Caring for the Underserved: A Conversation with St. Francis Home’s Bruce Slough

Today on Caring in America, Richard Wexler welcomes a special guest whose work speaks directly to one of the greatest challenges in aging: how to ensure everyone—regardless of income—has access to safe, dignified senior care.

For those who have followed Richard’s journey, you know the story. Twenty years ago, he and his wife were juggling two small children and four aging parents. They thought everyone was doing fine—until they weren’t.

A sudden series of crises swept them onto what Richard calls “the care train,” where they remained for 14 years until the last parent passed at 96. That experience led him to found Points of Life, launch this podcast, and ultimately create A Plan to Age—a nonprofit focused on helping families prepare before a health event forces their hand.

Today’s episode continues that mission with a conversation about accessibility, affordability, dignity, and community.

Meet Bruce Slough

Joining Richard is Bruce Slough, Executive Director of St. Francis Home—now operating as St. Francis Manchester—in Richmond, Virginia. A career IT professional, Bruce never expected to work in senior care. But ten years ago, drawn by a calling to give back, he “stumbled into” St. Francis Home and never left.

“If I’d known what I was getting into, I might not have done it,” Bruce laughs.
“But it’s been fulfilling beyond anything I could have imagined.”

A 52-Year Mission: Serving the Underserved

St. Francis Home was founded in 1973 by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond with one clear mission: to serve seniors who cannot afford traditional assisted living.

Their community is located in Manchester—an area now gentrifying but once considered “the rough side of town.” For decades, St. Francis has welcomed residents from the surrounding working-class neighborhoods, many of whom would have nowhere else to go.

Their belief is simple:

“All of God’s children deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, from cradle to grave.”

And that philosophy isn’t just words. It shapes everything they do:

• Loving, dignified care

• A family-like atmosphere

• Licensed assisted living with no add-on fees

• Life enrichment to combat isolation

• Partnerships that keep costs affordable

A Community That Feels Like Family

Transitioning into senior living can be difficult. New residents often arrive feeling resentful, scared, or embarrassed. Many have been isolated for months or years while family members struggle to balance work, caregiving, and personal responsibilities.

But something special happens after they settle in.

“They see 80 or 90 people just like them,” Bruce explains. “And friendships form. Meals aren’t missed. Medications are taken. They start getting out, participating, laughing again.”

Bingo, outings to museums, baseball games, ice cream trips—St. Francis focuses intensely on community, engagement, and human connection.