The Diocesan Health Facilities group, sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, is best known for its five Skilled Nursing and Rehab facilities located in Southeastern Massachusetts, which serve a total of 848 men and women of all ages. Additionally, we offer two innovative Community-based programs that support independent living – Bethany House, providing adult day health care in Taunton, and EldersFirst, a geriatric health care consulting service designed to assist elders living at home.
Throughout our system, we are committed to care that embraces the whole person, including spiritual needs.
Our skilled nursing facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, which is the nation's oldest and largest accrediting body. We accept a variety of insurances and private payment plans and are fully certified by Medicaid and Medicare.
Mission
Our mission is to provide extended care to the chronically ill and disabled, with special emphasis on the care of the frail elderly. In response to Christ’s teachings, we offer a full spectrum of care that meets the resident’s physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
Through care that cherishes the residents’ God-given humanity, dignity, and individuality, they are able to experience the ministry of Jesus Christ. This approach to resident care sets our services uniquely apart from those of many other extended care facilities. While always providing the highest caliber of health care, ours is a holistic environment that also:
- Recognizes spiritual and social needs along with physical and medical needs in those we serve
- Encourages the involvement of family members and significant others as part of the health care team
- Collaborates with residents, families, and physicians to create individualized care plans
- Assists residents in achieving their maximum levels of independent living, nurtures a home-like atmosphere
- Cherishes life as a gift that is meaningful, even in its final moments
The compassionate example of the religious sisters who originally staffed our institutions lives on today, in employees who are committed, not only to their jobs but to a ministry of caring. We value both compassion and professionalism in our staff, and in response to these values, we actively support staff in both career development and in personal concerns.
Without compromising our Christian roots and values, we maintain and reaffirm our responsibilities as leaders in the delivery of health care services to our region’s chronically ill and elderly populations.
Management
Located in Fall River, Massachusetts, the Diocesan Health Facilities Office provides full-time management, planning, and professional services throughout our system. Along with administration and key staff in each facility, our team works together to meet the changing health care needs of the communities we serve in Bristol County in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Services coordinated by senior management at the Diocesan Health Facilities Office include:
- Human Resources/Support Services, including all employment issues and regulations relating to personnel in each home.
- Clinical Services, which oversees nursing services, rehabilitative therapies, therapeutic activities, nutritional, and social services staff.
- Fiscal Services, which coordinates business office staff in each facility and a staff of DHFO accountants and bookkeepers.
- Facility Operations, which coordinates maintenance, housekeeping, laundry services, renovation projects, and compliance with the Department of Public Health life safety codes.
Additional professional services coordinated by the Diocesan Health Facilities’ staff include:
- Social Services
- Rehabilitative Services
- Nutritional Services
- Project Management
- Information Systems/Technology
- Safety & Security
- Planning
- Marketing
- Community Relations
- Purchasing
- Accounts Receivable Management
Staff
Corporate Office (DHFO)
Monsignor, Edmund J. Fitzgerald
Executive Director
(Serving since 1987)
Joanne Roque, RN, BSN, MS
Director of Clinical Services
(Serving since 1989)
Michael Fitzpatrick, MS
Chief Financial Officer
(Serving since 2013)
Susan Caldwell, MBA
Director of Operations
(Serving since 1987)
Peter Landry
Director of Facility Development and Planning
(Serving since 2001)
Catholic Memorial Home
Lisa Cadime, RN, BSN, LNHA
Administrator
(Serving since 2005)
John Rogers, LSW, CDP, LNHA
Alzheimer’s Programming Director, Assistant Administrator
(Serving since 1999)
Sherrie Souza, RN-BC, CDP
Director of Nursing (DON)
(Serving since 1979)
Diane Santos, RN, MSN, CPEHR
Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)
(Serving since 2003)
Cory Souza
Admissions Director
(Serving since 20?)
Lisa Lebreux
Director of Consumer & Community Relations
(Serving since 2015)
Cyndie Mello
Director of Human Resources
(Serving since 2012)
Cheryl Keene
Business Office Assistant
(Serving since 20??)
Christopher Joncas, MD
Medical Director
(Serving since 1999)
Madonna Manor
Raymond McAndrews, LNHA
Administrator
(Serving since 2019)
Melandie Karol, RN, BSN
Director of Nursing (DON)
(Serving since 2014)
Shannon Shepardson
Director of Admissions & Marketing
(Serving since 2017)
Linda Kelleher
Human Resources Coordinator
(Serving since 2003)
Nicole King
Business Office Assistant
(Serving since 2015)
Harry Mayer, MD
Medical Director
(Serving since 2012)
Marian Manor
Jessica Costa, LNHA
Administrator
(Serving since 2016)
Priscilla Carreiro,
Director of Nursing (DON)
(Serving since 2019)
Kristie Venuto, LPN
Admissions Director
(Serving since 1998)
Betsy Pinheiro
Human Resources Coordinator
(Serving since 2002)
Elmer Holmes
Business Office Assistant
(Serving since 2016)
James Hoye, MD
Medical Director
(Serving since 1994)
Bethany House
Phoebe Worcester, RN
Program Director
(Serving since 2004)
Georgia Burnett, LICSW
Social Worker
(Serving since 2018)
Our Lady’s Haven
Jo-Ann Melchert, LICSW
Administrator
(Serving since 2018)
Laurie Kilkus,
Director of Nursing (DON)
(Serving since 2019)
Monique Camacho
Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)
(Serving since 20?)
Maria Mello, LPN
Admissions Director
(Serving since 2001)
Lisa Grillo
Director of Consumer & Community Relations
(Serving since 2016)
Bethany Camara
Human Resources Coordinator
(Serving since 2016)
Business Office Assistant
(Serving since ?)
Curtis Mello, MD, MPH, FCCP
Medical Director
(Serving since 20??)
Sacred Heart Home
Jennifer Davis, MSW, LNHA
Administrator
(Serving since 2004)
Christine M. Souza, RN, BSN
Director of Nursing (DON)
(Serving since 2004)
Maria Mello, LPN
Admissions Director
(Serving since 2001)
Bridget Sherrod
Director of Consumer & Community Relations
(Serving since 2017)
Mary Anna Arruda
Director of Human Resources
(Serving since 1976)
Business Office Assistant
(Serving since 20??)
Curtis Mello, MD, MPH, FCCP
Medical Director
