Casa Corner: Making changes

As spring arrives and we begin to see the changes nature has in store for us, perhaps it’s time to take a good look at what changes might make our lives better in 2009.

Those of us taking care of a spouse or a parent might discover that we’ve been pushing aside the thoughts of fatigue—and perhaps even depression that can result from day-in-day-out responsibilities.

You’ll probably recognize some of these folks.

They are your Green Valley friends and neighbors.

Maybe it’s even you!

Susan and Tom retired to Green Valley because their children live in Marana.

Susan is impaired by a recent stroke.

They now cope with the demands of physical disability, changing family roles, and the resulting emotional stress.

Robert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 10 months ago.

His decline has been rapid and Cynthia, his wife of 52 years, can no longer keep up with his daily care—without jeopardizing her own health.

Jim suffers from dementia.

He has been living with his daughter Julie since his wife died four years ago.

Allen cannot be left alone and Julie needs to work part-time to keep the household afloat.

Adult Day Care

We are lucky to live in Green Valley! Casa de Esperanza offers an Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) program that provides stimulating activities in a safe environment, five days a week, while giving family members some respite from the constant demands of caregiving.

A typical day at Casa’s ADHC program might include musical entertainment by volunteers, bingo, an outing, seated exercise, and a hot lunch, followed by a birthday party.

A really special experience is arts and crafts or singing with the children from our pre-school program.

Besides the clear benefits of socializing, during the day we provide assistance with activities of daily living and medications.

Casa is committed to helping all who need its services and we contract with organizations that will cover the cost of care and we use a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay.

We also raise funds to cover the remaining costs.

Transportation by wheelchair-accessible van is available.

Help us help you make a change in your life.

Give me or Cindy a call at 625-2273 and come for a tour of Casa.

Casa de Esperanza is at 780 S. Park Centre

Visit its Web site www.casacanhelp.org