Li-Mei Chen, Gerontologist, Department of Social Work, College of Public Health, received $75,000 from Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Center on Aging for “Circles of care: Adapting the Family and Group Conferencing Model to care families of persons living with dementia.”
Chen and her team will introduce Circles of Care, the first U.S. adaptation of the Family Group Conferencing model for dementia care.
Although similar approaches have shown promise in countries such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, this will be the first study to evaluate how a social network-centered approach can strengthen dementia care in the United States.
Guided by a trained coordinator, Circles of Care brings together family members and trusted members of a person's social network to develop a shared care plan, strengthen supportive relationships and coordinate caregiving responsibilities.
The project will evaluate whether Circles of Care is feasible and acceptable for diverse families and whether it enhances confidence, empowerment through supportive relationships, collaboration and social connectedness while reducing caregiver burden and isolation. By harnessing the power of social relationships, this innovative project has the potential to transform how dementia care is supported in communities across the United States.
Funding began in July 2026 and will end in late June 2027.
###
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible , a $1 billion comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at GMU.EDU .