We would not be who we are today without the praying, the begging, the questioning and the searching. Transformation happened through this unexpected life change. Casa Caritas helped us to carry this heavy load. Jason found his family that understands his needs and frustrations and we can visit him as parents and not as caretakers.

We lead more balanced lives with the freedom of not caring for Gussi full-time. We are healthier and more social than we were before, and we have been able to take on activities that would not have been possible. We have uninterrupted conversations and meals which has left us more grounded and connected to each other, our daughter Nicci, and other family and friends.

Gussi is content living at Casa Caritas. He loves the weekly drives to and from Pretoria. He seems happy to go home and most of the time he seems happy to go back to Casa Caritas. At times he wants to stay longer and resists going back, but as soon as he enters through the Home’s front door he can’t wait to go and sit in his favourite spot. We know that he has a home for life that extends way beyond our mortality.

The care at Casa Caritas has been life changing. For my child, it means receiving the professional care and support he needs, 24 hours a day, in an environment that is safe, structured, and loving. For us as parents, it has brought some relief and allowed us to focus on being emotionally present for him rather than being constantly exhausted and overwhelmed by caregiving duties. It has given us a better balance, allowing us to work and function more healthily as a family, while still being deeply involved in our child’s life.