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LOCALWednesday 27 December 2017
This article is donated by:
You Can Help Keeping Aruba Happy:
‘A Safe Haven for Those with a
Lost Memory’
ORANJESTAD - Foundation Cas
Marie is a day care for clients with gymnastics. At noon we all eat
dementia. Aruba Today spoke
with director Lisette Does about
the importance of a safe place
and a structured day for those
who cope with a decline in mental
ability. “Dementia interferes with
daily life. Here at Cas Marie the
clients find a place of rest, where
they can be themselves and be
together with equal minds.” Cas
Marie has 25 clients that spend the
day from 8 am to 4 pm, Mondays
through Thursdays.
Lisette: “When they come in every
morning we start with coffee and
a breakfast bite. They need to feel
at ease and get socialized. We do
activities, depending on the level
of dementia, in groups or individu-
If you would like to visit the foundation, please call + (297) 584-3375 and ask for Lisette Does. If you would like to donate, please do so at bank
account RBC 42 68 288. For more information visit the website: www.casmarie.com or Facebook: CasMarie, centro di encuentro pa persona cu
Demencia y nanFamia.
work and daily responsibilities.” out help. We have great donators,
The daycare is founded by Boy but we are in need for more help
Escalona ten years ago. “His wife to realize our plans.”
was called Marie and she suffered
from dementia. He saw the need They Care
of a day care and with profession- In the island dementia is still quite
al help he started this home.” The a taboo and people often look for
house has a warm family feeling help when it is already late. “We
and you can see clearly that the have a Memory Center at San
clients feel home here. “Some of Pedro Pavilion in Oranjestad and
them think they are at work and we urge people to go there. The
we do give them ‘responsibilities’’ disease cannot be cured, but you
like watering the plants in order can prepare yourself and train
for them to feel needed.” Lisette
wished she had place for more
clients because there is a waiting
list and she sees the need of more
help. “But we cannot do this with-
ally. Every Monday we start with
together, a fresh, hot meal that is
prepared in our own kitchen. Real
local food as they know from the
earlier days, it is called ‘Crioyo’.”
Structure to Hold On
It is of great importance to offer a
structured day, so every morning
Lisette and her staff greet every cli-
ent individually. “The clients are all
in the same boat here and do not
need to feel lost or as an outsider.”
For the family it means that they
have some time to themselves as
it can be a challenge to live with
somebody who suffers dementia.
“They cannot be left alone and of-
ten they switch the day and night
rhythm which means the family
gets no rest while they have their
to slow the illness down.” Cas Marie also organizes the Dementia Café every
3 months where they invite specialists or other related lecturers to elaborate
about the illness. “And we started the Cas Marie Bo Bario this April where two of
our colleagues go into the neighborhoods to do activities with potential clients
at the community centers. This is also a prevention stage for us to signalize what
is going on.” While walking around with Lisette I see the Christmas tree, hear
the music and feel the reason why every client has her or his place here. It is
like home, but together with equals and that makes it relaxed. “We really care
about them. We will reach that age too and you need to be loved.”
For this holiday season Cas Marie would be happy to welcome you at their
home. You can meet the clients, talk, socialize, get to know the foundation and
see their good work. It would be great if you bring a Christmas basket or donate
in any other way. Just a small gesture would already help a lot.q