Over the years, elderly living requires different care. When it is no longer possible to live alone or when the elderly simply wish to be accompanied and cared for, assisted living is a choice especially when language is a concern. “For Hispanics to feel at home in an assisted living facility, they need to be talked to in their language, with their customs respected, and taste buds stimulated,” said Annette Mendez, manager of Mi Casa Assisted Living facility

Serviced by Cuban, Salvadoran and Puerto Rican attendants, and featuring typical Latino menus ranging from stew, rice and beans to a variety of recipes with cassava; the hallmark of Mi Casa is one hundred percent Hispanic. With the influx of Latinos in the area, in 2009, Jesus Castillo founded Mi Casa, as of today “the only full bilingual institution for the elderly in Northeast Florida,” said Annette Méndez, manager of the home.

Unlike some other asisted living facilities, Mi Casa with the options of private rooms or double occupancy quarters, “has the advantage of a small institution where seniors receive more personal attention,” said Mendez. That is an important factor to encourage many seniors who typically arrive with a sense of abandonment when admitted in assisted living. “Their families arrive wanting to take them out for a walk, and many don’t want to leave,” laughs Annette.

Mi Casa has a large recreation courtyard for its residents to enjoy pastime, leisure, and amusement. Some of the activities are organized in association with bands, radio stations, local artists and performers. “Recently, la Gatita and FM 105.3 came with Renacer Boricano Jacksonville, and on previous occasions she brought Mariachis and Spanish-American musicians,” said the manager.

Mi Casa has primarily a Latino population with the exception of one American, and most of them suffer from neurological deficits caused by aging. However, with the level of attention offered in a more personal assisted living care, seniors are monitored without feeling that they have lost their independence. “We count on monthly checkups from a Hispanic Doctor Heber Rosa, MD with Visiting Physicians Association nurses who determine if our seniors need additional therapies,” said Annette who assured their care includes food, medication, bathing, and clean clothes for all residents.