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Los Angeles Jewish Home's Blog
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Feeling Sporty? Popular Activities for Seniors
Cross posted from SeniorsList.com.
If you feel like you need to get out more, you’re not alone. Senior citizens and non-seniors alike are in need of consistent physical exercise. Sporty activities are an enjoyable way to get your body moving, but not all forms are best for senior citizens. Seek out those sports that you enjoy and that exert your body to a comfortable degree. Here are some of the top ranked sports for the active senior:
Recreational Walking- Nothing beats a pleasant walk. It’s good for your heart, lungs, and sense of well-being. Pick a route for yourself that’s challenging but not too strenuous. Make sure your walk has beautiful scenery to look at, and walk at a time when the temperature is nice.
Fitness Walking- If you want to step it up a bit, walk with the objective of getting in shape as well as pleasure. Try some light handweights to work your arms, or simply do low-impact arm exercises while walking. Get your heart beat up to whatever feels comfortable and slightly challenging.
Treadmill Exercise- When the weather isn’t great, or your neighborhood doesn’t feel as inviting as you’d prefer, try a treadmill at your local healthclub or senior center. Treadmills are great because you can choose the degree of incline and intensity. It’s sometimes nice to get on the treadmill during your favorite television show or movie, if you can manage it.
Stretching- Stretching is so important for senior citizens. Light stretches through gentle yoga or simple stretches of your own are a great way to start your day or complete a workout. Stretch a little bit throughout the day to keep the joints and muscles loose and warm.
Golf- Golf is very popular among senior citizens and for good reason. The combination of walking, fresh air, and sunshine make it a pleasing and invigorating sport. Add to that a competitive edge and the technique of the game, and you have a sport that exercies both your body and your spirit.
Recreational Vehicle Camping- Take your home with you! Camping provides exercise and excitement. Go on hikes, swim, and fish. It’s a wonderful way to travel and move your body.
Free weights- Light handweights are a great way to exercise the muscles, important for reducing bone loss and osteoperosis. Start with light weights and fewer repetitions, then work your way up to what’s challenging but comfortable.
Freshwater Fishing- Fishing can offer peace and tranquility, along with working the muscles in your arms and torso.
Weight Resistance Machines- If you have time and access to a gym, weight resistance machines are worth their weight in gold for seniors. Check out your local senior center or gym. If you have the means to do it, a personal trainer can tailor a workout especially to your needs.
Recreational Swimming- Swimming if generous on your joints. Water is invigorating and challenging on the body. There’s no better full-body workout than swimming!
Bowling- There are tons of senior bowling groups around, and everyone agrees there’s nothing more fun than bowling with friends. If you’re feeling a little more competitive, join a league in your area.
Stationary Cycling- If you worry about the possibilty of falling and injuring yourself on a regular bike, a stationary bike can provide the same workout without the worry. It’s a tremendous full-body exercise.
Day Hiking- Take a day to hike in a nearby park or mountainscape. Try a hike on the beach. You can even bring a picnic basket!
Read the original blog here.
Labels: Activities, Aging, Bowling, Cross Post, Fitness, For the Body, Golf, Health, Senior Living, Seniors List, Sports, Staff, Swimming, Walking
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Dennis McCarthy: From innocent flirtation to a full-on relationship
Cross posted from the Daily News.
By Dennis McCarthy
The story goes that the rabble rouser was having breakfast with her husband one morning soon after arriving at the Jewish Home for the Aging when the wiseguy sitting at the next table came over and introduced himself.
"I'm Harry Schackman," the wiseguy said.
"I'm Dorothy Creager and this is my husband, Morty," the rabble rouser replied. "Nice to meet you."
Harry sat down and spent the next half-hour filling them in on their new digs and all the gossip. When he got ready to leave, he turned and said to Morty kiddingly, "Watch your wife, I'm madly in love with her."
Now most guys would have told the wiseguy where to go, making a pass like that, even kidding, but Morty just smiled.
If he had a buck for every time some guy told him his wife was a knockout and he'd better keep an eye on her, Morty would have been a millionaire.
