“(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)
• Santiago de Compostela (Lake Forest)
  • Emmanuel Ministry— GOD WITH US:
    

    A parish initiative to bring Christ’s Presence and Hope to those who are coping with chronic illnesses and end stage conditions. We listen, support, encourage and pray with them, with their families and caregivers. Friendly home visit can also be requested by calling the parish office.

  • Contact us – [email protected]

• St. Irenaeus Care Facilities Ministry (Cypress)
• St. Martin de Porres Home Visit Ministry (Yorba Linda)

PARISH SENIOR MINISTRIES

• Senior Forum at St. Joseph Parish, Placentia
  • Social gathering of seniors in the community the 3^rd Wednesday of each month. Contact the parish office for more information:
  • (714)528-1487
• Senior Singles Club, St. Nicholas Parish, Laguna Woods
  • Monthly fellowship for outings, gatherings, and shared meals with seniors of all peoples and faith backgrounds.
  • Contact the Parish Office (949)837-1090 or visit https://st-nicholaschurch.org/senior-singles for more information.

OTHER RESOURCES

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:

1. Strengthen and improve the availability of Caring for the Whole Person and palliative care in Catholic health systems and their hospitals;
2. Develop and implement Caring for the Whole Person programs in dioceses and parishes.

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/

Magnificare Caregiver Staffing Solutions

Magnificare LLC is a values-driven home care organization with a mission and philosophy in mind to always be family-oriented. We believe in the true meaning of the word “care”. We care about building relationships with our clients and their families. We care about nurturing respect between our clients and their caregivers. We ensure that freedom of choice, individuality, and dignity remain firmly in the hands of those we care for. We understand that being able to stay in your own home can make a huge difference to your mental and physical well-being. We believe that you are the expert in knowing what is best for your lifestyle and will work closely with you and your family members to provide reliable, tailored care enabling you to live the best life that you can. Ryan Mendoza (949)300-6740 [email protected]

Meals on Wheels OC

For home visits and meal delivery and care coordination services along with other local seniors resources, call (714)220-0224

Nourish for Caregivers

OC Navigator

To locate housing, food, healthcare, mental health and other resource throughout Orange County

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