For 15 years, Gerri Hofius has been able to count on the loving care her brother receives at the Foundation for Senior Living’s Glendale Adult Day Health Services campus.
“He loves it,” Hofius said. “He’s made lots of friends. It keeps him busy and he just enjoys it.”
Guy White, 67, suffers from brain damage but loves interacting with people. Gerri Hofius admits that caring for him is more than a full-time job. Guy has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old. The respite she gets when he’s at the FSL center is a huge help, she said.
“It’s hard work,” Hofius said. “I’m not saying it isn’t full of rewards, but it takes a lot of time. Having a loved one at the Center gives you a little bit of time to do what you need to do apart from being a caregiver.”
For many families in the Diocese of Phoenix, the Foundation for Senior Living is a lifesaver, providing much needed care for the elderly and disabled. Now the community has a chance to give back and participate in a 40th anniversary celebration of FSL’s accomplishments Oct. 23.
Joe Switalski, public relations director for FSL, says the organization’s mission has always been to preserve independence and enhance the quality of life for all seniors and adults with disabilities.
“We’re committed to recognizing the dignity of every person,” Switalski said. “We try to provide service and hope for all of our clients and caregivers while showing them the dignity they deserve as children of God.”
FSL 40th anniversary open house
When: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 23
Where: 1201 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix
Info: (602) 285-1800
FSL’s work, Switalski said, is about “fully serving their ever-changing physical, emotional and spiritual needs.” That means offering innovative solutions to problems and working to preserve clients’ independence. FSL operates 18 adult group homes around the Valley that impact about 25,000 lives each year.
For Switalski, there’s a personal connection, too. His father receives care at one of the adult day health centers.
“I am not just an employee — I am also a customer,” Switalksi said. “My father suffers from dementia attends FSL’s Glendale Adult Day Health Services Center each day. It’s a blessing to both my wife and I that we can take him there, knowing they will take care of his social, medical and spiritual needs while at the Center.”
