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Gift of Care
You’re probably looking into the Gift of Care program because you need more than health care services—you are also in need of financial assistance—or, as a responsible party to a loved one, you've come to the heartbreaking realization that the cost of care has exceeded your abilities.

For more than 110 years, the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago and Franciscan Communities have fulfilled the desperate need of the elderly and underserved. The Gift of Care program is one of the ways developed to provide additional outreach services to the underprivileged population.  Long-term care is very expensive and many will not be able to pay for all of the necessary services out of his or her own income and resources. That’s where the Gift of Care can help.

Commitment
The Gift of Care program is a commitment by Franciscan Communities to underwrite all or a portion of a resident’s care for a specific period of time. It is based upon the criteria which will be discussed later.

As a not-for-profit organization, Franciscan Communities promotes and cares for the interests of older adults in an environment of dignified living, caring and companionship. In the spirit and tradition of the Catholic Church, the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago and our foundress, Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik, we have been of service to the needy and the poor for over 110 years. This program is one of the ways we reach out specifically to those who need us most.

Each Franciscan Community strives to provide the Gift of Care program for applicants or existing residents, who desperately need financial assistance with the expenses associated with our compassionate services.

Depending on the individual circumstances, a person may be either fully or partially supported financially.

Application
Each Franciscan Community, as well as our Corporate Review Committee, administers the Gift of Care program. Applications are available in the office of the Executive Director/Administrator at each community. The resident or their representative must complete the application and agree to meet the guidelines established. The completed application is then submitted to the Community Review Committee for final approval. The committee meets regularly to consider all such requests for financial assistance.

The Corporate Review Committee and the CEO of Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Service Corporation are the only parties that can guarantee that an applicant or resident will receive support under the Gift of Care program.

Criteria
The amount of assistance a resident receives will be based on the resident and/or guarantor’s ability to pay. In addition, it will be based on the availability of financial assistance funds.

Criteria Priority
Applicants and existing residents will be considered for the Gift of Care program based on the following criteria, listed by priority:

1. The availability of financial assistance funds.
2. The resident and/or guarantor’s total assets.
3. The resident and/or guarantor’s ability to obtain third-party reimbursement.
4. Date of original contract with Franciscan Communities.
5. Date of Gift of Care application.

Acceptance
Acceptance into the Gift of Care program depends on both financial need and the level of financial assistance funds currently available within the community. There may be a waiting list of applicants for the program. If funding is not available, or a resident does not qualify for the Gift of Care program, the local Franciscan Community will offer assistance in finding other appropriate options.  

Please contact the office of the executive director/administrator at Franciscan Communities for an application and to learn more.