BY KATHRYN REED
Isolation can be one of the downsides of growing older. That is one reason why Casa Girasol was created.
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“When I’m in the community visiting people I noticed a need for elder care,” Lu Pearson, president of the Todos Santos nonprofit, said. “It’s for families who have parents here, or someone with a chronic illness, or maybe someone needs to get out and socialize.”
In some ways it’s like adult day care. In other ways it’s like a senior center one might find in the United States. It’s also an opportunity to meet new people, socialize and have a change of scenery. The bonus is it gives caregivers a break.
Pearson and Wendy Rains are the architects of this latest nonprofit in Todos Santos. Both have been active in the community for years. This evolved out of Comfort Care, which was founded in 2017 with the idea of creating a multilevel aging in place village in Pescadero. The pandemic and other factors derailed those grander plans, though if everything were to align correctly, that idea could be resurrected.
For now, Casa Girasole is an outlet to help seniors in the greater Todos Santos area.
Another key player in the center is Alan Anzuras, a general practitioner who is the group’s medical director. He has certifications in elder care and cognitive care.
“We will do a lot of activities to promote our brain health to try to avoid dementia,” Anzuras said. “We will also try some sort of exercises like coloring, playing board games, or some type of movement to keep our brains thinking.”
One of his favorite activities is what he calls “brain gym” to stimulate the mind as well as test one’s coordination.
Anzuras will be on-site two days a week. He will also be tasked with screening attendees to ensure this center is a good fit for each individual. Staff and volunteers are not equipped to care for dementia patients or those who might need one-on-one personal care.
Activities will change. Some include bingo and other games, meditation, and stretching. There are plans to bring in musicians and speakers. The schedule is on the group’s Facebook page as Casa Girasol.
It’s OK not to participate in an activity. Space is provided to chat with others or to do your own thing.
No age restrictions or residency requirements are in place. The founders, who had their grand opening in early May, are catering to all populations who call this area home whether they are full-time or part-time residents, expats or natives.
Casa Girasol is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is 100 pesos an hour, or 500 pesos for all six hours. The center will be open year-round.
People should bring snacks, lunch as well as something to drink.
Organizers are renting space at Liberty Ranch-Calvary Chapel on the way to La Paz from Todos Santos. It’s after the Pemex and before the overpass. The goal is to one day have a more permanent facility.
For more information or to sign up to attend or volunteer, email casagirasolts@gmail.com.