"The guy's a nut case, Morty," Dorothy said, watching Harry walk back to his table.
Within days, though, the rabble rouser, her husband, and the wiseguy were fast friends. Their rooms at the home were right next door to each other.
After Harry would visit his wife of 70 years, Belle, who was ill and living in another section of the home, they would all hang out together.
One day, about six years ago, an ailing Morty asked Harry to make good on the wisecrack he made the first day they met.
"I'm going, Harry," Morty said. "Take care of my wife."
A month later, Morty died. Soon after that, Harry's wife, Belle, passed away.
"After a few months, Harry asked me out to dinner," Dorothy says, "I was so nervous. I hadn't dated in 62 years. We went to some nice restaurants. He wined and dined me. He was a real gentleman."
They'd eat and talk about their lives. Dorothy showed Harry an old column I had written about her 19 years ago when she was a 71-year-old student at Cal State Northridge working on a degree in psychology.
Dorothy wanted to start a fraternity/sorority for senior citizens on campus. Someplace they could go to blow off some steam after a hard day in class.
Why should the kids have all the fun, she said? Seniors needed a social life on campus, too.
"Morty and I went to one of the sorority dances and everyone thought we were the chaperones," Dorothy told me back in 1992.
Her Animal House for seniors never got off the ground, but Dorothy's reputation as a rabble rouser was born. After graduating, she began teaching classes at senior retirement homes for the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Harry's background, on the other hand, is a little shadier. His son, Ed Schackman, says his dad was "a street wise guy from Cleveland and later Detroit."
"He hustled for a living, knew guys in the Jewish mafia and spent a lot of time in Vegas in the early years. He drove a lot of guys around."
Let's just leave it at that, says Ed, who threw a big shindig recently for his dad's 100th birthday and Dorothy's 90th - inviting both families.
That's the short story on the rabble rouser and the wiseguy. The long story is that they're an item over at the home these days.
Harry had to move a block away to another section of the home for health reasons, but Dorothy visits him every day.
"We're company for each other, care for each other," She says. "Our families want us to be happy and we are."
So, in the end, the wiseguy turns out to be a stand-up guy - keeping his promise to Morty.
Watching out for his wife, the rabble rouser.
Dennis McCarthy's column appears in the Los Angeles Daily News on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. You can e-mail him at dennis.mccarthy@dailynews.com.
Read the original story here.
By Dennis McCarthy
"I'm Harry Schackman," the wiseguy said.
"I'm Dorothy Creager and this is my husband, Morty," the rabble rouser replied. "Nice to meet you."
Harry sat down and spent the next half-hour filling them in on their new digs and all the gossip. When he got ready to leave, he turned and said to Morty kiddingly, "Watch your wife, I'm madly in love with her."
Now most guys would have told the wiseguy where to go, making a pass like that, even kidding, but Morty just smiled.
If he had a buck for every time some guy told him his wife was a knockout and he'd better keep an eye on her, Morty would have been a millionaire.
"The guy's a nut case, Morty," Dorothy said, watching Harry walk back to his table.
Within days, though, the rabble rouser, her husband, and the wiseguy were fast friends. Their rooms at the home were right next door to each other.
After Harry would visit his wife of 70 years, Belle, who was ill and living in another section of the home, they would all hang out together.
One day, about six years ago, an ailing Morty asked Harry to make good on the wisecrack he made the first day they met.
"I'm going, Harry," Morty said. "Take care of my wife."
A month later, Morty died. Soon after that, Harry's wife, Belle, passed away.
"After a few months, Harry asked me out to dinner," Dorothy says, "I was so nervous. I hadn't dated in 62 years. We went to some nice restaurants. He wined and dined me. He was a real gentleman."
They'd eat and talk about their lives. Dorothy showed Harry an old column I had written about her 19 years ago when she was a 71-year-old student at Cal State Northridge working on a degree in psychology.
Dorothy wanted to start a fraternity/sorority for senior citizens on campus. Someplace they could go to blow off some steam after a hard day in class.
Why should the kids have all the fun, she said? Seniors needed a social life on campus, too.
