Foundation for Senior Care provides help for seniors

When it comes to providing genuine care and compassion for senior members of the community, the nonprofit Foundation for Senior Care in Fallbrook possesses these qualities.

While the needs of each individual senior differ at various times in their lives, the Foundation for Senior Care offers specialized programs and services to help elderly individuals live healthier, happier lives.

“Our mission is to identify, assess, promote and fund programs to solve health issues for seniors in our community,” said Morgan Cadmus, executive director.

The Foundation for Senior Care is known to provide programs which are generally not available from government agencies or other nonprofit organizations. This foundation offers the Care Van Program, Senior Advocacy Program and Senior Day Care Center.

“The Foundation for Senior Care addresses different stages of a senior’s needs,” explained Cadmus.

For seniors and disabled individuals unable to drive, the complimentary Care Van Program is a true blessing. However, over the months, the economic downturn has increased demand for the van service.

The Fallbrook Care Van Program has also been impacted by the discontinuation of North County Transit’s Fast Bus.

“Last year, we provided 6,400 free rides; this year, we may be at 10,000,” said Cadmus.

At the Foundation for Senior Care, a senior advocate can take the reins when one requires extra assistance.

This may include, but is not limited to, coordinating doctor appointments, joining a senior at the doctor’s office, purchasing groceries and arranging minor home repairs.

The installation of grab bars has also been accommodated to help seniors stay safe at home.

In order to provide a caregiver with a break (respite), the Senior Day Care Center has established itself as a shoulder to lean on.

A haven of bountiful activities, this destination is perfect for those requiring special assistance or enduring various forms of cognitive impairment.

Due to popular and necessary demand, this facility recently started opening its doors five days a week.

Feedback on the services provided at the Senior Day Care Center, Cadmus said, has been tremendous.

The center not only provides caregivers “peace of mind,” but its benefits fan out to adult children, other family members and friends.

“By taking care of seniors, we are taking care of their sons and daughters and so many more,” explained Cadmus.

The individuals working at Foundation for Senior Care possess special traits.

“Every single person here has the passion and heart to help others,” explained Cadmus, who pointed out that all staff members have special Fallbrook roots.

For the most part, people employed at a nonprofit organization have the drive to do something that makes a difference, said Cadmus.

On a personal level, being involved in an altruistic organization is extremely fulfilling for Cadmus, a longtime resident of Fallbrook.

“This experience is priceless,” he said. “I am able to go home feeling good about what I do every day and that is so important to me.”

The ongoing success of the Foundation for Senior Care would not be possible without the devotion of volunteers and the generous donations they are thankful to receive.

While many have a pen poised to jot down their New Year’s resolutions, why not consider volunteering some time at Foundation for Senior Care?

“We need volunteers who can assist with newsletters, donations, being a companion for a senior or helping with one of our fundraisers,” said Cadmus. “Any volunteering and financial support is absolutely necessary to sustain the Foundation for Senior Care.”

The much-anticipated Ruth Redman Paws in the Park and Fall Holiday Concerts are always in need of an extra helping hand.

Cadmus said that the senior community in the greater Fallbrook area is on the rise: “In the 2004 census, there were 6,500 seniors in the greater Fallbrook area and half of those were at or below the poverty line.”

With statistics like those, the need for this nonprofit organization is overwhelming. And with the generous help of the community, those challenges can be tackled by a team of caring people.

To learn more about the Foundation for Senior Care and how you can play an important role in its continued success, contact them at 135 South Mission Road, call (760) 723-7713 or visit http://www.fallbrookhealthcarefoundation.org.

To comment on this story online, visit http://www.thevillagenews.com.