Parishes must complement professional elder care

Studies indicate that for every person in a formal system of care in the United States, two are cared for informally. The current economic slump and projections of a substantial increase in persons needing assistance with activities of daily living point out the need for community organizational efforts to provide services for the frail. Historically, the Catholic Church has provided human services to vulnerable persons. The local church now provides many long-term care services. Fordham University studies have identified a number of parishes with successful programs and indicate that virtually all can do more. Successful parish programs are characterized by an institutional consciousness, personal leadership rooted in a supportive structure, clergy participation, formal record keeping, training and support of volunteers, ecumenical efforts, neighborhood involvement, and diocesan support. The parish church has special opportunities to unify spiritual, physical, and social aid to increase the sense of belongingness of frail persons. The Church must play a more decisive role in the provision of long-term care services.