Buffalo, NY – Many seniors cherish the comfort of living in their own homes, but ongoing medical needs can make independent living challenging. Catholic Health offers an alternative to traditional nursing home care—providing comprehensive medical care and support services that enable seniors to remain safely in their homes.
Catholic Health is expanding its LIFE (Living Independently for Elders) program to Buffalo’s West Side, with a new day center located on the D’Youville University campus, within the School of Arts, Science & Education Building on Niagara Street. The LIFE program has served the long term care needs of Erie County residents for more than 15 years—first at the OLV Senior Neighborhood in Lackawanna, and more recently at LIFE Villa on the Villa Maria Campus in Cheektowaga.
LIFE D’Youville is a comprehensive managed care program for Erie County residents aged 55 or older who qualify for nursing home care, but can live safely at home with services provided through the LIFE program.
“LIFE D’Youville offers an alternative to nursing home care for many elderly individuals and their families,” said John Beyer, President & CEO of Catholic Health LIFE. “Our mission is to keep seniors in their own homes for as long as possible, ensuring they receive the medical care and support services needed to live safely and independently.”
Work has been underway for the past year on the $3.2 million project to bring a new LIFE day center to the D’Youville campus. Today, leaders from Catholic Health and the LIFE/PACE Program joined leadership from D’Youville University and the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to dedicate LIFE D’Youville.
“I would like to thank the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, who was the principal champion for this project,“ said Joyce Markiewicz, President & CEO of Catholic Health. “Without their generous support, this new LIFE Center would not have been possible. We have been blessed over the years by their continued support, which has helped us carry out our sacred mission to serve those in need.”
“D’Youville University is delighted to welcome the Catholic Health LIFE program to our city campus,” said University President Lorrie Clemo. “This new day center aligns perfectly with our mission of service and commitment to the community. It will be a vital hub for supporting area seniors, many of whom have deep roots on Buffalo’s West Side, ensuring they continue to thrive and remain integral to our neighborhood.”
LIFE D’Youville participants receive on-site services, including social activities, personal care, therapeutic recreation, social work support, and meals at the LIFE day center. Additional services, such as primary care, nursing, and rehabilitation, are offered at other Catholic Health LIFE centers.
“As our population continues to age, the demand for programs and services to support seniors continues to grow,” Markiewicz added. “Our health system was the first in Erie County to introduce the PACE care model, and we are excited to expand these services to LIFE D’Youville—
providing essential care in a multigenerational setting for area seniors.
Participation in LIFE D’Youville is open to Erie County residents aged 55 or older who qualify for long-term care but can have their needs safely met at home and in the LIFE D’Youville day center. The program is covered by Medicare and/or Medicaid, with private-pay options available.
Catholic Health is accepting applications for LIFE D’Youville. For more information, or to schedule a tour of the LIFE D’Youville day center, call 819-LIFE (5433) or visit www.chsbuffalo.org/LIFE.
