A Place Born From One Family’s Experience

Nancy Renyhart entered hospice care early in her Alzheimer’s journey and was later discharged when she no longer met the clinical requirements, even though she and her family still needed meaningful support. There was no program to fill that gap. 

Her husband John was her full-time caregiver through nine years of living with Alzheimer’s disease. After her passing in 2020, John established an endowment in her memory through Hospice of Marion County, determined that no family should face that gap alone. 

“I wanted to create a legacy, and I recognized a need.” — John Renyhart 

When Empath Health and Hospice of Marion County came together under the philosophy of Full Life Care for all, John’s vision found a permanent home. His passion for this work continues today through his wife Diane, who has embraced the mission and helped carry it forward. 

The Empath Dementia Education and Care Center is the fulfillment of that vision, made possible by the generosity of donors, legislators, and community partners who believed in it. 

What the Center Offers

The Empath Dementia Education and Care Center provides a full suite of free dementia education and community programs through the Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program. Every program is designed to build knowledge, reduce stigma, and create a more dementia-capable community across Marion County and beyond. 

Memory Cafes

Memory Cafes are welcoming, informal gatherings for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Through group discussion, reminiscing, and expressive arts, Memory Cafes create space for connection, reduce isolation, and support more positive interactions between caregivers and their loved ones. Memory Cafes meet monthly and are free and open to the community. 

Dementia Caregiver Workshops

Hands-on, skill-building workshops for family caregivers navigating the practical and emotional demands of caring for someone living with dementia. Topics include communication strategies, behavioral support, safety planning, and caregiver wellbeing. 

Caregiver Support Group

A regular gathering where caregivers share experiences, find encouragement, and connect with others who understand the journey firsthand. Led by trained Empath Health staff with extensive Alzheimer’s and dementia education and certifications.

Virtual Dementia Tour

The Virtual Dementia Tour is an immersive simulation experience that allows participants to walk in the shoes of a person living with dementia. It is one of the most powerful tools available for building genuine empathy and practical understanding among caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members. 

Note: The Virtual Dementia Tour is not the property of Empath Health. Media recording or broadcast of the tour experience is not permitted.

First Responder and Community Training

Law enforcement, fire, and EMS professionals face dementia-related calls every day, often without the specialized training to respond effectively. The center provides dedicated training rooms and curriculum for first responders, equipping them to recognize dementia, de-escalate situations safely, and respond with competence and compassion. 

“The care first responders can provide for people with dementia is so much better now than it was before.” — Captain Jesse Blaire, Ocala Fire Rescue 

More than 150 firefighters in Marion County have already been trained through the Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program. The center dramatically expands that capacity. 

Training is also available for skilled nursing and long-term care staff, medical professionals, faith communities, and other community organizations.

Community Resource Hub

The center houses a resource hub where community members can access materials, guidance, and referrals to help navigate dementia care at every stage of the journey. 

A Community Investment Made Real

The Empath Dementia Education and Care Center was made possible through the commitment of Florida legislators, local donors, and community partners who recognized that Marion County needed a dedicated home for dementia education and care.

The center was funded in part by a $750,000 Florida legislative appropriation and approximately $2 million raised through the Building Hope capital campaign. It represents one of the most significant community investments in dementia education in Florida’s history.

“This commitment by Empath Hospice of Marion County is what’s going to drive the solution.” — Ken Daley, Board Leader and Community Advocate

“When I heard about this center, I knew that they have it all figured out. All they need now is some fuel.” — Lilly Nelson Maxwell, Board Member, Hospice of Marion County Foundation

Support the Building Hope Campaign and Help Keep the Center Growing 

What This Center Means for Marion County

Before the Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program, first responders in Marion County had little to no specialized dementia training. Caregivers navigated the journey largely alone. Families looking for connection and education had nowhere to go.

“I’m still learning, but it’s helped me understand what someone with dementia is going through.” — George Hanst, caregiver and program participant

The Empath Dementia Education and Care Center changes what is possible for every family in Marion County touched by dementia. It is a place where caregivers find skills and support, where first responders learn to respond with empathy, where people living with dementia find connection and dignity, and where communities build the knowledge to care for their most vulnerable members. 

Visit the Empath Dementia Education and Care Center

The center is located on the Helen “Mimi” Walker Campus at Hospice of Marion County in Ocala, Florida.

2893 SE 62nd Street Ocala, FL 34480

Call us at (352) 291-5138 

All programs are free and open to the community. No referral or prior relationship with Empath Health is required to participate.

View the Dementia Education Program Calendar 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Empath Dementia Education and Care Center

Is the center really free?

Yes. All programs at the Empath Dementia Education and Care Center are free and open to the community. They are funded through philanthropic support and the Building Hope capital campaign, not patient fees.

Do I need to be an Empath Health or Hospice of Marion County patient to use the center?

No. The center and all of its programs are open to anyone in the community regardless of whether they receive hospice or other Empath Health services. 

What is the difference between the Empath Dementia Education and Care Center and the Empath Dementia Adult Day Center? 

The Empath Dementia Education and Care Center is a free community education and training facility open to caregivers, first responders, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The Empath Dementia Adult Day Center is a separate, licensed clinical care program for individuals living with dementia who need structured, supervised care during the day. Both are located on the Helen “Mimi” Walker Campus. 

How is this center different from other dementia resources in Marion County? 

The Empath Dementia Education and Care Center is the first dedicated dementia education facility in Marion County and only the second of its kind in the nation. It brings together Memory Cafes, caregiver workshops, immersive training experiences, first responder education, and a community resource hub under one roof, all at no cost to participants. 

How can I support the center? 

The Building Hope campaign continues to fund the center’s programs and expand its reach across the community. Gifts of any size help sustain free programming for families, caregivers, and first responders in Marion County. 

Donate to Support the Empath Dementia Education and Care Center 

How do I get involved or learn more? 

Call us at (352) 291-5138 or contact Stacey Perlmutter, Philanthropy Manager, Hospice of Marion County Foundation, at SPerlmutter@EmpathHealth.org or (352) 857-7894. You can also view our program calendar for upcoming Memory Cafes, workshops, and training events. 

Connect With the Empath Dementia Education and Care Center 

Whether you are a caregiver looking for support, a first responder seeking training, a community organization wanting to partner, or a donor looking to invest in something