"Morty and I went to one of the sorority dances and everyone thought we were the chaperones," Dorothy told me back in 1992.
Her Animal House for seniors never got off the ground, but Dorothy's reputation as a rabble rouser was born. After graduating, she began teaching classes at senior retirement homes for the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Harry's background, on the other hand, is a little shadier. His son, Ed Schackman, says his dad was "a street wise guy from Cleveland and later Detroit."
"He hustled for a living, knew guys in the Jewish mafia and spent a lot of time in Vegas in the early years. He drove a lot of guys around."
Let's just leave it at that, says Ed, who threw a big shindig recently for his dad's 100th birthday and Dorothy's 90th - inviting both families.
That's the short story on the rabble rouser and the wiseguy. The long story is that they're an item over at the home these days.
Harry had to move a block away to another section of the home for health reasons, but Dorothy visits him every day.
"We're company for each other, care for each other," She says. "Our families want us to be happy and we are."
So, in the end, the wiseguy turns out to be a stand-up guy - keeping his promise to Morty.
Watching out for his wife, the rabble rouser.
Dennis McCarthy's column appears in the Los Angeles Daily News on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. You can e-mail him at dennis.mccarthy@dailynews.com.
Read the original story here.
Labels: Aging, Around the Home, Couples, Creager, Daily News, Dennis McCarthy, Eisenberg Village, Love, Marriage, Residents, Romance, Senior Living, Sexuality, Staff
Monday, February 21, 2011
Shameless Plug: The Jewish Home's Monthly Top 10
Each month, we at the Jewish Home put our minds and research skills to the test to find the top ten most interesting, relevant factoids on health and wellness, and we send them out to you, our amazing readers.
This month's (February) Top 10 list covered heart health. The January Top 10 offered tips to stick to your New Year's resolution (how's that going?).
What is next month's Top 10 list going to cover? Subscribe today to find out!!!
Labels: email, Health, Internet, Longevity, Senior Living, Social Media, Staff, Subscribe, Top 10, Wellness
Friday, February 18, 2011
New Advice on Preventing Falls
Cross posted from The New York Times blog, The New Old Age.
By Karen Stabiner
For the first time since 2001, the American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatrics Society have updated their guidelines for preventing falls in older people. The update includes two notable changes: One recommends tai chi — the meditative, slow-motion Chinese exercise — as an effective way to prevent falls, while another suggests that doctors review medication use by all elderly patients, with an eye toward reducing use of those drugs that increase the risk of falling.
The earlier guidelines did not single out any particular exercise regimen and endorsed prescription reviews only for patients taking more than four medications.
Exercise is essential for any older person who can manage it, according to Dr. Mary Tinetti of the Yale University School of Medicine, a chairwoman of the panel that issued the new guidelines. Tai chi gets the nod because several trials have suggested that it seems to help reduce the risk of falling, she said, although it is possible that other forms of balance training work just as well.
Greg Fuller teaches tai chi at the Jewish Home in Los Angeles. “The basic underlying philosophy is that balance is everything,” he said. Most important for his students, whose average age is 90, tai chi involves small, slow, controlled motions.
“With beginners, we spend a lot of time working while seated, bringing attention to the proper alignment of the pelvis, chest and head,” said Mr. Fuller. Once that is accomplished, “finding strength and balance while standing is much easier.”
Even then, many students work standing just behind a chair. “The presence of the chair back within reach gives them a sense of security and confidence,” Mr. Fuller said. “They forget about the possibility of falling and concentrate on the movements.”
Confidence is important to fall prevention, according to Dr. Tinetti, who said that fear of falling can itself lead older people to cut back on activities they used to enjoy. The less they do, sadly, the less they eventually are able to do.
The geriatrics groups also have long recommended that the medication regimens of older patients be reviewed and, if possible, scaled back. Earlier guidelines called for reviewing medications only if a patient takes more than four. This time around, researchers say that all older patients ought to have their doctors review their prescriptions for any that might increase the risk of falling.
“The evidence is strongest that medications that affect the brain — these include antidepressants, sleep medications and medications for anxiety — increase the risk of falling,” said Dr. Tinetti. “There is also a suggestion, not yet proven, that narcotics and some blood pressure medications may increase the risk of falls, as well.”
