Page 13 - ARUBA TODAY

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Wednesday 13 december 2017

This article is donated by:

You Can Help Keeping Aruba Happy:
‘A Safe Haven for Those with a

Lost Memory’

Structure to Hold On
It is of great importance to offer a structured
day, so every morning Lisette and her staff
greet every client 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 them-
selves as it can be a challenge to live with
somebody who suffers dementia. “They can-
not be left alone and often they switch the
day and night rhythm which means the fam-
ily gets no rest while they have their work and
daily responsibilities.”
The daycare is founded by Boy Escalona ten
years ago. “His wife was called Marie and she
ORANJESTAD - Foundation Cas Marie is a day suffered from dementia. He saw the need of a
care for clients with dementia. Aruba Today day care and with professional help he start-
spoke with director Lisette Does about the im- ed this home.” The house has a warm family
portance of a safe place and a structured day feeling and you can see clearly that the cli-
for those who cope with a decline in mental ents feel home here. “Some of them think they
ability. “Dementia interferes with daily life. are at work and we do give them ‘responsibili-
Here at Cas Marie the clients find a place of ties’’ like watering the plants in order for them
rest, where they can be themselves and be to feel needed.” Lisette wished she had place
together with equal minds.” Cas Marie has 25 for more clients because there is a waiting list
clients that spend the day from 8 am to 4 pm, and she sees the need of more help. “But we
Mondays through Thursdays. cannot do this without help. We have great
donators, but we are in need for more help to
Lisette: “When they come in every morning realize our plans.”
we start with coffee and a breakfast bite. They
need to feel at ease and get socialized. We do They Care
activities, depending on the level of demen- In the island dementia is still quite a taboo and
tia, in groups or individually. Every Monday we people often look for help when it is already
start with gymnastics. At noon we all eat to- late. “We have a Memory Center at San Pe-
gether, a fresh, hot meal that is prepared in dro Pavilion in Oranjestad and we urge peo-
our own kitchen. Real local food as they know ple to go there. The disease cannot be cured,
from the earlier days, it is called ‘Crioyo’.” but you can prepare yourself and train 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 col-
leagues 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

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.