EAST PROVIDENCE — Sacred Heart Church opened its new elderly day care program on Monday, July 28. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, the program is held in the church’s basement hall at 118 Taunton Ave.
The goal of the elderly day care center is “to help older people in need meet their goals of remaining home and in their community with dignity and respect” as well as to relieve parishioners of the extra work required to take care of their older relatives.
The hall was completely remodeled over the last few years by assistant pastor Fr. Peter Di Tullio with the aid of parishioners. Renovations included ramps inside and outside the building for ease of access to program participants and a new handicap-accessible bathroom in the hall.
The hall currently contains a television, smart board, card table and multiple exercise bikes. The dining area contains a stage and a piano for entertainment. Various activities will also be planned each day for the participants’ benefit. The program has both a social worker and a registered nurse on staff.
Hot meals will be provided each day in the future, but due to current low enrollment and the lack of a certified chef, participants are asked to bring their own meals which will be reheated by staff at meal time. In the event that enrollment increases before a chef can be certified, Fr. Di Tullio has arranged for meals to be delivered from the Cranston Senior Center.
Fr. Di Tullio, who was also responsible for the creation of the parish’s children’s day care and afterschool program, said taking care of the elderly parishioners is a very personal goal.
“Basically I wanted to reproduce in the parish what my community spirit is,” he said, also citing his work to keep the Sacred Heart School open for the last 27 years.
He was also grateful to all of the parishioners who helped him in the renovations of the hall, including one parishioner who provided electrical work at no cost.
Co-Pay rates vary according to the participant’s eligibility for assistance from Medicaid, the Division of Elderly Affairs, Respite, and Veterans, with a base rate per day ranging from $50 to $70.
Fr. Di Tullio stressed that he wants to keep the cost for participants as low as possible, while also making sure the program is self-sufficient rather than dependent on the parish for finances.
For additional information on the program, potential participants can call the church’s office during the program’s hours at 401-714-0145 or 401-434-0326.
— Story by Joseph D’Amico, eastbayri.com intern
— Photos by Alex Watrous
