is a Good Feeling Being Known by Name


Alice Swiatek used to be a little lonely during the day. A


fter retirement, Alice found herself to be the reluctant recipient of a lot of time to herself. An avid crocheter and reader, she could fill that time easily enough, but she admits it was “lonesome.”


But several months ago, that changed when Alice attended Landis Adult Day Services for the first time.


“It’s been a tremendous fit for me,” she said. “If anyone needs a place like this for a loved one, I would suggest this place, right here with these people.”


For the native of Buffalo, NY, the people at ADS quickly became like family. “Te staff and the members are all so sweet,” Alice shared. “Tey’re like family. And we have a lot in common. Everyone is so positive, helpful, and uplifting.”


A widow with four adult children, Alice moved to Lancaster to be closer to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Te 81-year-old feels very lucky, not only to be so close to beloved family, but to live in Lancaster County as well! She enjoys living with her oldest daughter, who is a full-time teacher.


Alice has a unique appreciation for enjoying her independence, after a stroke in 2020 nearly took it from her. “Te kind of stroke I had has a 95% fatality rate,” she shared. “Doctors didn’t think I’d leave the hospital alive and if I did, they didn’t think I’d walk again.” But Alice beat all the odds and her neurologist calls her his “miracle patient!”


Alice continues to enjoy her independence, including time spent doing her favorite activity, which she learned to do as a little girl: crocheting.


Attending Landis Adult Day Services hasn’t diminished Alice’s precious time to crochet. In fact, it’s provided an incredible outlet, as she’s donated countless handmade pieces to fellow ADS members and to the Adult Day Service Annual Christmas Bazaar. “It’s nice knowing it’ll all be used!” she said.


Her contributions include hats, mittens, scarves, and shawls. Alice even keeps some of her crocheted winter staples in her car to share with strangers who may be experiencing homelessness.


Alice has found friends at ADS that enjoy crocheting. Te camaraderie is actually her favorite aspect of ADS. She sees all of the core values of Landis Communities on display and


8 • Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2026


CULTIVATING MEANINGFUL LIVING


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