ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice Launches Dementia Care Management Program to Support Individuals, Caregivers   Lexington and Clifton Forge, VA (June 30, 2025) - Starting July 1, 2025, ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice will proudly launch its new Dementia Care Management Program, a compassionate, community-based initiative designed to help individuals living with dementia—and the family caregivers who support them—access personalized care and essential resources throughout the disease journey. This program is rooted in a powerful belief: no one should face dementia alone. Whether families are just beginning to navigate a diagnosis or are deep into the complexities of day- to-day care, the program offers an experienced team to walk the journey with them—every step of the way. “We recognize that dementia doesn’t just affect the individual—it affects the entire family,” said Tasha Walsh, CEO for ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice. “This program is about meeting people where they are, and helping them feel seen, supported, and valued.” For both people living with dementia and their caregivers, isolation can be one of the most damaging aspects of the journey. Cognitive decline often leads to reduced social interaction, withdrawal from community life, and a shrinking support network. At the same time, caregivers—especially family members—frequently report feeling alone, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. Research has shown that isolation can contribute to faster cognitive decline, increased risk of depression, and even poor physical health outcomes. For caregivers, long-term isolation is linked to burnout, stress-related illness, and emotional exhaustion. "In dementia care, connection is part of the treatment," said Cathryn Harbor, MD, Medical Director for ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice. "Our program works to reduce symptoms at their root—helping prevent avoidable dangers, stress, and conflict for individuals and for caregivers. Beyond identifying symptoms and strategies to manage them, we focus on helping families stay connected—to each other, to support systems, and to their broader community.” While dementia is a serious and progressive condition, the focus of the Dementia Care Management Program is on fostering well-being—physically, emotionally, and socially. Through personalized plans and ongoing support, individuals and caregivers can build routines and relationships that improve daily life and promote dignity and joy, even in the face of illness. The need for this type of program is urgent. According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), an estimated 150,000 Virginians aged sixty-five and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, 354,000 unpaid caregivers across the Commonwealth provide more than 529 million hours of care annually. Nearly 1 in 10 Virginians aged forty- five and older report experiencing subjective cognitive decline, a possible early warning sign of dementia. Delivered through Advanced Illness Care services, the Dementia Care Management Program brings a comprehensive range of support directly to the home. Services include collaborative care planning with physicians and specialists to ensure each person receives care tailored to their condition and stage of illness; dedicated caregiver support with education, respite coordination, and community resource referrals; and 24/7 telephone access to trained professionals who can offer guidance, reassurance, and answers when they’re needed most. In addition, participating families will receive access to a free, in-depth Patient Caregiver Resource Guide, created in collaboration with the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). The guide includes practical advice, safety strategies, communication tools, and daily care planning tips—all designed to empower families with knowledge and confidence. For many, caregiving is not just a duty, it is an act of love. But without the right support, that love can be accompanied by confusion, fear, and exhaustion. The ConnectionsPlus Dementia Care Management Program is designed to turn coping into thriving, by offering families structure, encouragement, and a trusted partner on their journey. “We want people living with dementia to feel safe, supported, and connected—and we want caregivers to feel valued, prepared, and less alone,” continued Dr. Harbor. “This program isn’t just about managing illness. It's about helping people maintain relationships, a sense of purpose, and many moments of joy.” If you or someone you care for is living with dementia, help is available right now. Contact the ConnectionsPlus Dementia Direct Line at (540) 600-2265 to learn more about services and eligibility. For more information, visit www.connectionsplus.care or contact: ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice 315 Myers Street Lexington, VA 24450 Phone: (540) 463-1848

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