Kentucky Dementia Care Network - The Kentucky Office of Dementia Services (ODS) will establish the Kentucky Dementia Care Network, a statewide initiative to strengthen Kentucky's dementia-capable home and community-based service system for people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their family caregivers. Building on Kentucky's No Wrong Door System and statewide partnerships, the project will improve access to coordinated, person-centered services that help people living with ADRD remain safely in their homes and communities while supporting family caregivers. From September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029, the project will implement two integrated strategies: (1) statewide Dementia Care Navigation and (2) development of six Kentucky Dementia-Capable Communities (KDCCs). Two Dementia Care Navigators will provide person-centered assessments, individualized navigation plans, warm referrals, ongoing follow-up, caregiver respite and resources, Kentucky Dementia Resource Kits, and connections to dementia-specific services and supports. Every enrolled family caregiver will be offered the evidence-based Dealing with Dementia caregiver education program. ODS will strengthen statewide partnerships, expand dementia-capable services, train local Dealing with Dementia facilitators, and improve coordination among healthcare providers, Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, public health agencies, Cooperative Extension, libraries, faith communities, and other community organizations. Expected products include six KDCCs, a statewide network of certified Dealing with Dementia facilitators, Kentucky Dementia Resource Kits, and a replicable implementation model. Expected outcomes include improved access to coordinated home and community-based services, stronger dementia-capable systems, improved quality of life for people living with ADRD and their family caregivers, and sustainable community capacity throughout Kentucky.
