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Age typically increases maturity, but it customarily decreases mobility. For the last eight years, Bonney DosSantos has worked to ensure it does not also diminish dignity. As the director of the St. Monica Eldercare Program, based at St. Monica Junior School, 1720 Ritner St., she strives to allow the seniors of South Philly’s largest parish to enjoy life within Girard Estate for as long as possible.
“The goal of our program is to help people to age successfully and safely within their homes,” DosSantos, who resides with husband Gary in Riverton, N.J., said of the element of the Farrell-Townsend Trust, an entity named after deceased pastor Monsignor Aloysius F.X. Farrell and his aunt Mary Townsend.
Current pastor Rev. Joseph Kelley informed DosSantos that his congregation includes many aging members, so the Archdiocese of Philadelphia employee sets out to lessen their tribulations by venturing to their residences to provide geriatric care management assistance. She assesses an individual’s situation, coordinates programs and determines appropriate support such as insurance and prescription drug plans.
“I have often been the first outsider in a senior’s home, so I enjoy establishing trust among my clients,” DosSantos, 56, said.
Her figures fluctuate but she receives nearly 60 individual contacts per month. Her roster consists of almost 50 parishioners, many arthritis and congestive heart failure sufferers. Rowhome steps often compound their pain, so DosSantos, who has aided more than 300 seniors during the program’s history, looks to bring their bodies comfort while offering their souls a companion.
“I feel blessed I’m here because it’s a perfect fit,” she said of her role within the free initiative. “It is my job, but it seems more like a mission.”
DosSantos, with more than 25 years as a social worker and memberships in numerous health-care associations and chapters, stresses not stressing, preferring to remind clients of their irreplaceable worth. Her attitude has guided her through the misfortune of having to part with participants through either their needing placement in a facility or their passing. Sampling their will, though, makes her believe she receives more than she gives. She finds her vital community member distinction flattering and wishes to share it with her staff members.
“They are reliable, sensitive, compassionate and wise,” the mother of two said. “My life has contained many blessings. I have a desire to give back because of them.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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Madeline Brinkman Louis DiRenzo Andrew Emma Darren Fava Sara Feinstein
Greg Frangipani Gary Harkins Kelly Hile Mitch Little Robert Malara
Jessica Mammarella Chris Menna Anton Moore John Murawski Cassie Plummer
Sue Posternock Michelle Rumbaugh Letty Santarelli Christy Santoro
Marianne Squillaciotti Walter Stewart Jennifer Swain Angelica-Victoriano Joe Whelan
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