The updated guidelines distinguish between a fall that requires intervention and one that might be a isolated incident. The updated criteria for getting a risk evaluation are:
Read the original blog post here.
By Karen Stabiner
 |
Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press |
The earlier guidelines did not single out any particular exercise regimen and endorsed prescription reviews only for patients taking more than four medications.
Exercise is essential for any older person who can manage it, according to Dr. Mary Tinetti of the Yale University School of Medicine, a chairwoman of the panel that issued the new guidelines. Tai chi gets the nod because several trials have suggested that it seems to help reduce the risk of falling, she said, although it is possible that other forms of balance training work just as well.
Greg Fuller teaches tai chi at the Jewish Home in Los Angeles. “The basic underlying philosophy is that balance is everything,” he said. Most important for his students, whose average age is 90, tai chi involves small, slow, controlled motions.
“With beginners, we spend a lot of time working while seated, bringing attention to the proper alignment of the pelvis, chest and head,” said Mr. Fuller. Once that is accomplished, “finding strength and balance while standing is much easier.”
Even then, many students work standing just behind a chair. “The presence of the chair back within reach gives them a sense of security and confidence,” Mr. Fuller said. “They forget about the possibility of falling and concentrate on the movements.”
Confidence is important to fall prevention, according to Dr. Tinetti, who said that fear of falling can itself lead older people to cut back on activities they used to enjoy. The less they do, sadly, the less they eventually are able to do.
The geriatrics groups also have long recommended that the medication regimens of older patients be reviewed and, if possible, scaled back. Earlier guidelines called for reviewing medications only if a patient takes more than four. This time around, researchers say that all older patients ought to have their doctors review their prescriptions for any that might increase the risk of falling.
“The evidence is strongest that medications that affect the brain — these include antidepressants, sleep medications and medications for anxiety — increase the risk of falling,” said Dr. Tinetti. “There is also a suggestion, not yet proven, that narcotics and some blood pressure medications may increase the risk of falls, as well.”
The updated guidelines distinguish between a fall that requires intervention and one that might be a isolated incident. The updated criteria for getting a risk evaluation are:
- An elderly person worried or frightened by a fall.
- Two or more falls in the past year.
- One or more falls with injury.
- Repeated difficulty with balance when walking.
Read the original blog post here.
Labels: Aging, Balance, Cross Post, Falling, Fitness, For the Body, Health, New York Times, Stabiner, Staff, T'ai Chi, The New Old Age
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Comedy Corner! Video - "Zebra in America"
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
John Fruge on the Annenberg School of Nursing
If you, or someone you know, is interested in training to become an LVN at the Annenberg School of Nursing, visit www.jha.org/annenberg.
Labels: Annenberg, Fruge, Graduation, Licensed Vocational Nurse, LVN, Nursing, Nursing School, Staff, Video, YouTube
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Senior Love
From the Winter 2011 edition of The Chai Journal.
By Ellis Simon
We see many of our residents walking around holding hands. We have many married couples and residents that have met and taken a shine to each other. This is the story of one of those couples. Their names: Irving Mandel and Genia Burman. Genia is a 90 year young lady, and Irving is a 92 year young gentleman. Both of them came here from Poland. Genia's mother's name was Freima, her father was Israel. Irving's mother was Sara, his father was Leiser. They both came into the Jewish Home sometime in 2004. They did not know each other at the time.
Both Genia and Irving were given rooms in the Weinberg Building. As Irving was walking down the hall one day, he passed by Genia's room. He saw the door was open, and since he had noticed Genia before, he walked into her room and they started to talk. As they say, "Irving was smitten." They started to see each other every day, and after about a year, Irving popped the question. (Genia made sure to tell me that he did not get down on one knee.) They then started to make arrangements to get married here at the Home. The big day arrived, and with the synagogue packed with family and residents, they said their "I Dos" under the chuppah. The wedding reception was held in their favorite place, the Arts & Crafts room. Both Irving and Genia spent many hours in this room, so it was an appropriate place for the festivities.
