Respite Care Charleston: Bringing “More Good Days” to Families Living with Dementia
With approximately 125,000 South Carolinians diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease each year, affordable and accessible dementia care has become a growing priority in the Palmetto State. Providing this type of care has been Respite Care Charleston’s mission for more than three decades — offering “MORE. GOOD. DAYS.” to families living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
A Grassroots Beginning
Respite Care Charleston (RCC) was founded over 30 years ago as a grassroots collaboration among local churches to support families and caregivers struggling with the daily demands of dementia care. What began as a small network of half-day memory care programs has grown into Charleston County’s only nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to supporting individuals and families affected by dementia.
Today, RCC operates in six locations throughout the county and provides a range of services, including one-to-one caregiver coaching, caregiver support groups, and groups specifically designed for those living with dementia.
Half-Day Memory Care Programs
Among RCC’s most impactful offerings are its half-day memory care programs, which provide social engagement, cognitive stimulation and light physical activity in a safe, supportive environment — while giving caregivers a much-needed break. Participants enjoy activities such as music, art therapy, memory games and gentle exercise, all tailored to foster joy and connection.
“We view the caregiver and the person with dementia as equally important in our half-day memory care programs,” said Sara Perry, executive director of Respite Care Charleston. “It’s important for those living with dementia to have engagement and stimulation in a supportive atmosphere. It’s just as important for their caregivers to get some time off and know their loved one is safe and cared for.”
Each four-hour session is designed to be affordable for most families at $50 per session — less than half the cost of in-home care provided by a caregiving agency. “Our goal is always to address the real needs of families living with dementia in our community,” Perry added. “Our half-day memory care programs are one of the most important ways we do that.”
Accessibility and Support
No one is turned away from RCC programs due to financial hardship. The organization works closely with partners such as the Trident Area Agency on Aging and MUSC’s GUIDE program to facilitate grants that help families pay for care. RCC also offers its own scholarship program for those in need, keeping costs low through a combination of program fees, fundraising, volunteers and donor support.
Education and Community Awareness
Beyond direct services, Respite Care Charleston plays a vital role in educating the public about Alzheimer’s and dementia. A key part of that education is clarifying the difference between the two terms: dementia describes a group of symptoms — including memory loss, personality changes and loss of executive functioning — while Alzheimer’s disease is the cause of 60% to 70% of all dementia cases.
No matter the type of dementia a family is facing, RCC provides both practical support and meaningful engagement opportunities. “Dementia is a journey the entire family and, indeed, our entire community takes,” Perry said. “At Respite Care Charleston, we want families to know they are never alone in their dementia journey – we are here for support, education and care.”
To learn more about Respite Care Charleston’s full range of programs and services, visit respitecarecharleston.org, call 843-647-7405, or email info@respitecarecharleston.org.
You can also follow RCC on Facebook and Instagram for updates and community stories.
