octobre 2009 - aafi-afics - UNOG

INTERVIEW OF MRS. ROMY LASSERRE 21
by Pierre Vangeleyn
Mrs Lasserre, can you tell us briefly what is DOLCEA?
DOLCEA was created by GCP Vendôme under the Presidency of Jean-François Gobertier. He called the
project “Dolcea” because he felt the word symbolized all that he and his collaborators hoped to provide for
the residents: a serene and comfortable home, in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Dolcea benefits from
the experience and investment of men and women specialized in looking after older people. All those
working in the some one hundred medicalised retirement homes throughout France are dedicated to the
slogan: welcoming, meeting, serving, for the well-being of the residents.
Which residences are located in the region of the Lac Léman ?
Dolcea has two residences situated at less than 15 minutes from Geneva: The Cyclamens at Challex (Ain)
and the Jardins du Mont Blanc at Ville La Grand (Haute-Savoie), which opened in 2008. The ”Jardins” can
receive 84 residents, 20 of whom in a specialized unit for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or a
similar illness. Dolcea aimed to create a residence that was a real home integrated in the Haute Savoyard
countryside, and this is reflected in its décor. At Quinal, on the outskirts of Annecy, and with the new
motorway less than half an hour from Geneva, there is also the Jardin des Gentianes.
Do you accept former international civil servants?
The geography of the region and the fact that Geneva is so close mean we receive any number of requests
for admission from people who have worked with international organizations, such as the UN, WHO, WTO,
ILO, but also from retirees from CERN. We consider each case with great care, and if the admission criteria
are met, we do everything we can to give a positive reply.
What exactly are the admission criteria ?
To be a French or foreign resident in the Annemasse area or in the departments of Ain or Haute-Savoie
Or, to be of French nationality and a relative of a French national living in Switzerland, with a view to bringing
the family together
Or, to be 60 years of age or over (for those under 60, special authorization must be obtained from the
Maison Départementale du Handicap).
Or, a foreigner who wishes to live closer to a relative living in France.
What assistance can be received by your residents?
As far as the dependency rate is concerned, those who have resided in France and have paid local taxes
may be entitled to receive an A.P.A. (Aide Personalisée à l’autonomie), depending on their financial situation
and the agreement of the Conseil général, which would cover part of the cost. In addition some international
organizations grant certain indemnities for this.
The CPAM covers the cost of all nursing care for those who have contributed to the French Social Security
system. In other cases, this is covered in part by the insurance schemes of the international organizations.
With regard to the cost of accommodation, only the Caisse d’Allocations familiales grants an allowance in a
few cases, depending on financial and other criteria which are very restrictive.
For further information:
List of the Dolcea residences : http://www.dolcea.fr
21 Mme Lasserre is the Director of the Résidences Les Cyclamens at Challex and Les Jardins du Mont Blanc
at Ville-la-Grand (rlassserre@dolcea..fr. Tel. 0033 613 727398)
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