They have five children between them, and five grandchildren. Irving's children live in California, and Genia's daughter and grand-daughter live in Arizona, and her two sons live in Northern California. Before coming to the Home, Genia was a dressmaker, and Irving worked for the government in the ballistic missile field. I really believe this couple was made for each other, but it took them a long time to find it out. They are a lovely couple.
By Ellis Simon
Both Genia and Irving were given rooms in the Weinberg Building. As Irving was walking down the hall one day, he passed by Genia's room. He saw the door was open, and since he had noticed Genia before, he walked into her room and they started to talk. As they say, "Irving was smitten." They started to see each other every day, and after about a year, Irving popped the question. (Genia made sure to tell me that he did not get down on one knee.) They then started to make arrangements to get married here at the Home. The big day arrived, and with the synagogue packed with family and residents, they said their "I Dos" under the chuppah. The wedding reception was held in their favorite place, the Arts & Crafts room. Both Irving and Genia spent many hours in this room, so it was an appropriate place for the festivities.
They have five children between them, and five grandchildren. Irving's children live in California, and Genia's daughter and grand-daughter live in Arizona, and her two sons live in Northern California. Before coming to the Home, Genia was a dressmaker, and Irving worked for the government in the ballistic missile field. I really believe this couple was made for each other, but it took them a long time to find it out. They are a lovely couple.
Labels: Around the Home, Burman, Chai Journal, Couples, Cross Post, Eisenberg Village, Love, Mandel, Marriage, Residents, Romance, Simon, Staff
SFV Business Journal Covers Annenberg Graduation
The Los Angeles Jewish Home's Annenberg School of Nursing graduated its fourth class of Licensed Vocational Nurse candidates on January 27th. The San Fernando Valley Business Journal covered it in their most recent 'Valley Biz Seen' section.
Congratulations again to our new graduates, and thank you to the San Fernando Valley Business Journal!
Labels: Annenberg, Around the Home, Events, Graduation, Licensed Vocational Nurse, LVN, Media, Nursing, Nursing School, SFV Business Journal, Staff
Monday, February 14, 2011
Life Blossoms and Love Blooms at the Los Angeles Jewish Home [VIDEO]
Happy Valentine's Day!
Last week, we debuted a video short on YouTube chronicling the remarkable lives of two couples who met and fell in love right here at the Jewish Home. We're calling it Life Blossoms and Love Blooms at the Los Angeles Jewish Home. The video is embedded below.
On a side note, Dorothy and Harry celebrated their 90th and 100th birthdays, respectively, this weekend! After several years together, the couple's families got together to throw a party for the two lovebirds.
Labels: Around the Home, Humor, Love, Romance, Sexuality, Staff, Valentine's Day, Video, YouTube
Friday, February 11, 2011
Great Sex at 100? Who Knew? Happy Valentines Day [VIDEO]
Cross posted from The Jewish Journal's Keeping the Faith blog
By Ilana Angel
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s easy for a single gal to feel a little sad. It’s the day of love, and even though my life is full of people that I love, and who love me, the one thing that will be missing from Valentine’s Day is sex. According to countless medical journals, a woman reaches her sexual prime in her 40’s, but if you’re single, there is nobody to have sex with.
Sex is the one thing that separates a relationship from all others. It is special, important, required and the single greatest thing about being a grown up. At 44, I have reached a level of comfort when it comes to sex. I have no hang ups talking about it, or embracing my body so I can enjoy it. Sex is a great thing, and it took me a long time to get to this place.
There is no longer a need to suck in my stomach, or wear lingerie that covers parts that have relocated to new positions. I may not have the greatest body, but it’s mine, I know it, and I am an expert at operating it. Who would have thought that at 44 I would feel sexier than I did when I was 24? It’s a beautiful thing, and it’s being wasted by my lack of sex.
Just when I was about to pour myself a glass of wine, and enjoy an afternoon pity party, I was sent a video that has changed my perspective. It turns out there is no need to panic. Even if it takes me a little longer to meet someone worthy of having sex with, I will still be able to have and enjoy sex. Whether I’m 45, God willing, or 100, God willing, sex is going to be great.
