LIFE OUR QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FALL 2019
Instant Israel: A Mix of High Tech and the Homeland Meet Lieberman Center’s New Executive Director The Mind, Body and Spirit in Sync Women Sandwichers and Menopause
Join us for an unforgettable evening to support CJE SeniorLife. Sunday, September 8, 2019 CJE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
enhancing the quality of life of older adults Palmer House Hilton 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago 5 pm—Reception 6 pm—Dinner & Program
Celebrate CJE Leadership Co-Chairs Vicki Pines Susan Ringel Segal Sponsorship Chairs Marc L. Berman James M. Feldman Ken Lorch Ad Book Chairs Allan Goldstein Linda Soreff Siegel Terri Freeman, Resource Development Committee Chair Sam Brilliant Dennis J. Carlin Alan I. Greene James C. Mills Michael Schultz Marci L. Shapiro Abbe Temkin Board Chair Kalman Wenig President & CEO Dan Fagin
Guest Artist, Hershey Felder
Vice President, Resource Development Stephanie Smerling Senior Development Specialist Vanessa Jones Senior Development Specialist Jackie Rabin Program Analyst Patricia Dalessandro REGISTER, SPONSOR, PURCHASE AN AD OR DONATE www.cje.net/CelebrateCJE2019 or 773.508.1321
CJE SeniorLife® is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.
LIFE MAGAZINE STAFF Vice President, Marketing Management Carole Klein-Alexander Manager, Marketing and Communications Mary Keen Senior Graphic Designer Adam Lazar Senior Digital Marketing Specialist Nicole Bruce Senior Digital Technology Specialist Lana Gorelova Contributors Printed by Allegra Evanston
What will your Jewish Legacy be? Make sure CJE will be there for future generations by making a legacy commitment today. Contact Stephanie Smerling, Vice President of Resource Development at 773.508.1130 or stephanie.smerling@cje.net. Read LIFE Magazine online www.cje.net/life Receive LIFE Magazine via email— send your request to: lifemag@cje.net We always strive for accuracy, but if you have any questions or concerns, please call 773.508.1024. Donate to CJE SeniorLife at www.cje.net/donate
Viewpoint Dear Reader,
As the Vice President of Resource Development, I am pleased to introduce myself in this issue.
I am often asked what “resource development” is and I explain that I look for ways of engaging our community and other stakeholders in building CJE’s financial and programmatic capacity. While fundraising is one of the many ways we accomplish this, resource development also includes developing strong collaborative partnerships with stakeholders such as our Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and, of course, donors, foundations and corporations that are committed to ensuring that we can fulfill CJE’s enduring Mission. Moreover, I have the privilege of overseeing dedicated staff members who work tirelessly with our lay leadership to organize our annual gala Celebrate CJE, write over 90 grant proposals a year, send out several direct and online appeals and work with our Associate Board to plan fun events for young supporters like “Spin for Seniors.” These and many more activities are designed to raise the critical funds that help support CJE’s continuum of care today and for future generations.
My relationship with CJE SeniorLife actually began in the 1990s. I was the first person to hold the position of Development Director when CJE was still known as Council for Jewish Elderly. This past fall I came “back home” to CJE after 20 years and was astonished at how the organization had grown. Amazingly, I found that some Board members from that time are still involved, further demonstrating the level of commitment of our lay leaders. I know firsthand how CJE positively impacts the lives of older adults and their families throughout metropolitan Chicago. My grandmother was one of the first residents of Gidwitz Place, our assisted living facility. She spent 11½ wonderful years there. In fact, I helped to raise the money for the Gidwitz Place playground so my children would have a place to play when they visited their great-grandma, Molly. That’s the magic of CJE’s natural ability to provide inter-generational support—L’dor V’dor. My deepest gratitude goes to you, our CJE community, for you are invested in CJE’s success. I look forward to working together with you to further CJE’s important Mission. With best wishes for a peaceful and sweet New Year,
Stephanie Smerling Vice President of Resource Development
WISHING ALL OF OUR FRIENDS A JOYFUL L’SHANAH TOVAH. CJE SeniorLife® is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.
INSTANT ISRAEL: VIRTUAL REALITY TRAVEL TO THE HOMELAND By Mary Keen Known for its innovative programming and value-based approach to care and enrichment of older adults, CJE is proud to announce “Instant Israel,” a unique, multi-faceted program that will immerse older adults in engaging, life-like tours of historically significant places in Israel by utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) technology and 3D panoramic imagery. It was developed by CJE’s Community Engagement (CE) Department that plans to partner with groups such as Kahal, local synagogues and other Jewish student organizations to recruit volunteers to be trained as “Tour Guides.” All will have actually traveled to Israel, many on Birthright trips (free heritage trips for Jewish young adults). Thanks to a generous $100,000 grant from the JUF Breakthrough Fund, CJE is embarking on this intergenerational endeavor with VR “tours” expected to begin late this fall. The Community Engagement team knew it was the ideal concept to introduce older adults to technology in a fun, interactive way. VR technology has been around for a while (you’ve probably seen the crowds at VR adventure or theme parks in local malls), but using it for intergenerational life enrichment programming is an intriguing novelty that dovetails well with the needs of CJE’s older community members. It has the potential to provide participants with an incredible life enrichment experience that includes stimulating educational engagement and socialization. An additional longterm benefit to the Instant Israel experience is that it will be a unique and alluring gateway for more people to discover CJE’s growing portfolio of innovative programming.
