Casa de Vida is a low-cost program designed to give rest to stressed caregivers of Alzheimer's and other dementia patients.

On May 31st the program will celebrate another successful year with a carnival at NorthPark Presbyterian Church.

Molly Stewart, a Lake Highlands resident and advisory board chairman of Casa, and her all-volunteer staff saw local schools holding end of year events and field trips.

"We wanted to give our folks the joy of a year-end party, too," she says.

Casa de Vida started at the NorthPark Presbyterian in February 2005 after a year of planning and volunteer recruitment.

Beginning in August of each year, on Tuesday mornings, caregivers may drop off relatives for four hours once a week.

Caregivers are then free to shop, read a book, visit a friend or go home for quiet time to reduce stress.

Participants spend the time at the church participating in things like music, yoga, games, memory times and lunch.

Volunteers assist each person with movement from one activity to another.

According to Stewart, some people volunteer because they have had family members or friends of their own in the caregiver's predicament and want to help.

The volunteers are known as Faith Companions and are caring, committed volunteers from across the community.

The cost to participate in Casa de Vida is $15 per week, and scholarships are available.

Currently there is a waiting list to join the program, but openings are expected by fall.

The May 31st year-end carnival promises fun and fellowship for Casa de Vida participants, caregivers and volunteers.

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For more information about Casa de Vida, contact volunteer chairman Marguerite McCarthy at 214.348.6140.

For enrollment questions contact Ann Anderson at 972.783.8780 or Kambiz Afkhami at 972.680.2090.

NorthPark Presbyterian is located at 9555 N. Central Expressway near the corner of 75 and Walnut Hill.

Photos courtesy of Kambiz Afkhami.