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The domicile: The Phoenix Oasis is to be realized in the premises at Zugspitzstrasse 4. © Lehmann
It would be a pilot project for all of Germany: In April 2025, the Phoenix Oasis, a meeting place for people with acquired brain damage, could become a reality. Only the funding agencies still have to give their “go”.
Freising – The Freising Phoenix Association for people with acquired brain damage is about to fulfill its heart’s desire: suitable premises have finally been found on Zugspitzstrasse in Freising for the meeting place that has been planned since 2022. If everything goes according to plan, the Phoenix Oasis should open in April. The details were presented on Monday. Chairwoman Inge Thaler welcomed around 60 members, supporters and interested parties to the information event at the Freisinger Bank.
People in the Freising district who have suffered brain damage as a result of an accident or stroke currently have two options after acute treatment and rehabilitation measures: “Either they come home or to an inpatient care facility for the elderly,” explained Thaler’s sister Elisabeth Wust, nurse and technical manager of the planned oasis . However, both options would not meet the needs of those affected. This is where the Phoenix Oasis comes in: “It would close the gap between outpatient and inpatient treatment.”
Handsome donation: Project manager Evangelos Skordou (l.), technical manager Elisabeth Wust (3rd from left) and Phoenix chairwoman Inge Thaler (5th from left) were happy with the board about the check from Peter Wagner (5th from right). © Lehmann
In order to realize this, “many properties in Freising were looked at and evaluated,” reported project manager Evangelos Skordou. Ultimately, they found what they were looking for at Zugspitzstrasse 4, opposite the Heiliggeistspital. “This house is a real stroke of luck.” The 160 square meter ground floor of the single-family home with a terrace and garden is perfect. The centerpiece should be the common room. There is also a large kitchen, therapy rooms, an office and sanitary facilities – all of which are, of course, barrier-free.
“The change of use and conversion have already been approved by the city,” said Skordou. The rental agreement has also already been signed – but conditionally, the project manager added. Only when the funding that has already been promised has been officially approved can the measures begin on site.
Keyword funding: According to Skordou, through active advertising, the club has managed to increase its own funds from 70,000 euros in 2021 to 170,000 euros. “That is also the prerequisite for receiving funding.” The plan is to receive 360,000 euros in start-up funding from the state government and a maximum of 107,000 euros from the LAG Mittlere Isarregion.
In the oasis, up to ten affected people per day could be cared for by specialists with the support of auxiliary staff and volunteers. In contrast to conventional care facilities, emphasis is placed on actively involving clients within their means in order to achieve developmental progress, says Wust. The opening times are flexible and as required for up to five days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The personnel issue has also already been clarified: “Unlike high-quality day care, we are more of a support system like at home. “We can manage with a lot less staff, we don’t have to stick to the staffing plan for skilled workers and we can train unskilled staff better,” explained Wust. In addition, there are neither night shifts nor weekend shifts.
The FT is asking readers to support the “People in Need” charity campaign. © Freisinger Tagblatt
State Minister Florian Herrmann spoke in a video message of a “milestone for Freising”. But Phoenix goes even further: as a model project with an exemplary character for the whole of Germany, the oasis will be supported by the Bavarian Ministry of Health for five years. Ideally, the project will be considered a recognized institutional facility from 2030, i.e. the health insurance company will support the visit financially. “Our vision is that this lighthouse project will then be rolled out across Germany,” emphasized Skordou.
I am thrilled and touched by what you have made possible.
Despite the progress, Phoenix is still dependent on donations, also in order to be able to reduce the cost contribution for the oasis’ clients from the current 45 euros per day to 30 euros, explained Skordou. An unexpectedly large windfall came straight away from Peter Wagner from Kranzberg: the financial advisor from Deutsche Vermögensberatung (DVAG) handed over a check for 20,000 euros. This was made possible by the CEO of DVAG, who received generous donations for his birthday and divided them among several non-profit organizations, including Phoenix.
At the end, one of those affected summed it up: “I am thrilled and touched by what you have made possible.” And Inge Thaler ended the evening optimistically: “I am happy to be able to invite you all to the opening of the Phoenix Oasis.”
What specific therapies and activities will be offered at the Phoenix Oasis to enhance the rehabilitation of individuals with brain damage?
Questions:
1. How does the Phoenix Oasis plan to differentiate itself from traditional care facilities for people with brain damage?
2. Can you provide an overview of the design and layout of the premises at Zugspitzstrasse 4?
3. What are the criteria for selecting the right personnel for the Phoenix Oasis?
4. How does Phoenix plan to receive funding for the project, and what role does the government play in this process?
5. What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the progress of the Phoenix Oasis project?
6. What are the long-term plans for the Phoenix Oasis after it receives institutional recognition and funding?
7. How does the Phoenix Oasis aim to involve family members and caregivers of those affected in the care process?
8. What challenges does Phoenix Association face in promoting such a unique service, and how does it plan to overcome them?
9. How does the fundraising process work for a project like this, and what role do private donations play in the success of Phoenix?
10. What is the ultimate goal of the Phoenix Oasis, and what impact do you hope it will have on the lives of those affected by brain damage?
