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 an innovative Community-based programs that supports independent living – EldersFirst, a geriatric healthcare consulting service designed to assist elders living at home.
Throughout our system, we are committed to care that embraces the whole person, including their 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 Corporate 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)
Joanne Roque, RN, BSN, MS
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
(Serving since 1989)
Aimee Sousa
Corporate Director of Facility Operations
(Serving since 2022)
Laura Mitchell, MBA
Director of Finance
(Serving since 2020)
Catholic Memorial Home
Lisa Cadime, RN, BSN, LNHA
Administrator
(Serving since 2005)
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 2007)
Monique Francisco
Infection Control Practitioner
(Serving since 2012)
Cyndie Mello
Director of Human Resources
(Serving since 2012)
Lisa Grillo
Business Office
(Serving since 2016)
Christopher Joncas, MD
Medical Director
(Serving since 1999)
Madonna Manor
Kurt Wheaton, LNHA
Administrator
(Serving since 2021)
Melandie Karol, RN, BSN
Director of Nursing (DON)
(Serving since 2014)
Shannon Shepardson
Director of Admissions & Marketing
(Serving since 2017)
Janeil Hagerty
Human Resources Coordinator
(Serving since 2022)
Elmer Holmes
Business Office
(Serving since 2016)
Harry Mayer, MD
Medical Director
(Serving since 2012)
Marian Manor
Jo-Ann Melchert
Jo-Ann Melchert
(Serving since 2021)
Eleanor Andrews, RN
Director of Nursing (DON)
(Serving since 2019)
Shannon Shepardson
Director of Admissions & Marketing
(Serving since 2017)
Betsy Pinheiro
Human Resources Coordinator
(Serving since 2002)
Elmer Holmes
Business Office Assistant
(Serving since 2016)
James Hoye, MD
Medical Director
(Serving since 1994)
Our Lady's Haven
Caitlin Simmons, LNHA
Administrator
(Serving since 2022)
Doreen Vertentes, RN
Director of Nursing (DON)
(Serving since 2019)
Maria Mello, LPN
Admissions Director
(Serving since 2001)
Kellie Ramos
Business Office
Curtis Mello, MD, MPH, FCCP
Medical Director
(Serving since 2002)
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)
Mary Anna Arruda
Director of Human Resources
(Serving since 1976)
Denise Rego
Business Office Specialist
(Serving since 2019)
Curtis Mello, MD, MPH, FCCP
Medical Director
(Serving since 2002)