The Los Angeles Jewish Home has created a special video about finding love. It introduces us to Dorothy and Harry, Jeanette and Ira. These love birds are in their 80’s, 90’s and yes 100 years old, and they are having sex! God Bless these crazy kids, and bravo to them for openly talking about their sex lives. I think they are adorable.
I could still have a pity party because there are people in their 100’s having more sex than me, but instead, I am going to think positive and take comfort in knowing each day I get older does not mean I am one day closer to never having sex, because sex is coming. Eventually. I will impale myself if my next sexual encounter happens when I’m 100, but it’s coming.
According to the Los Angeles Jewish Home, “being in love can boost self-esteem and decrease depression and anxiety. Being happy in a committed relationship can improve your immune system, leading to fewer colds and visits to the doctor, and can even lower blood pressure.“ Sex is a great thing that also happens to be great for you. Whoo hoo!!!
Story continued after the video. ED. NOTE: This video really gets cooking at the 2 minute mark.
I hope that everyone has love on Valentine’s Day. Whether you believe in the holiday or not, it’s a day to embrace love. I embrace love every day, which is both a blessing and a curse. Maybe I need to focus less on love and more on sex? Maybe instead of dating online, or getting set up by my friends, I need to hang out at the Los Angeles Jewish Home.
I’m not going to date a resident, but perhaps I could meet a son, grandson, or doctor, who is also inspired to find love by these love stories. Mazel Tov to these lovely couples, and congratulations to The Jewish Home for this brilliant piece of marketing. I’m still having wine, but instead of a pity party, I am toasting to finding love, and knowing it will come if I keep the faith.
Read the original blog post here.
By Ilana Angel
Sex is the one thing that separates a relationship from all others. It is special, important, required and the single greatest thing about being a grown up. At 44, I have reached a level of comfort when it comes to sex. I have no hang ups talking about it, or embracing my body so I can enjoy it. Sex is a great thing, and it took me a long time to get to this place.
There is no longer a need to suck in my stomach, or wear lingerie that covers parts that have relocated to new positions. I may not have the greatest body, but it’s mine, I know it, and I am an expert at operating it. Who would have thought that at 44 I would feel sexier than I did when I was 24? It’s a beautiful thing, and it’s being wasted by my lack of sex.
Just when I was about to pour myself a glass of wine, and enjoy an afternoon pity party, I was sent a video that has changed my perspective. It turns out there is no need to panic. Even if it takes me a little longer to meet someone worthy of having sex with, I will still be able to have and enjoy sex. Whether I’m 45, God willing, or 100, God willing, sex is going to be great.
The Los Angeles Jewish Home has created a special video about finding love. It introduces us to Dorothy and Harry, Jeanette and Ira. These love birds are in their 80’s, 90’s and yes 100 years old, and they are having sex! God Bless these crazy kids, and bravo to them for openly talking about their sex lives. I think they are adorable.
I could still have a pity party because there are people in their 100’s having more sex than me, but instead, I am going to think positive and take comfort in knowing each day I get older does not mean I am one day closer to never having sex, because sex is coming. Eventually. I will impale myself if my next sexual encounter happens when I’m 100, but it’s coming.
According to the Los Angeles Jewish Home, “being in love can boost self-esteem and decrease depression and anxiety. Being happy in a committed relationship can improve your immune system, leading to fewer colds and visits to the doctor, and can even lower blood pressure.“ Sex is a great thing that also happens to be great for you. Whoo hoo!!!
Story continued after the video. ED. NOTE: This video really gets cooking at the 2 minute mark.
I hope that everyone has love on Valentine’s Day. Whether you believe in the holiday or not, it’s a day to embrace love. I embrace love every day, which is both a blessing and a curse. Maybe I need to focus less on love and more on sex? Maybe instead of dating online, or getting set up by my friends, I need to hang out at the Los Angeles Jewish Home.
