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Dementia News + Notes | May 2026
A message from Sara
Dear Friends,
Back in April, we observed Stress Awareness Month, and if you're caring for a loved one with dementia, you probably didn't need a calendar reminder.
Caregiver burnout is real, it's common and it's something we think about every single day at Respite Care Charleston. We know that caring for a caregiver is just as important as caring for the person they love.
This month, I'm excited to share two ways we're deepening our commitment to caregivers. We've expanded our caregiver support services to Daniel Island, bringing more families into our circle of care. You'll see the hours and the new location below.
We've also kicked off an expanded community education and outreach series we're calling Care Compass. Speakers at these free events will cover a wide variety of topics, from navigating a dementia diagnosis and managing day-to-day physical challenges, to tackling legal and financial issues. We'll dive into research topics and learn about supporting brain health. Sessions will take place across Charleston County, and we will share details about upcoming events as we have them. We hope to see you there!
Take care,
Sara Sara E. Perry Executive Director, Respite Care Charleston
RCC Spotlight: A heartfelt farewell from Wendy
Please join us in wishing Wendy well in this new chapter for her and her family. Wendy, we thank you for your leadership, kindness, countless contributions and the many friendships enjoyed during your time with RCC.
Upcoming events + dates to remember 📆
May 21 10:00 am - noon Volunteer Appreciation Brunch + Training- RCC volunteers should have received an invitation or flyer.Location: Martin Luther Lutheran Church on James Island.
June 2 7:00 - 8:30 pm Caregivers Reading Room on Zoom. Best-selling author Karen White will join us to discuss her novel, "That Last Carolina Summer." Set in Mount Pleasant's Old Village, the book tells the story of sisterhood, secrets and one woman's reckoning with the past. To register and receive the Zoom link, please go to: https://bit.ly/4di2STA .To download a flyer with more information about the event, click here.
June 3 10:30 am - noon Care Compass: Spotlight on Research- MUSC researcher Dr. Stephanie Aghamoosa will discuss dementia-related research and answer questions.
Location: Center for Jewish Life at 477 Mathis Ferry Rd. Mount Pleasant
Free, but please click here to register and learn more.
Sept. 28 22nd Annual MORE.GOOD.DAYS. Golf Tournament. Information here
What we're reading, listening to and learning from
Trualtais a free caregiver resource platform thanks to a partnership through the Trident Area Agency on Aging. Accessible 24 hours a day from any device, it prepares caregivers to provide better care for their loved ones through short articles and videos. The platform also fosters a sense community by hosting online support groups and live chat rooms, reducing the feeling of isolation.
The MIND Diet-inspired recipes from RCC 🍇 One-pan Mediterranean chicken with tomatoes and chickpeas
Tired of trying to figure out what's for dinner? Try this recipe which is compatible with The MIND Diet plan. It's rich in lean protein, B vitamins and folate. It's also made all in one pan for stress-free, easy clean-up!
You'll have a healthy dinner ready in less than 30 minutes!
(Makes four servings.)
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
15 oz. canned diced tomatoes
15 oz. canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1 pinch salt + pepper
Instructions:
1. Season chicken thighs with the oregano/seasoning and the salt + pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan over medium heat, cook the minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, then add the canned diced tomatoes and the chickpeas. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Wilt the spinach: Stir spinach into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
5. Serve: Slice or shred the chicken and return it to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Serve warm as-is, over rice or with crusty whole grain bread to soak up the sauce.
Tip for Beating Stress Using "time anchors"
People with dementia often struggle with time, but caregivers can benefit from reframing the way they think about time.
Instead of saying: "I don't know how I'm going to get through this whole day," try using events as anchors instead of focusing on the time.
Said another way, think about what you hope to accomplish in terms of daily activities or milestones, instead of the exact hour of the day you hope to complete something. For example, try reframing your daily schedule as “after breakfast...,” “after the next TV show...,” or “at lunchtime...”.
This can help make long, overwhelming days feel a bit more manageable and structured, reducing the pressure you put on yourself to complete things by a specific time. And remember to give yourself some grace!
Research News 📰
Try out CareYaya to learn and earn!
CareYaya, a nationwide group that matches college students with seniors who need companion care, is seeking dementia family caregivers in Charleston County to test YayaGuide, an AI-powered training tool funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Participants will explore the platform over two weeks on their own schedule and complete brief surveys. Compensation includes a $100 Amazon gift card, with an additional $100 available for an optional short interview.
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover or someone you'd like to shine a spotlight on? We'd love to hear from you! Please email us at info@respitecarecharleston.org.
