Vital Minds – Indy Brain Health Initiative
What We Do
Vital Minds is an initiative uniting individuals and organizations across Marion County to strengthen support systems for those at risk of — and affected by — Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Co-led by the Marion County Public Health Department and the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter, Vital Minds aims to build a more dementia-friendly community by promoting education, advancing public health strategies, and supporting care partners/caregivers at every stage.
Connect With UsDementia
Programs and Services
Marion County’s Area Agency on Aging
Coordinates care plans for in-home services for older adults and people of any age with disabilities; delivers meals to homes and neighborhood meal sites; operates senior transportation services; offers caregiver support and resources; conducts home accessibility assessments and modifications; provides information about available public and private programs and services related to aging, disability, and family caregiving — and more.
The Aging Brain Care program functions under the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation at Eskenazi Health. The care team delivers evidence-based care in home, community and clinical settings. Care coordinator assistants serve as the primary link between patients, their caregivers and the clinical team.
Call 317.880.2224 for more information.
Education
Offers free education programs featuring the latest information on dementia-related topics, including living with Alzheimer’s disease, caregiver training, and more.
The Empowered Caregiver series aims to equip caregivers with more tools and knowledge such as managing dementia behaviors and supporting independence of their loved one.
Multi-sector community initiative that connects those living with dementia and their care partners to resources, training and events.
Dementia Education Seminars
Ascension St. Vincent offers one-day dementia education seminars for caregivers to learn more about essential tools and practical strategies to enhance the lives of their loved ones.
Senior Matters Series
Ascension St. Vincent offers events focusing on different senior matters, such as safeguarding your Medicare benefits and having a healthy mind and body.
Support Groups, Memory Cafes, & More
Offers caregiver and early-stage support groups (in-person, phone, video)
24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
Meets biweekly
Memory Cafes offer a welcoming space for individuals living with dementia and their care partners/caregivers to socialize, connect, and engage in activities. These cafes provide a supportive environment where people can share experiences, enjoy social interaction, and find resources related to dementia care.
Dementia Friendly Indiana maintains a calendar of activities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners/caregivers.
Care Partner/Caregiver Online Tools
Caregiver Way features informational content (videos, articles, etc.) and a social platform to connect with other caregivers in five categories: Self-Care, Caring for Your Loved One, Financial & Legal, End-of-Life Care, and Life After Caregiving.
A free mobile app that offers personalized support for newly diagnosed individuals and their care partners. My ALZ Journey provides tolls to navigate the early stages of Alzheimer’s as well as other forms of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
App is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Free online forum for caregivers and individuals living with dementia.
Adult Day Services
Adult Day Services (ADS) are available throughout Marion County. ADS offers a social environment through planned program activities while providing professional care. Each adult day has different care capacities.
Phone: 317.254.0828 or 317.737.2515
Our Directive
Vital Minds is here to promote education about dementia, advance public health strategies, and support caregivers at every stage