Support for those Living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia During COVID-19

The last couple of months have been brought unprecedented challenges, and all of us at Respite Care Charleston hope you and your loved ones are remaining healthy and safe.

The uncertainty in our lives during the COVID-19 quarantine has caused emotional stress, financial worries, anxiety, isolation and loneliness – daily struggles dementia caregivers already face.

Thankfully, due to the past support of friends like you, Respite Care Charleston has been there to help.

Since Respite Care Charleston suspended on-site respite programs and in-person support groups in early March, our RCC team has adapted existing programs and developed new resources for those we serve, including:

- Remote Respite – Interactive video conferences for small groups, with staff-led brain games, reminiscing, light physical activity, music therapy and other stimulating discussions;
- Caregiver Kits – Personalized bags full of games, puzzles, arts and crafts and other activities for at-home use, plus ;
- Telephone Support Groups – Nine facilitated support group calls monthly, that help caregivers stay connected and offer one another encouragement, advice and friendship; and
- Dementia Digest – Weekly emails full of tips and tricks, caregiver resources and dementia-friendly activity ideas to help keep those with dementia remain active and engaged.

Most importantly, RCC's dedicated staff is working diligently to provide one-on-one help to families when they need it the most. From giving exhausted caregivers a shoulder to cry on, to regularly checking on shut-ins, creating safety plans for wanderers, offering guidance for managing anger and aggression, and helping transition to hospice care, we’ve been honored to continue supporting those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

As a nonprofit organization, we at Respite Care Charleston rely on the support of volunteers, donors and friends to ensure no family goes without the support they need.

Respite program fees typically provide 41% of our annual funding, but with these in-person services and resulting fees suspended indefinitely, our finances are strained, and we need your support more than ever. We need your help.

If you or someone you love has benefitted from Respite Care Charleston’s support and services, please consider making a gift to enable us to continue our helping other families in the weeks and months ahead. Tax deductible donations may be made at http://www.respitecarecharleston.org/#donate or mailed to 1605 Harbor View Rd., Charleston, SC 29412.

With your continued support, we’ll make sure caregivers know: You are not alone.

Please take care and stay well,

Sara Perry
Executive Director

PS – If you know of anyone living with dementia who is struggling during these difficult times, please feel free to share my personal cell phone number, 843-364-8179, and I’ll do my very best to help by providing support and connecting them to resources!