A
cornerstone program for JFS, Senior
Support provides a range
of services designed to maximize the independence and
dignity of the frail elderly. Over 50% of the seniors we
assist are
85+ years of age. The program is staffed by social workers
to aid the senior, or assist the family of a senior. top
Senior
Support includes Senior Assessment,
which is a process of evaluation critical to determining
what services
and support are required to assist a senior; and
Case Management, an ongoing process of coordinating and implementing services
then monitoring a senior's situation. Often, JFS begins to
help out just as
an
elderly
person's abilities
begin to fade
either physically or mentally, or both-and they need
resources or guidance with how to cope
with daily routines, including personal care, medical care, insurance,
transportation and caring for their own home or apartment.
Sometimes, JFS helps locate a
home care provider or a suitable assisted living
facility. Sometimes, a senior needs
help with financial issues, but may not know which way to turn. JFS social
workers are highly knowledgeable about senior resources
and connected to a vast network
of social service organizations and professionals.
Schmoozers Circle is the JFS caregiver respite program. This
program is designed to provide the necessary respite or break
from the often full time responsibility of caring for an elder
family member diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (early
stage), or other dementias, After the preliminary screening,
a caregiver may drop their loved one off at our Schmoozers
Circle program every Wednesday from 9:30am–2:30pm in
the Youth Lounge of the Mosaic Law Congregation for a day full
of cognitive stimulation, physical exercise and socializing
with others. This program is free and participants need not
be Jewish. The kosher lunch is provided at a cost of $5.00.
JFS Schmoozers Circle respite program is made possible by grant
funds from Area 4 Agency on Aging and Mosaic Law Congregations’ donation
of space. top
The Friendly Visitors program matches volunteers with isolated seniors
for regular visits, usually an hour a week or every other week. These special
visits mean so
much to an elderly
person-to have someone with whom they can chat, play a game or share photos.
Some of these acquaintances have grown into significant, even life-changing
relationships
for both the senior and the volunteer. top
Holiday Outreach is a
joyful program that helps our isolated frail elderly celebrate three
important Jewish holidays
with a volunteer visit and a
holiday gift. The
holidays are Rosh Hashana, Chanuka and Passover. Prior to each holiday,
JFS volunteers plan and procure the items for the gift bags, review and
update
our lists of
isolated seniors, and match up volunteers with seniors. Gift bags contain
traditional holiday foods (challah, honey cakes, gelt, matzah) and small
donated gifts that
are helpful to the elderly: magnifying glasses, stamps and writing cards,
calendars. Approximately 60 volunteers participate in visiting over 100
seniors each holiday.
Since the establishment of the program in 1984, JFS estimates its volunteers
have delivered about 4,200 gift packages. top |
