CASA DE VIDA
An outreach ministry of NorthPark Presbyterian Church
Casa de Vida is a once-a-week respite program for the caregiver of a loved one with early onset Alzheimer’s (AD) or related dementia being cared for at home.
With Alzheimer’s disease it can be said that there are two victims – the patient and the caregiver. Medical care is available to the patient but, all too often, the caregiver struggles alone through the 24-hour task of caring for their loved one. Respite programs for caregivers are few and can be costly.
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Through its Casa de Vida outreach ministry, NorthPark Presbyterian Church offers a timeout for caregivers. For four hours each Tuesday Casa de Vida provides a respite for individuals caring for loved ones with early onset Alzheimer’s or related dementia living at home. Open to persons of all faiths, races and ethnicities, Casa de Vida offers a breather to the caregiver, an opportunity to run errands, visit friends, shop or just go home for a quiet time. |
| Meanwhile the loved one takes part in an activity-based program from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Life enhancing activities include music, art, exercise, games, “Memory Lane” and crafts. Bingo, prizes and all, is a favorite activity. “Sing-A-Long with Bill and Maria” closes the day after a snack lunch. Once a month NorthPark pastors conduct a short worship and communion service. Faith Companions are a very special element of this program. A Faith Companion is assigned to each participant and becomes that participant’s “new best friend”. The Faith Companion is there to reassure the participant and provide a sense of weekly continuity. Faith Companions and their participants can develop special relationships. |
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For more information about the program including volunteer opportunities contact Molly Stewart 214-349-6072
For more information regarding procedures for admission to Casa de Vida and criteria for admission contact Ann Anderson, 972-783-8780, and Nick Harper, 214-349-6584
