Parish and faith-based ministries in archdiocese offer help for seniors

Criterion staff report

Most parishes in the archdiocese offer a ministry to bring the Eucharist and visit with Catholics who are homebound or living in a nursing home.

But many other parish ministries and Catholic organizations throughout central and southern Indiana offer other services to meet the needs of all seniors, regardless of their faith background.

Two such ministries are featured in this issue of The Criterion: the Compassionate Visitors ministry of St. Gabriel Parish in Connersville and St. Bridget of Ireland Parish in Liberty, and the NAME ministry of St. Paul Catholic Center’s campus ministry in Bloomington. (See pages 8-9.)

Other parish or Catholic-sponsored services helping seniors in central and southern Indiana are listed below. This list is not comprehensive, but provides a starting place for seniors seeking assistance or for those wanting to volunteer to help seniors.

Bloomington

Mental Health Services through Bloomington Catholic Charities: Mental health professionals located in offices throughout Bloomington offer a comprehensive, integrated continuum of quality care for children and adults of all ages struggling with a range of life issues, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life adjustments, stress and more. All are welcome. Most health insurances are accepted, and a sliding fee scale is available. For more information go to bit.ly/2QbSyVq (case sensitive), or call 812‑332-1262.

Indianapolis area

A Caring Place Adult Day Services, 4609 N. Capitol Ave.: Therapeutic, safe day care for adults, including seniors, with cognitive and physical impairments. For more information, go to bit.ly/2Ua7PV9 (case sensitive), or call 317 466-0015 for more information.
Caregiver Support, Indiana Interchurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd St., and St. Mark the Evangelist School, 541 E. Edgewood Ave.: Monthly caregiver support groups, identification of community resources and small‑scale home modifications are available for adults age 60 and older. For more information, go to bit.ly/2AN86oc (case sensitive), or call 317-261-3378.
Senior Companion Program: Volunteers age 55 and older assist older adults through regularly scheduled home visits to help prevent feelings of loneliness and social isolation, while improving self-esteem. For more information, go to bit.ly/2Ua7PV9 (case sensitive), or call 317-236-1565.

New Albany

Outreach Counseling Program through St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities: Open to residents of the southern Indiana and Louisville areas. Some major insurances accepted, including Indiana Medicaid, and a sliding scale based on income and family size is available. Faith may be incorporated into counseling services if client wishes. For more information, call St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities at 812-949-7305 to be directed to the counseling program.

Tell City

Emergency Assistance through Tell City Catholic Charities: Allows those in financial crisis to alleviate some struggles through financial assistance with utilities, rent/mortgage, gasoline for out-of-town medical needs, prescription medicines and more. Information is taken at time of contact to determine eligibility. For more information, call 812-547-0903. †

The Criterion