I’m not going to date a resident, but perhaps I could meet a son, grandson, or doctor, who is also inspired to find love by these love stories. Mazel Tov to these lovely couples, and congratulations to The Jewish Home for this brilliant piece of marketing. I’m still having wine, but instead of a pity party, I am toasting to finding love, and knowing it will come if I keep the faith.
Read the original blog post here.
Labels: Couples, Cross Post, Ilana Angel, Jewish Journal, Love, Residents, Romance, Sexuality, Staff, Valentine's Day, Video
Comedy Corner! Video - "The Gorilla"
If the Los Angeles Jewish Home were a high school, Jerri Kane, 85, would've been voted "Most Funny". She's always coming up with new jokes — both tame and risqué — and making people laugh. For your enjoyment, here is one of her jokes, "The Gorilla"...
Labels: Around the Home, Comedy Corner, Gorilla, Humor, Jokes, Kane, Residents, Staff, Video, YouTube
Thursday, February 10, 2011
My Full Circle Trip with the Jewish Home
From the Winter 2011 edition of The Chai Journal
By Nettie Freeman
In 1986, I sold my art gallery and picture framing business. My first inclination was what meaningful volunteer task would I wish to venture into. Without hesitation I found myself at the Jewish Home volunteer office. My first assignment was visiting the residents who did not have any friends or family nearby. I spent many hours enjoying the company of so many itneresting people, sharing their life experience and family histories.
After some time, I was to become the buyer of apparel for the gift shop. Because of my personal contacts at the California Mart downtown, I was very happy to be helpful in that capactiy. After three years of volunteering in these very fulfilling tasks, I took on a new volunteering hat at my temple, Valley Beth Shalom. I became a counselor at our counseling office. I spent 20 years in that capacity, and must admit it was a most gratifying experience, helping my clients in their troubled situations.
Now let's fast forward to September 2009. Due to medical challenges, I had to relinquish my driving privileges. My first consideration was applying to the Jewish Home, my familiar landmark. So here I am, back at the Home, in a neighborhood home at Eisenberg Village with three fabulous roommates...and I couldn't be happier. What a great journey I have had with my wonderful experiences at the Home, and yes, I am volunteering again and a new member of the Chai Journal committee.
By Nettie Freeman
After some time, I was to become the buyer of apparel for the gift shop. Because of my personal contacts at the California Mart downtown, I was very happy to be helpful in that capactiy. After three years of volunteering in these very fulfilling tasks, I took on a new volunteering hat at my temple, Valley Beth Shalom. I became a counselor at our counseling office. I spent 20 years in that capacity, and must admit it was a most gratifying experience, helping my clients in their troubled situations.
Now let's fast forward to September 2009. Due to medical challenges, I had to relinquish my driving privileges. My first consideration was applying to the Jewish Home, my familiar landmark. So here I am, back at the Home, in a neighborhood home at Eisenberg Village with three fabulous roommates...and I couldn't be happier. What a great journey I have had with my wonderful experiences at the Home, and yes, I am volunteering again and a new member of the Chai Journal committee.
Labels: Admission, Aging, Around the Home, Chai Journal, Eisenberg Village, Freeman, Jewish Home Services, Neighborhood Home, Residents, Senior Living, Staff, Volunteer
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Comedy Corner! Video – "Mousey"
There is one joke Eli Persky, 94, is famous for telling other Jewish Home residents. It involves a mouse, a cat, and a barrel of whiskey. Enjoy!
Labels: Around the Home, Comedy Corner, Humor, Jokes, Persky, Staff
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Daily News Columnist Covers Jewish Home Residents Weinbaum & Daniels
Abe Daniels moved recently into apartment 445 at the Jewish Home for the Aging in Reseda, right next door to Joe Weinbaum in No. 447.
"I was a ship's cook second class in the service, as low as you get, and here comes this hero moving in next door," Joe says, introducing me to Abe.
"I've been helping him out. The guy learned to fly a dive bomber, but he can't figure out a walker."
Abe laughs. Funny guy, this new next-door neighbor.
Joe had invited me to stop by and meet Abe on Monday. The meeting almost didn't happen, though, because Abe hasn't done anything on Feb. 7 for as long as he can remember.
"I don't even eat on Feb. 7," Abe says.
