In one of those characteristic colonial houses found in towns across Paraguay, visitors might not know what to expect. Yet, stepping through its doors reveals a place where care and compassion define every corner: step into nursing home San Vicente de Paul.
Paraguayans are often remembered for their warmth and generosity. It is a quality that shines particularly bright in San Ignacio Guazú, a town 225 kilometres south of Asunción, rich in artistry and cultural heritage. Founded as the first Guaraní Jesuit Mission in 1609, it is often called the capital of Hispanic-Guaraní Baroque. Here, amid the town’s historic streets, stands the nursing home San Vicente de Paul.
Upon entering, a woman in her sixties greeted visitors with a smile that seemed to radiate kindness. Dressed in a brown jacket and a colorful scarf, she moved gracefully past a group of elderly residents engaged in a lively game of cards.
Clara* had experienced hardship in her life, having lost her home, possessions, and even her dog. Though she still had family, her admission to San Vicente de Paul was exceptional; many residents arrive without anyone to care for them.
A home for those with nowhere else to go
San Vicente de Paul is not a conventional nursing home. It is an organisation committed to providing permanent, free shelter to elderly people who are homeless, abandoned, or without family.
The home’s origins trace back to 1 August 2008, when Sister Anastasia Cáceres called upon the citizens of San Ignacio Guazú to join an international charity association. Norma Fretes de Ruíz was chosen as president, and the team began investigating the most urgent social issues affecting the town. They discovered that many elderly people were living in appalling conditions, prompting visits to provide food, medicine, warm clothing, chairs, and medical attention.
By 2010, to assist a married couple of elderly residents, the group opened their first nursing home in a borrowed house, gradually welcoming more seniors. Initially, the home accommodated twelve residents.
The community steps in
Funding was scarce, so the local community organized barbecues, raffles, and rotating meals to support the home. “We had to pay salaries, buy medicine, nappies—it was very difficult,” recalled Norma Fretes de Ruíz. Despite the challenges, the institution grew stronger. A project presented to the Binational Entity of Yacyretá secured the purchase of a permanent building—an old colonial house carefully remodelled and preserved. The home moved there in 2012.
Caring for body, mind, and spirit
San Vicente de Paul welcomes elderly people who have been abandoned or whose families are unable to care for them. Residents receive comprehensive care—physical, mental, and spiritual. Meals, medical attention, and even funerals are arranged for those with no family, with land donated by the Municipality of San Ignacio for burials.
In times of extreme weather, similar local initiatives were launched to protect vulnerable populations, such as the emergency cold-weather shelter that was set up on Costanera Norte.
The home operates with fourteen employees, including a 24/7 nurse, cleaners, cooks, and administrative staff. Approximately 60% of its annual budget is provided by the government, while the remainder depends on donations and fundraising efforts. Visitors are greeted warmly by residents, whose smiles and slow, deliberate movements convey both resilience and gratitude.
A chapel like no other
At the heart of the courtyard lies a small chapel, revealed as a hidden gem of art and devotion. Behind its doors, visitors find painted walls and a mural depicting Jesus at the Last Supper with the elderly residents. The chapel was designed by Delfín “Koki” Ruíz (1957–2024), a renowned Paraguayan artist and architect, who dedicated years of his life to creating a space that would serve both spiritual and cultural purposes.
Inside, a second room covered in golden, baroque-style frames showcases Ruíz’s meticulous craftsmanship. As Norma recalled, the chapel is a lasting legacy, a testament to the importance of art, faith, and community support in sustaining the home.
A place of peace
San Vicente de Paul is more than a shelter; it is a sanctuary where elderly men and women, many of whom have faced hardship all their lives, find dignity, care, and peace in their final years. The home thrives on the support of its community, whether through donations, visits, or simply spending time with the residents. For those wishing to help, the nursing home can be reached at San Vicente de Paul WhatsApp or via San Vicente de Paul’s email.
Every visit, every act of support, contributes to a space where life’s final chapter is lived with respect, compassion, and grace.
