EP 161 :: Dementia Care & Respite for All :: Daphne Johnston

Sometimes caregivers just need a break. Daphne Johnson started Respite for All to help them and the ones they care for. RFA’s volunteers are helping improve quality of life for people with dementia while offering peace of mind and respite to their caregivers. It’s a great way to help offset growing social isolation for both patient and caregiver as the disease advances. Plus, the organization's volunteer model provides patients with variety, stimulation, and a welcome change of routine while reducing burnout among caregivers. Sounds like a win-win to us!

Daphne Johnston founded “Respite for All Foundation” to help individuals living with dementia find purpose and hope through new relationships based on a volunteer model.

The Foundation has inspired over 25 new community volunteer Respite programs across the USA.  The original “Respite Ministry” in Montgomery, AL, has logged over 100,000 hours of volunteer time in ten years. Collectively, her programs have served over 1000 people living with dementia, 1000 care partners and trained over 1200 volunteers. 

The program has been recognized by the U.S. Administration on Aging as an innovative initiative for dementia in for 2016 and 2019 and won the coveted 2021 Anne and Irving Brodsky Innovation Grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in 2021.

Follow Daphne on Facebook.

Don't forget to subscribe, download, and review to share your thoughts about the show!