ROCKFORD—Staff and volunteers of the Catholic Charities Long Term Care Ombudsman program were treated to a special blessing from Bishop David Malloy and to insider insights from Sally Petrone of the Illinois Department on Aging at a training session on Sept. 23.
Diocesan director of Catholic Charities, Patrick Winn, also shared his support for the program, which advocates for residents of long term care facilities in nine of 11 counties of the Diocese of Rockford.
Much of that work is done by volunteers who each visit one or more facilities on a regular basis, developing relationships with residents and helping to ensure they are treated with respect. Volunteers and staff advocate for individuals to receive the services needed to maximize their independence.
Bishop Malloy began the meeting with a few thoughts, thanks and a blessing.
“We’ve always been a people to carry out our faith,” he said, adding that services given must be relevant to every age.
“How much is able to be resolved by that personal touch (and the) peace of mind and soul (that can) flow from that,” the bishop said. “In a way, it is a quiet ministry ... I’m grateful for what you do,” he said before imparting his blessing on those gathered.
Winn gave an overview of how the Charities’ staff is looking to the future and marking their progress in various ministries, and also shared a bit on challenges presented by the author of a book called “Toxic Charity” at a recent luncheon. The ombudsman program he noted, is one that is a “most obvious example of an organization” that does not set people up to become dependent.
“You are the advocates,” he said. “You are helping (residents) be independent … There’s a whole lot of people (who are) forgotten about in those facilities. We are not going to forget them.”
Petrone has been in charge of the Office of State Long Term Care Ombudsman for the past 12 years. Her office provides training, direction, resources and policies and procedures, said Cathy Weightman-Moore, ombudsman program director in the diocese for almost 25 years. Weightman-Moore described Petrone as a “very strong supporter of us.”
Petrone began with a rundown of her history in working with seniors, beginning with her recreation therapy degree and volunteer work while in college. She called the ombudsman program as “constantly evolving” since she began in 2002. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart” for your work, she said. “It is a tough job (to) be there for them.”
The Catholic Charities program in the diocese is one of four in the State that have a volunteer coordinator – out of 18 total regional programs, Perone explained before speaking about some “hot topics” including national efforts to develop support services and help nursing home residents to move out of institutions whenever possible.
Weightman-Moore noted that a Level One Training for new volunteers is scheduled to be held within the next month. For information about the Ombudsman program and the role of volunteers, call 815-316-0040 or 1-800-369-0895. The website is: http://catholiccharities.rockforddiocese.org/long-term-care-ombudsman