Respite Care Charleston (RCC) is pleased to announce all regular staff have been recognized as Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP) by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). Executive Director Sara Perry, Program Coordinator Julie Wise, and Program Assistants Corina Heller and Bonnie MacDonald have received the professional designation, which reflects knowledge and experience with dementia care and commitment to the NCCDP ethics statement.
As many as 10,000 Charleston County residents have some form of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, with 78% living at home or with family. The prevalence of dementia is rising rapidly, with a 26% increase projected in South Carolina by 2025. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Respite Care Charleston has provided support and services to this growing population for more than 25 years. RCC offers half-day social respite care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, facilitates caregiver support groups, offers one-on-one care consultations and referrals, and provides education and outreach to raise awareness about dementia in the greater Charleston area.
According to Perry, “Our team takes great pride in going the extra mile for the families that come to us for support or for respite care for their loved ones with dementia. The CDP designation shows our commitment to maintaining the skills and knowledge needed to help these families along the journey with neurodegenerative diseases.”
The only program of its kind serving Charleston, RCC’s respite program gives caregivers much-needed breaks while providing program participants an opportunity for socialization, stimulation and therapeutic activities specifically designed for those with dementia. Respite care and other caregiver supports provided by RCC improve quality of life and help those with memory loss age in place. Support groups and other caregiver guidance and resources are available at no cost. Respite care scholarships are available to ensure no family is denied respite due to financial challenges. For additional information, call (843) 647-7405 or click here.
-Submitted by Sara E. Perry, Executive Director