Dementia Caregiver Resources in Summit County, Ohio

Where Summit County dementia caregivers can call first—Direction Home Akron Canton ADRC, Summit County Public Health Senior and Adult Services, Alzheimer's Association Greater East Ohio Chapter, APS and the Akron-Summit County Public Library—with verified phones.

By Jim Pavlish, Editor · Last updated: November 7, 2026 · Editorial policy

Short answer: start with Direction Home Akron Canton's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 877-770-5558—the Area Agency on Aging that Summit County Public Health lists for long-term care choices across Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties—and the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. For free local dementia education and caregiver workshops, call Summit County Public Health Senior and Adult Services at 330-926-5650.

Last checked: November 7, 2026. Phone numbers, programs and waitlists change. This page is a local directory of official starting points, not legal, medical or financial advice. Confirm every detail on the linked pages or by calling before you rely on it.

If you are new to caregiving, our Caregiving Guide: Where to Start covers the first steps. For Ohio-wide respite and who may help pay, see Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers in Ohio: Options and Who May Help Pay. Cuyahoga County families should use Dementia Caregiver Resources in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

Who to call first

For national and Ohio helplines in one place, see Helplines and Support Organizations.

Money and long-term care benefits

Direction Home and your county Job and Family Services office help families understand Medicaid home- and community-based options. Summit County DJFS lists 844-640-OHIO (6446) for apply/renew and case status on its APS page footer. Ohio's PASSPORT waiver (age 60+, nursing-facility level of care, Medicaid financial rules) can include services such as personal care and out-of-home respite—see Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers in Ohio: Options and Who May Help Pay and Medicare, Medicaid and Dementia Care.

Do not assume you qualify. Bring ID, insurance cards and income/asset papers to screening appointments. An elder-law attorney can explain look-back and estate-recovery rules; this page does not give legal advice.

Support, education and library programs

Summit County Public Health offers free Dementia Friends workshops, caregiver trainings (including Empowered Caregiver with the Alzheimer's Association) and brain-health talks. Schedule through 330-926-5650 or seniorservices@scph.org (education page updated September 11, 2026).

Direction Home lists free caregiver support groups (virtual and in person across Summit, Stark, Portage and Wayne). Dates and sites change—call 330-899-5243 or the ADRC to confirm and register. See also Finding a Support Group.

Akron-Summit County Public Library runs a Dementia Inclusive program: staff are Dementia Friends–certified; Memory Cafés meet at selected branches (Northwest Akron, Norton and Portage Lakes—check the current calendar); Memory Kits circulate from Main Library for cardholders. Main Library: 60 South High Street, Akron, OH 44326; 330-643-9000. The library's dementia page also points to the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health tip sheets and to the Alzheimer's Association Greater East Ohio Chapter.

Golden Buckeye Center for Dementia Caregiving (statewide, Ohio State University College of Nursing) offers caregiver training and connection: 800-645-2946, dementiacaregiving@osu.edu. Summit County Public Health lists it among trusted partners.

Safety and protection

Summit County Adult Protective Services (APS), through the Department of Job and Family Services, receives and investigates reports involving vulnerable adults age 60 or older who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation.

• Immediate danger: call 911
• Summit County APS hotline: 330-643-7217 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
• State of Ohio APS hotline: 855-644-6277

You do not need proof to report; reports are confidential under Ohio law (Summit DJFS APS page). Concerns about nursing-home residents may go to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman or other agencies rather than APS—ask when you call.

If someone cannot manage money or health decisions and powers of attorney are not workable, families sometimes need court involvement—see Legal Planning and When Someone With Dementia Needs Guardianship (vs Power of Attorney). That is a legal process; talk with an elder-law attorney.

First three calls this week

1. Direction Home ADRC — 877-770-5558. Ask for a long-term care consultation and caregiver support options.
2. Summit County Public Health Senior and Adult Services — 330-926-5650. Ask about Dementia Friends / Empowered Caregiver classes and local resource navigation.
3. Alzheimer's Association Helpline — 800-272-3900. Ask about Greater East Ohio support groups, care consultation and education near Akron–Canton.

Then open the money and break folders: Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers in Ohio: Options and Who May Help Pay, Respite Care, Medicare, Medicaid and Dementia Care and Adult Day Programs for People with Dementia.

Common questions

What is the first number a Summit County dementia caregiver should call?

Direction Home's ADRC at 877-770-5558 is the Area Agency on Aging front door for Summit County. Pair that with the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

Does Summit County offer free dementia caregiver training?

Yes. Summit County Public Health Senior and Adult Services lists free Dementia Friends workshops, Empowered Caregiver (with the Alzheimer's Association) and related classes. Call 330-926-5650 or email seniorservices@scph.org to schedule.

How do I report elder abuse or neglect in Summit County?

Call Summit County APS at 330-643-7217 (24/7) or the state hotline 855-644-6277. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

Where can we go for a Memory Café or dementia-friendly library visit?

Akron-Summit County Public Library's Dementia Inclusive page describes Memory Cafés at selected branches and Memory Kits for home use. Call 330-643-9000 or check the library calendar for current dates—schedules change.

Sources

1. Direction Home Akron Canton: I'm a Caregiver
2. Direction Home Akron Canton: Contact
3. Summit County Public Health: Senior and Adult Services — Education
4. Summit County Public Health: Community Resources
5. Summit County Department of Job and Family Services: Adult Protective Services
6. Alzheimer's Association: Greater East Ohio Area Chapter
7. Alzheimer's Association: 24/7 Helpline
8. Akron-Summit County Public Library: Dementia Inclusive
9. Ohio Department of Aging: Find Services / Local Office
10. Ohio State University College of Nursing: Golden Buckeye Center for Dementia Caregiving

Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual. Talk with a doctor about your situation.

Related articles

• Caregiving Guide: Where to Start
• Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers in Ohio: Options and Who May Help Pay
• Respite Care
• Medicare, Medicaid and Dementia Care
• Helplines and Support Organizations
• Finding a Support Group