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Older Americans Month celebrates ‘Choices for Independence’ Respite Care Ministries is highlighting Older Americans Month by celebrating its 10th Anniversary of offering support programs for people with memory loss and their caregivers.   Respite Care Ministries, serving both the caregiver and the program  participant, focuses on helping both to maintain and nurture their independence and well-being for as long as possible. Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s Disease, which afflicts almost 5 million people today, is expected to increase to 14 million people by 2050 unless a cure can be found.   Respite care programs provide a choice for older Americans who are able to be cared for at home. Community-based and affordable, these programs help to delay placement of impaired family members in an institution and help families keep the person with the disease, as well as themselves, financially independent for longer.   “Since September 1995, when St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church was selected as a site for the establishment of a respite care program, older adults have been able to participate in activities such as service projects, arts and crafts, music, gardening, exercise and other activities that promote conversation and allow for some fun in their day,” said Carla Greene, Respite Care Ministries program coordinator.   The program offers caregivers the comfort of knowing their family members are in a safe and supportive place. While elders are at Respite Care, caregivers may use this time for personal needs, such as meeting a friend, going shopping, scheduling an appointment, but above all, resting and taking care of themselves.   All programs meet from 10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. The fee of $25 a day includes a breakfast snack, lunch and a variety of activities. Scholarships also are available. Programs offered are: Quality Time—St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 King St., Charleston. Meets Monday, Thursday and Friday. Contact Carla Greene at 327-7470. Quality Time—Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 714 Riverdale Dr., Charleston. Meets Tuesday. Contact Greene. Time For You—All Saints Lutheran Church, 2107 Hwy. 17 North, Mount Pleasant. Meets Tuesday and Wednesday. Contact Ginger Deignan at 810-5576. Our Island Home—The Church of Our Saviour, 4416 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island. Meets Tuesday and Thursday. Contact Laura Stefanelli at 478-8756.   Respite Care Ministries staff can be reached at 327-7470 or e-mail respitecare@comcast.net.     Friday, May 26, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.