Caritas Day Care Facility in Łańcut – support for seniors

Material prepared for the press.

Among the many initiatives undertaken by Caritas of the Archdiocese of Przemyśl, assistance to the elderly and lonely people is a special focus. Caritas Przemyśl has been supporting seniors for years, both financially and through social and therapeutic activities. One such form of assistance is the Caritas Day Care Center in Łańcut, which has been operating since February 1, 2018. The center is located at 22 Farna Street, next to the rectory and church. Its activities are aimed at the elderly, lonely, and those struggling with disabilities. The center's operations are financed by funds raised by Caritas through projects implemented in collaboration with, among others, the Voivodeship Labor Office.

Mission and goals of the facility

The main goal of the Day Care Center is to support seniors in maintaining social, physical, and intellectual activity. The center provides them with a safe and friendly place to spend time and fosters relationships with others. Staying at the Day Care Center allows seniors to participate in activities that develop various interests, which translates into improved quality of life and increased well-being. The facility offers several hours of daily care from Monday to Friday. Seniors are provided with transportation home and back, receive a hot meal, and can participate in a variety of activities. Time spent at the Day Care Center is filled with therapeutic, recreational, and educational activities tailored to the needs and abilities of the residents.

The facility in Łańcut has been providing support to seniors, among others, since 2018.

Range of activities offered

The home's program is based on several pillars. One of the most important is physical activity – gymnastics, dance, and fitness classes are offered. Another element is memory and concentration exercises, which help seniors maintain intellectual agility. The DDP also offers workshops in handicrafts, music, theater, and art, enabling them to develop their passions and creativity. Residents participate in trips, pilgrimages, and visits to the cinema, museums, and libraries. Team-building events and special events are also organized, such as name days, Grandparents' Day, Valentine's Day, Women's Day, and holiday gatherings. Patriotic anniversaries and religious services are also a key part of the home's activities, allowing seniors to experience important events together. The facility also fosters connections between seniors and the local community. As part of its collaboration with institutions, meetings are held with police officers, firefighters, representatives of local cultural institutions, and pastors. Integration picnics, exhibition openings, sporting events and outdoor meetings are organised, in which disabled people from the area also participate.

Everyday life at DDP

A typical day at the Day Care Center in Łańcut begins with seniors arriving at the facility. After a shared breakfast, activities begin—therapeutic, recreational, physical, artistic, and educational. The daily schedule also includes a shared meal and a moment for prayer. All of this takes place in a friendly, family-like atmosphere, fostering bonds and a sense of belonging to the community. Currently, 30 people benefit from the center's services. The team caring for seniors consists of qualified staff, including occupational therapists, caregivers, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, and a driver. Each of them ensures that the time spent at the center is valuable and engaging, while also meeting the individual needs of the participants.

Caritas of the Archdiocese of Przemyśl, in addition to therapeutic and integrative activities, also provides material assistance. Those in its care receive food parcels and prepaid cards, providing real support in the daily lives of those with limited financial resources.

The importance of DDP for seniors

The Caritas Day Care Center in Łańcut is a place that, for many seniors, provides the only opportunity for regular contact with others. Loneliness is one of the greatest challenges for older people – staying at the facility helps them combat it. The opportunity to talk, spend time together, laugh, and share experiences allows participants to rediscover their joy of life and drive for action. Often, these meetings give seniors the strength to cope with the challenges of everyday life. Active participation in activities allows not only for personal development but also for mutual support. Seniors share their experiences, help each other, and build relationships that often develop into friendships. This makes them feel needed and appreciated, which is especially important in old age.

The Caritas Day Care Center in Łańcut plays an incredibly important role in the life of the local community. It's not only a place where seniors can spend their time creatively and actively, but above all, a space where they find a sense of security, acceptance, and belonging. The facility allows them to remain active in various areas while simultaneously combating social isolation. Thanks to the commitment of the staff and the support of Caritas, seniors from Łańcut and the surrounding area have the opportunity to experience their twilight years with dignity and joy.

Rev. Dr. Paweł Konieczny – Deputy Director of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Przemyśl