Casa De Vida

Casa de Vida, an outreach of NorthPark Presbyterian Church, is a faith-based program offering affordable respite care for caregivers of individuals diagnosed with early to moderate stage dementia being cared for at home. While caregivers enjoy a needed break, their loved ones participate in revitalizing socialization and life-enhancing activities.

Casa de Vida is designed to ensure that family members, who are full-time caregivers, are able to go to lunch with friends, take a nap or make appointments knowing that their loved one is exercising, singing, playing games, and enjoying the company of their Care Companion. Care companions are assigned to the same participants each week. The Care Companion is there to reassure the participant, and provide continuity and personalized care. Other volunteers lead music and exercise, provide coffee and snacks, call bingo and lead games, and provide stimulating activities and programs during the day. Except for one paid staff member, Casa de Vida is operated by trained volunteers who willingly give their time and come with joy each  Wednesday to ease the strain on caregivers and to be fully engaged with each participant. A monthly support group led by Nicole Bates, Senior Minister of NorthPark Presbyterian Church, is available to caregivers to share concerns and encourage one another.

Casa de Vida is a unique, volunteer-driven program that serves a vital need in the Dallas community. As more people are diagnosed with dementia including Alzheimer's disease, there is a greater number of caregivers under the emotional and physical strain of providing care for their loved ones.

Casa Participants: "My mom's first language is not English, but that has not been a barrier to her enjoying the benefits of Casa de Vida, a ministry open to different belief systems and cultures. In fact, her memory week after week is, "Time flies so fast here, I always have a nice time when you bring me to this place."

Another family shared, "We are truly blessed that Maurice's Caring Companion, Carol Jean, was assigned to him. She is so caring, interested in his stories, and shows him so much compassion. He adores her. I do not learn much of what he does at your program, except to say, when I pick him up, he is grinning, happy and animated.

Your door greeters are also tops! They brighten the day no matter the weather. This respite program is a Godsend time for me, as I can accomplish many necessary tasks wit