Page 14 - ARUBA TODAY

A14 LOCAL
Thursday 21 december 2017

This page is sponsored by

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

with a Lost Memory’

start with gymnastics. At noon we all eat to-
gether, 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 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
suffered from dementia. He saw the need of a
day care and with professional help he start-
ed this home.” The house has a warm family
feeling and you can see clearly that the cli-
ents feel home here. “Some of them think they
are at work and we do give them ‘responsibili-
ORANJESTAD - Foundation Cas Marie is a day ties’’ like watering the plants in order for them
care for clients with dementia. Aruba Today to feel needed.” Lisette wished she had place
spoke with director Lisette Does about the im- for more clients because there is a waiting list
portance of a safe place and a structured day and she sees the need of more help. “But we
for those who cope with a decline in mental cannot do this without help. We have great
ability. “Dementia interferes with daily life. donators, but we are in need for more help to
Here at Cas Marie the clients find a place of realize our plans.”
rest, where they can be themselves and be
together with equal minds.” Cas Marie has 25 They Care
clients that spend the day from 8 am to 4 pm, In the island dementia is still quite a taboo and
Mondays through Thursdays. people often look for help when it is already
late. “We have a Memory Center at San Pe-
Lisette: “When they come in every morning dro Pavilion in Oranjestad and we urge people
we start with coffee and a breakfast bite. They to go there. The disease cannot be cured, but
need to feel at ease and get socialized. We do you can prepare yourself and train to slow the
activities, depending on the level of demen- illness down.” Cas Marie also organizes the
tia, in groups or individually. Every Monday we Dementia Café every 3 months where they in-

vite 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 rea-
son 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.