“(T)he teaching and language of the Bible present old age as a “favourable time” for bringing life to its fulfillment and, in God’s plan for each person, as a time when everything comes together and enables us better to grasp life’s meaning and to attain “wisdom of heart.”
-Pope John Paul II
Caring for loved ones as they advance in age can present a wide variety of challenges. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange has several programs that are designed to provide assistance that restores dignity and independence to elders and ease the burden of care on families.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND
These Eucharistic Minsters take Communion, Sunday bulletins, and the encouragement of community to the elderly, sick and housebound. Ministers visit the local nursing homes as well. To request for Communion to be brought to you or a family member who is sick or housebound, please contact your parish office.
VISITATION MINISTRIES
The following parishes offer visitor ministries to senior and housebound parishioners. They offer listening ears, understanding hearts, and the presence and friendship of the parish community. More information is linked below by location or contact the respective parish office for more information.
- Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano Friendly Visitors (San Juan Capistrano)
- St. Irenaeus Care Facilities Ministry (Cypress)
- St. Martin de Porres Home Visit Ministry (Yorba Linda)
- St. Timothy Outreach Ministries (Laguna Niguel)
OTHER RESOURCES
Orange County Office on Aging COVID-19 Resource Toolkit for older adults and caregivers: https://officeonaging.ocgov.com/covid-19/resource-toolkit
Alzheimer’s OC Faith-Based Caregiver Support Groups
Are you a caregiver for someone with memory loss? Want someone to talk to?
If you are a family caregiver or a friend of a person with dementia, our informal meetings offer resources for problem solving, educational information, as well as emotional support. They are a place where people can share their experiences and feelings and hear from others in similar situations. You are not alone on this journey. Come as you are and meet other caregivers with related concerns.
Meetings are free of charge and available for family caregivers and friends of persons with dementia (not appropriate for professional caregivers)
For additional information please call the facilitator. If the facilitator is unavailable please call 844-HELP-ALZ (844-435-7259)
Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center
13280 Chapman Ave
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Mercy Center Room 1D
Meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday, 2:00-3:30pm
Facilitator Contact: Patty Mouton 714-349-5517
https://www.alzoc.org/event/faith-based-caregiver-support-group-garden-grove/
Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
2046 Mar Vista Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Parish Center Staff Lounge
Meets monthly on the 1st Tuesday, 7:00-8:30pm
Facilitator Contact: Jim Casey & Patty Mouton 949-640-1750 or Our Lady Queen of Angels 949-644-0200
https://www.alzoc.org/event/faith-based-caregiver-support-group-newport-beach/
Family Caregiver Resource Center
Sponsored by St. Jude Medical Center, the Family Caregiver Resource Center helps Orange County families who are coping with the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities of caregiving.
130 W Bastanchury Rd
Fullerton, CA 92835
714-446-5030
http://www.caregiveroc.org/
Saint Francis Home
Saint Francis Home is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit retirement residence for the elderly in a quiet and peaceful residential area of western Santa Ana, California. Run by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, this Catholic assisted living home provides elderly care for both Catholic and non-Catholic residents.
1718 W. 6th Street Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 542-0381
[email protected]
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
http://www.st-francis-home.org/
Senior Care Referral Specialists
For free assistance finding independent living communities, in-home care services, assisted living communities, residential board & care homes, dementia/Alzheimers Care, and other community resources, contact Sharon Holmes, Eldercare Consultant, at 714-955-4781
Caring for the Whole Person Initiative
The Caring for the Whole Person Initiative is a collaborative project of the California Catholic Conference and the Alliance of Catholic Health Care. This initiative has a two-fold purpose:
- Strengthen and improve the availability of Caring for the Whole Person and palliative care in Catholic health systems and their hospitals;
- Develop and implement Caring for the Whole Person programs in dioceses and parishes.