by InTrieste
Across Italy, care for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is largely shouldered by family members. National statistics indicate that at least 80% of caregiving responsibilities fall on relatives, many of whom face emotional and physical exhaustion as they navigate this role. In Trieste, a northern Italian city known for its commitment to social services, the De Banfield Association has become a beacon of support for these “invisible” caregivers.
Eight years ago, the association founded CasaViola, a unique center dedicated to supporting caregivers of individuals with dementia. At CasaViola, a team of specialists provides free counseling sessions, psychological support, and training activities designed to help families better understand dementia and cope with the isolation and stress it often brings.
This month, CasaViola is expanding its offerings with a groundbreaking initiative called “Saturday in the City.”Launching November 23, the program introduces a Relief Group to provide caregivers with two hours of free time every Saturday morning while engaging their loved ones in therapeutic activities. Running from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the program offers structured, non-pharmacological therapies to groups of people with dementia.
To participate, caregivers simply bring their loved ones to CasaViola. For two hours, individuals are entrusted to the care of trained staff from the association and S.O.F.I.A. per la famiglia, who will provide a rotating schedule of activities designed to stimulate and comfort participants. The program is supported by the CRT Foundation, a prominent Italian charitable organization.
“The program reflects a dual mission,” said a spokesperson for De Banfield. “To relieve caregivers from their constant responsibilities and to show how innovative therapies can bring dignity and joy to individuals with neurocognitive disorders.”
The holiday season also marks the return of another beloved initiative: the De Banfield Association’s Christmas Market.Beginning November 25, volunteers from the Emporio della Solidarietà will display their handmade creations in the atrium of the Chamber of Commerce in Trieste. Visitors can donate to receive holiday treats such as panettone or pandoro, wrapped in artisanal, hand-sewn bags. Chocolate gift bags will also be available.
All proceeds from the Christmas Market will support the association’s in-home care programs, which extend the reach of CasaViola to assist elderly residents in Trieste.
For Trieste, a city steeped in tradition but unafraid of innovation, initiatives like CasaViola underscore its commitment to the most vulnerable members of its community.
For more information, call +39 040 362766 or email casaviola@debanfield.it.
