A New Albany nonprofit that gives dementia caregivers a break has expanded with a new Dublin location and a growing roster of weekend and outdoor programs across central Ohio.
Lisa’s Place opened this fall, according to CityScene. The freestanding hub offers weekday respite programming, a dedicated caregiver room and a library, CityScene Magazine reported Oct. 26. The Columbus Dispatch reported in August that Vitellas described Lisa's Place as the first freestanding non-medical respite and adult day center for people with dementia in Ohio. EnergizeCare describes the facility as ‘among Ohio’s first’ freestanding, non-medical respite and engagement hubs.
Vitellas, a radiologist at Mount Carmel New Albany Surgical Hospital, launched EnergizeCare in early 2025 after his wife, Lisa, was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. He began working from home to care for her while remaining present for their three adult daughters, and said the experience drove him to help other families navigating the disease alone.
"Caregivers are dying and becoming sicker than their loved ones because of the isolation," Vitellas told CityScene.
The nonprofit's core offering is respite sessions where trained staff lead participants with early-to-moderate Alzheimer's or other dementias through music enrichment, dancing, cooking, storytelling, fitness and its signature "Memory Disco" silent discos. Sessions cap at 16 participants with trained staff and volunteers, according to the organization's website. Lunch is included.
In New Albany, sessions run on Saturdays or Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, 150 W. Main St., or the New Albany Schools Annex Building, 79 North High St. Outdoor sessions at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium take place Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Oct. 29. There is a $40 session fee with zoo admission and lunch provided. The scheduled zoo program season ends Oct. 29.
EnergizeCare offers sliding-scale fees, scholarships and transportation assistance to keep programs accessible. Vitellas said the organization raised $150,000 through its first annual gala in 2025 and individual donors, according to the Dispatch.
The nonprofit also partners with the Dementia Connection Institute and Dementia Friends Ohio to provide monthly education and training sessions. Those are held the first Saturday of each month, both in person and online.
EnergizeCare's second annual Champions of Care fundraiser is set for Nov. 14 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Estate at New Albany. Tickets are $300 per guest. Families interested in respite sessions or volunteer opportunities can reach EnergizeCare at [email protected].
