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. 

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. Casa de Vida offers a monthly support group for caregivers on every 4th Wednesday. Here you can connect with others who understand your experiences, share advice, and find emotional support. Reach out to casa@northparkpres.org to learn more and sign up. 

Since its 2007 inception, over 192 families have benefitted from the care and programs of Casa de Vida. Each year, families benefit from nearly 40 days or over 2,500 hours of respite while they are in our program. We receive direct feedback through thank you notes over the years which illustrate the family’s satisfaction of the services provided. Below are excerpts from these notes illustrating this program’s impact on our families.

“Dear Casa de Vida, your kindness towards my husband and me means more than I'm able to express in humble words. He has enjoyed the companionship, activities, and "change of scenery" this last year, and I have been able to enjoy time to myself as well! Thank you so much for this excellent outreach program. You are truly an embodiment of Christ's commandment to love one another.”

"Dear Casa, thank you and all your staff for what you do for Wayne. You and everyone there are so special, and he really enjoys coming to Casa de Vida. It helps me so much."

"Dear Casa de Vida, the candle making was a great idea. Doug is so proud that he made it. We have burned it several times and each time it brings a smile to his face. He continues to enjoy the Casa program, and I feel fortunate he can participate. Thank you all."

"Dear Casa de Vida, I just wanted to let you know how much Casa has meant to us as a family. We are so grateful for the joy it brings to my mom every week. Wednesdays are noticeably her brighter days and it's so nice for all of us to look forward to knowing that she's in great hands but also having a wonderful time. The group of volunteers and her partner are truly special, and we feel so fortunate to have been included in your group."

"Dear Friends at Casa de Vida, Mom has thoroughly enjoyed her time at Casa de Vida. She told my husband she has fun and feels safe. He was amazed that she was able to express her feelings so clearly, it has been a long time since she has expressed new thoughts and emotions. Mom told her nurse that she had made many new friends even though she needs the name tag to remember their names. She thinks that her name tag reminds her of her name in case she forgets and has asked for one at home. My family deeply appreciates your ministry. It benefits me as the caregiver giving me time to take care of myself, Mom's need to be part of society and my extended family knowing that Mom and I are rejuvenated."

Year after year, the overwhelming gratitude from those we serve demonstrates that Casa de Vida provides profound relief for caregivers, offering them precious respite, and brings immeasurable joy and social connection to individuals living with dementia.