergizeCare supports care partners through weekly virtual support groups.
We collaborate with the virtual care partner support groups offered through Amy's Place, providing a supportive space where care partners can share experiences, gain
insight, and connect with others who understand the caregiving journey.
All support groups are currently held virtually to allow convenient access for care partners.
EnergizeCare hosts special programs and events for families, including:
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Care partner outings
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Family gatherings and community events
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Family breakfasts
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Sensory-friendly concerts and arts experiences
These programs are designed to bring families together and create joyful shared experiences.
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We offer volunteer and education training on the first Saturday of every month. Sessions are held in-person in New Albany and available via Zoom.
You can support EnergizeCare by:
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Donating to expand programs and scholarships
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Volunteering your time
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Partnering with us as an organization or sponsor
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Sharing our mission with others
Community support helps us reach more families impacted by memory loss. Contact ken@energizecareoh.org to learn more.
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We are grateful for your support and 20% of all funds raised are used to create scholarships for those who qualify. Donate online through energizecareoh.org/donate or send a check to:
EnergizeCare
P.O. Box 257
102 W. Main Street
New Albany, Ohio 43054We understand that every family's situation is unique. If you have questions about whether an EnergizeCare program is right for your loved one, we are here to help.
You are always welcome to reach out to learn more about our programs, discuss your family's needs, or ask about upcoming sessions.
Contact EnergizeCare via email.
Our goal is to make the process welcoming, supportive, and easy for families navigating memory changes.
Still Have Questions?
We understand that every family's situation is unique. If you have questions about whether an EnergizeCare program is right for your loved one, we are here to help.
You are always welcome to reach out to learn more about our programs, discuss your family's needs, or ask about upcoming sessions.
Our goal is to make the process welcoming, supportive, and easy for families navigating cognitive impairment.
Our Team
Dr. Ken Vitellas, MD
Founder & President
Care Partner
Dr. Alice Epitropoulos, MD
Co-Founder & Vice President
Care Partner
Anna Kate Frey, OT
Occupational Therapy Consultant
Board Member
Kasey Kist
New Albany City Council
Board Member
Jon Giganti
Entrepreneur & Author
Board Member
Tony Moseley
Board Member
Care Partner
Nicole Hannah
Director of Operations and Growth
Staff
Board Testimonials
“EnergizeCare was created with one purpose in mind—to uplift and support care partners and families affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias. What makes this organization special is the genuine compassion behind it. EnergizeCare connects people with resources, encouragement, and a supportive community that understands the challenges of caregiving. It's inspiring to see how even small acts of support can make such a meaningful difference.”
— Dr. Alice Epitropoulos, Co-Founder and Vice President
“One of my best friends and mentors recently passed away from Alzheimer's. During his battle with the disease I witnessed first hand the toll it took on his family and loved ones. I am so grateful that EnergizeCare can provide the support for these caregivers that they so desperately need.”
— Kasey Kist
“I wish EnergizeCare had been around when I was a care partner. Navigating caregiving assistance on top of everything else was overwhelming at times, and having a compassionate, knowledgeable team like this would have made an enormous difference. EnergizeCare brings clarity, dignity, and real support to families navigating the Alzheimer's journey.”
— Tony Moseley
“At EnergizeCare, we are building freestanding, non-institutionalized respite care centers—places without the stigma often associated with dementia or aging—where care partners and their loved ones feel dignity, belonging, and connection. In these spaces, loved ones are safe, loved, and engaged in meaningful, person-centered activities that bypass disabilities and connect directly to emotional well-being. When care partners truly trust the care their loved ones receive, both the care partner and their loved one can live well and be reminded that there is always more to the person than the dementia.”
— Dr. Kenneth Vitellas, Founder and President, EnergizeCare
“I've had the privilege of a firsthand view of the incredible care and compassion EnergizeCare provides to individuals living with dementia. The staff create a safe, engaging environment where participants are treated with dignity and families gain much needed support and peace of mind. This program truly makes a meaningful difference for both participants and their care partners.”
— Anna Kate Frey
“Energize Care is making a real difference for families affected by dementia. Their commitment to supporting care partners while honoring the dignity of those living with the disease is powerful. I'm proud to serve on the board and support a mission that brings meaningful care, community, and encouragement to so many.”
— Jon Giganti
“As a care partner, this journey with dementia has taught me that caring for someone you love requires not only compassion, but strength, hope and support. I have learned firsthand how essential self-care, respite and a trusted community of care are so that care partners can continue to give love to their families and the world around them. Because of the blessings and lessons I have received on this path, creating a better experience for care partners walking this journey has become my calling and life's mission.”
— Dr. Kenneth Vitellas, Founder and President, EnergizeCare