CaringKind Completes Merger, Strengthening Long Island Care as National Reach Grows

Local care and community relationships continue under the CaringKind name, connecting Nassau and Suffolk County families to a broader network of support.

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CaringKind, a trusted partner in Alzheimer's and dementia care for nearly 50 years, has completed its merger with Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center. The organization now operates as CaringKind, bringing longstanding support for Nassau and Suffolk County families into an organization growing its national reach through education, collaboration, and public awareness.

Building on the affiliation announced in January 2026, the merger brings together experienced teams, community relationships, and complementary programs to strengthen support for people living with dementia and their care partners. CaringKind's Long Island office, located at 200 Carleton Avenue in East Islip, maintains a local presence rooted in more than four decades of service.

CaringKind celebrated the official opening of its Long Island office on Friday, October 2, 2026, marking a new chapter for the East Islip location, which continues to serve individuals and families throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"Families deserve someone they can turn to, someone who understands what they are facing and stays beside them as their needs change," said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, President and CEO of CaringKind. "This merger carries forward the trust built with Long Island families over decades. As one CaringKind, we bring our shared knowledge and experience to that deeply personal work, helping people find guidance, connection, and opportunities to live well with dementia."

The merger builds on a Long Island service tradition that began in 1983. In 2025, the local team provided 186 initial care consultations, 207 follow-up consultations, and 276 support group meetings. These services reflect the ongoing relationships and practical guidance that individuals and families rely on throughout the dementia journey.

"After 50 years in the field of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, I applaud CaringKind's determination and vision for the future of dementia care," said Bobbie Braun, CaringKind Advisory Board Member. "This merger builds on decades of trusted local relationships while strengthening the support available to individuals and families. It is an investment in the compassionate, connected care our communities need today and for generations to come."

A key step in connecting that local support with CaringKind's broader resources came on April 1, 2026, when CaringKind's Helpline expansion to all Long Island residents took effect. Through the Long Island Helpline at (631) 580-5100, individuals, families, and professionals can connect with free, confidential guidance on care planning, emotional support, and available resources. For someone facing changes in memory, a recent diagnosis, or the daily responsibilities of caregiving, that connection offers a place to begin and a place to return as needs evolve.

CaringKind's free support services include:

• Personalized guidance: Helpline support and individual care consultations to help people understand dementia and navigate next steps.
• Care partner education and support: Practical learning opportunities and groups that help family members and care partners build skills and connect with others.
• Early-stage and engagement programs: Meaningful activities that support social connection and well-being for people living with dementia.
• Support through changing needs and loss: Guidance and bereavement programs that recognize the emotional experiences of individuals and families.

CaringKind also works with healthcare professionals and community organizations to connect people with resources and strengthen compassionate, person-centered dementia care. Bringing its teams together strengthens this work while preserving the importance of local knowledge and community relationships.

The merger comes as CaringKind advances national initiatives, including the "Know Your Brain. Walk With Me." public awareness campaign developed in collaboration with ABC7NY and inspired by Bill Ritter's decision to share his Alzheimer's diagnosis publicly, and 100 Women of Impact, its national movement of women leading the future of brain health and well-being. These initiatives reflect CaringKind's commitment to advancing public understanding, encouraging earlier conversations about brain health, and connecting more people with trusted information and support.

Through its Know Your Brain campaign, CaringKind connects people with brain health education, free educational pre-screening resources, and guidance on discussing memory and thinking concerns with a healthcare professional. These resources offer a starting point for understanding brain health and do not replace a medical evaluation.

CaringKind is also extending these conversations through Mind What Matters, now presented by CaringKind. Co-hosted by actress and advocate Nikki DeLoach and Elizabeth Humphreys, the podcast brings personal stories and thoughtful conversations about Alzheimer's, dementia, caregiving, brain health, and the human experience to audiences nationwide.

"Every person has a story worth telling, and every story has the power to change how we understand and respond to dementia," said Tornatore-Mikesh. "Nikki and Elizabeth have created a space for honest conversations that bring compassion, dignity, and humanity to experiences that are too often misunderstood. We are especially pleased to have Mary Lou Falcone share her personal journey in this first conversation. Her story is a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a life that continues to hold meaning and connection."

Together, these efforts build on CaringKind's longstanding commitment to ensuring people living with dementia are treated with dignity, supported through meaningful connection, and recognized for the fullness of their lives, while care partners have access to the knowledge, understanding, and community they need.

Connect with CaringKind

For information, guidance, and free Alzheimer's and dementia support, contact CaringKind by phone or email, or visit wearecaringkind.org to explore available programs and resources.

CaringKind | Headquarters
360 Lexington Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
Main Helpline: (646) 744-2900

CaringKind | Long Island Office
200 Carleton Avenue
East Islip, NY 11730
Long Island Helpline: (631) 580-5100
Serving Nassau and Suffolk counties

Email [email protected] or visit wearecaringkind.org to learn more and connect with support.

About CaringKind
CaringKind is your trusted partner in Alzheimer's and dementia care, providing free, expert support, education, and resources for people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, their care partners, families, and communities. For nearly 50 years, CaringKind has helped individuals and families navigate the dementia journey with knowledge, connection, and confidence, from the earliest signs of change through diagnosis, end-of-life care, and bereavement.

Through its Helpline, personalized care consultations, support groups, early-stage engagement programs, multilingual resources, and education for family and professional care partners, CaringKind offers compassionate guidance and practical support that honor each person's dignity and help ensure no one faces dementia alone. CaringKind's national collaborations and public awareness initiatives extend its commitment to education, connection, and brain health across the country.

Media Contact
Courtney Dawson
Chief Marketing Officer, CaringKind
[email protected]
(646) 744-2932

SOURCE CaringKind