The Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) funds and showcases innovative funded projects that improve access to dementia respite care across the United States. Through its national grant program, CDRI supports organizations developing person-centered, dementia-capable respite services that meet the needs of caregivers and individuals living with dementia. This page features CDRI-funded funded projects, including current and past grant awardees, special quarterly recognitions, and spotlight initiatives that advance equity, sustainability, and innovation in respite care.
Innovation in action is transforming respite care nationwide. Through bold ideas and practical solutions, CDRI grantees are reimagining what’s possible for people living with dementia and their caregivers. These spotlight projects show how innovation in real life can expand access, advance equity and create sustainable models of person-centered, dementia-capable care.
Lucky Shoals Community Association is a community-based nonprofit serving unincorporated Norcross, the most under-resourced part of Georgia’s second largest county. To address the need for respite among caregivers of people living with dementia, they created a free, volunteer-based respite care program for lower-income families in their community.
With a focus on the Asian American population in Norcross, Lucky Shoals pairs each participant living with dementia with a volunteer fluent in their native language. This approach has created a linguistically and culturally inclusive program, fostering strong participation and building trust among attendees. The team is most proud of the consistency of participation in the respite program so far, and the trust they have earned in the community.
Part of the respite care program includes an active group on Facebook, which provides a forum for discussion, a social community, and ongoing support for caregivers and volunteers. Readers are invited to visit the group to learn more and connect with others.
The following organizations and projects have received CDRI grants to strengthen and expand respite care across the country. These awardees are launching new programs, enhancing existing services and creating innovative approaches that support caregivers and people living with dementia.