Respite Care Charleston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, as well as providing essential support to their caregivers. Founded in 1996, RCC offers a range of programs designed to promote well-being and alleviate the challenges associated with dementia care.
Key Services:
- Half-Day Memory Care Programs: These structured sessions provide individuals with dementia opportunities for socialization, memory fitness games, gentle exercise, art, music, pet therapy, and intergenerational interactions. These programs aim to improve quality of life and offer caregivers a much-needed respite.
- Senior Moments Program: Designed for individuals in the early stages of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, this program offers education and social support to help participants navigate the challenges of early memory loss.
- Caregiver Support Groups: In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, RCC offers free, confidential support groups where caregivers can share experiences, gain insights, and receive emotional support in a safe environment.
- One-on-One Caregiver Consultations: Personalized sessions provide caregivers with strategies, resources, and guidance to manage the demands of caregiving effectively.
Sara Perry, Executive Director
A graduate of Winthrop University and the College of Charleston, Sara has more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit/public sector. She is a graduate of Leadership Charleston and was named one of one of the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” in 2016. Sara’s passion for supporting those with dementia began with experiences with two grandparents, leading her to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
Wendy Hudson Murphy, Associate Director
Wendy has spent her adult life interacting with families living with dementia while serving as a United Methodist pastor and a hospice chaplain, working in residential senior living facilities and supporting loved ones in her own family. She holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina and a Masters in Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary. Wendy is passionate about creating communities of mutuality and support, something she’s proud to do every day at RCC.