The Archbishop Finbar Ryan Geriatric Home is situated at Sarganga Trace, Morne Coco Road , Diego Martin, just behind the St. Finbar's R.C. Church. The institution represents the largest undertaking to date, by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Trinidad and Tobago .

It was in 1972, the idea of a Geriatric home was first raised at a meeting of the National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul . This plan however, did not meet with immediate acceptance.

Some members thought that the idea was well beyond the scope and capabilities of the Society and felt it should be a government responsibility. Nevertheless, in spite of these misgivings, the idea was powerful enough to win over its detractors and the Society committed its will and resources into making the dream a reality.

The steering committee to establish the Home was headed by then National President of the Society, Willie Clerk. It was Clerk, who before his retirement, suggested that the proposed Geriatric Home to be named after Count Finbar Ryan, long-serving Archbishop of Port of Spain and predecessor to the late Archbishop Anthony Pantin.

A decision was made to publicize the idea, which soon seized the public's imagination and the search for land began. Though the Society looked first at its existing properties with a view to erecting the Home, it was the Irish Dominican Fathers especially Fathers Clifford, O'Laughlin and Foley who, having heard of the project, decided to donate the land on which the home now stands.

The Society also sought the help of the Governor General of the day, Sir Ellis Clarke. On a public television broadcast, he made a stirring appeal to every working citizen to contribute $20.00 towards the venture.

This effort proved successful and brought in the first set of funds needed. In addition to the TV broadcast, other fund-raising events were held. The Society received solid support from groups such as the Syrian-Lebanese Women's Club and the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John.