But he made an exception for his new friend because he likes the guy, and well, because maybe - at 94 - it's time to bury some ghosts.
Read the entire story here.
Labels: Around the Home, Daily News, Daniels, Dennis McCarthy, Feb 7, Friendship, Staff, Veteran, Weinbaum, WWII
Be Bold at the Annenberg School of Nursing
Recently, we shot a video with Annenberg School of Nursing alumna Jennifer Imbag. In 2009, she graduated as her class's valedictorian and winner of the Florence Nightingale Award. One major theme she took out of her experience here: be bold.
Labels: Annenberg, Imbag, Licensed Vocational Nurse, LVN, Nursing, Nursing School, Staff, Video
Monday, February 7, 2011
Torah for the Ages Dedication Video
On January 23, 2011 the Home celebrated the dedication of its first ever new Torah scroll (Bible) hand written by a holy scribe. It took over a year to create the scroll, and many of our residents participated during the course of the year in the writing of the letters of the scroll. If you click here you will see a short presentation of the ceremony held that day. On the same day we also dedicated a beautiful crown for the Torah which was donated by the family of Phyliss Marell. Please enjoy and thank you to all who participated in this joyous event.
Rabbi Sheldon Pennes is the Jack H. Skirball Director of Spiritual Life at the Los Angeles Jewish Home, where he oversees the many services and activities that educate, illuminate, and enrich the spiritual life and needs of those living in, or served by, the Home.
Rabbi Sheldon Pennes is the Jack H. Skirball Director of Spiritual Life at the Los Angeles Jewish Home, where he oversees the many services and activities that educate, illuminate, and enrich the spiritual life and needs of those living in, or served by, the Home. Labels: Around the Home, For the Spirit, Pennes, Torah, Video, YouTube
Friday, February 4, 2011
Jewish Home Comedy Corner! presents "Tired and Thirsty"
Have you been to the Los Angeles Jewish Home's official YouTube channel yet? In the last few months, we've posted dozens of new videos. One series we've started is the Comedy Corner! where our residents share their best jokes. When we heard Dorothy Creager, 90, tell "Tired and Thirsty," we absolutely had to get it online.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Labels: Around the Home, Comedy Corner, Creager, Humor, Jokes, Staff
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Blessing at the Annenberg School of Nursing Graduation
(From an email sent on January 27, 2011, shortly after the Annenberg School of Nursing Class of 2011 graduation ceremony.)
Last evening I was truly honored to be present to give an opening blessing for the graduation of our 2011 class of the Annenberg School of Nursing. It was a wonderful celebration of dedication, hard work and of the Jewish Home itself, that makes it all possible.
I was reminded of a verse from Genesis, one of the first things God says to Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people.
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
I began to think about how this applies to the Jewish Home, how many residents of Southern California are blessed because of the work of the Home and it's many programs. The Home is open to people of all faiths to come and live safely and securely, free to grow intellectually and spiritually. We have rehabilitation facilities to help anyone needing temporary help after a hospitalization, to get back home. We are providing education in nursing skills through our CNA programs and Annenberg School of nursing to qualified applicants of any background. We serve a multitude of patients through our Skirball Hospice Program and will help even more in our community based PACE program.
I am unable to think of a more powerful ambassador of good will for the Jewish people than the Los Angeles Jewish Home. The Los Angeles Jewish community is one of the world's largest, and we have many fine Jewish institutions: schools, museums, hospitals, temples, restaurants etc. However, I believe the Home is the finest example of an institution whose prime directive is to do good, healing the sick and comforting those in pain. The Jewish Community should be proud of the work we do and we deserve to express pride in the Home for all we do.
May all people be blessed because of our never ending commitment to the beliefs and values we have treasured for all these years.
Rabbi Sheldon Pennes is the Jack H. Skirball Director of Spiritual Life at the Los Angeles Jewish Home, where he oversees the many services and activities that educate, illuminate, and enrich the spiritual life and needs of those living in, or served by, the Home.
Labels: Annenberg, For the Spirit, Genesis, Graduation, Jewish Home Services, Pennes