Respite Care Charleston expands programs and services to help families navigate Alzheimer’s
Nearly 13,500 families in the Charleston area are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia (ADRD), and more than 125,000 South Carolinians are living with ADRD, according to the most recent data from SC Alzheimer’s Disease Registry.
Behind those staggering numbers are families navigating one of life’s most difficult journeys — caring for every aspect of life and protecting the safety of someone who is gradually slipping away.
Supporting those families has been the mission of Respite Care Charleston (RCC) since 1996, when a grassroots effort by local churches recognized that caregivers desperately needed time to rest, run errands, attend appointments, and care for themselves.
“What started as a simple idea, giving caregivers a little time off, has evolved into a nonprofit that provides a host of support and resources for families faced with Alzheimer’s and other dementias from the first symptoms to the final stages,” says Sara Perry, executive director of Respite Care Charleston. “One of the most important things we want people to know is that they aren’t alone. RCC is here to help.”
The only organization of its kind in Charleston County, RCC offers programs at sites throughout the county, including half-day memory care, caregiver support groups, one-on-one consultations, an early-stage group called Senior Moments, and its free Care Compass community education program.
Programs for People Living With Dementia
The half-day program gives people living with dementia a safe, welcoming place to socialize and participate in activities such as music, art and crafts, memory fitness, gentle exercise, pet therapy, and intergenerational programming. At the same time, caregivers receive something equally important: time for themselves.
MORE.GOOD.DAYS. is RCC’s tagline, but it’s also at the heart of the organization’s mission. “A good day can look different from one family to another,” Perry explains. “For a member, it might be singing along to a favorite song, making a new friend, or completing a project. For a caregiver, it might mean having time to go to the doctor, meet friends for lunch, or just rest.”
RCC’s Senior Moments program is designed for people experiencing mild cognitive impairment or early-stage memory changes, and those who want to support their brain health. Participants engage in brain fitness games, functional exercise, and nutrition education. They also enjoy guest presenters and social outings, all while building friendships.
Support for Caregivers
Caregiver support groups offer another vital connection where every emotion is welcomed and validated. In a confidential, judgment-free setting, caregivers share practical strategies, discuss challenges, and celebrate small victories with a tribe of people who understand.
Perry explains, “Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer is a place where someone can say, ‘I’m struggling,’ and know that the people around them truly understand.”
RCC’s message is simple: No one should ever have to navigate dementia alone.