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Instant Israel is intentionally designed to provide seniors with the opportunity to reminisce about their travel experiences and inspire lively conversations between generations which, according to emerging research, can contribute to an increase in brain activity. Imagine the wonder of a 65-year-old woman (who has spent her entire life in Rogers Park and never traveled outside the US) as she puts on a headset and finds herself on the ancient ruins of Masada overlooking the lowest point on earth—the Dead Sea!
An exciting development is the high tech industry’s eagerness to partner with CJE in many areas of facilitating the program. Highly innovative international organizations that are engaged in utilizing high tech to help older adults have been in discussions with CJE, and the results are promising. These organizations could provide guidance on how to further enhance a VR program, how to locate the best equipment and could work with us to maximize the “travel” experience for older adults. Prior to applying for a grant from the JUF Breakthrough Fund, Catherine Samatas, Manager of CJE’s Community Engagement Department and Instant Israel’s Program Manager, reviewed the proposed program with CJE’s famed Bureau of Sages, a research advisory board comprised of Lieberman Center community members who meet regularly to give feedback to researchers on senior-related topics. Samatas found out that there would be a steeper learning curve with some older adults, but overall the feedback was very positive—
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WHAT IS VIRTUAL REALITY?
older adults could enjoy and benefit from the VR experience. Indeed, the Bureau of Sages’ opinions helped shaped the action plan of the year-long pilot project. The goal this year, according to Samatas, is to focus on the benefits of using VR technology with older adults in a meaningful, intergenerational context. That’s why each tour is planned to accommodate small groups of older adults. Samatas anticipates “this activity will generate some very lively conversations and socializing between all the participants, young and old.”
Samatas is looking forward to her first “trip” to Israel as well as learning more about what VR technology can offer to our residents and community members: “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to test the feasibility of using VR videos in programs for older adults and to document the program’s impact on enhancing social connections in the Jewish community. Going forward, CJE will utilize the outcomes of this project to develop future VR programming that could improve the health and quality of life of older adults—after all, that is the core of CJE’s mission.”
To learn more about all the educational and enriching programs offered by CJE’s Community Engagement Team, and to see if there is an Instant Israel group program that you could join, call Casey Shipman at 773.508.1312 or visit www.cje.net/InstantIsrael for updates.
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For those unfamiliar with the term, virtual reality (VR) can be defined as experiencing, through the use of technology, simulated and immersive environments that are either similar (or completely different!) from the real world. Virtual reality can be used for entertainment (gaming), recreation or adventure (travel), education (medical or military training) and much more. There are a variety of VR headsets on the market. In general, they all contain an LCD or LED monitor and built-in stereo speakers to provide a realistic experience. VR headsets require something to be played in them. These can be games, applications, or 3D movies. VR technology offers us a way to have a simulated experience of a computer-generated or 360° videotaped and photographed environment.
When you put on a VR headset, you are disconnected from your actual surroundings and absorbed inside a life-like “alternative reality.” Instead of simply viewing a screen in front of you, VR places you inside of the experience itself. It feels so real and immersive that it can convince the brain that it is somewhere it is really not. Imagine looking around as you wind your way through a crowded exotic marketplace in Jerusalem with all its vibrant sights and sounds whirling about you—all from a seat at your synagogue or local senior center. That’s virtual reality!
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MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT IN SYNC By Adam Lazar Physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellness is essential to living a long, healthy life. For many people, these components often do not thrive in unison without actively cultivating them. The key is to find a balance that will contribute to a sense of overall well-being by either maintaining or improving the state of our bodies, minds, feelings and spirits. New routines can often be a challenge, so here are a few useful techniques to work into a daily schedule. Start with yoga. Because it comes in many forms, yoga can be adapted to suit almost anyone. Challenging poses like the intimidating full lotus or half-moon are not required to benefit from a regular yoga practice. While most of us know that yoga can help with flexibility and peace of mind, it can also help build muscle, increase balance and strengthen bones. Rebecca Paulin-Liston, Physical Therapist and Certified Yoga Instructor, points out that “weight-bearing poses in yoga help build strength in the hips and spine through compressive loading forces,” by taking advantage of gravity. She adds that “muscles pulling on bones during activation poses—such as those in which you resist your knees apart from each other in a squat or twist your torso while maintaining a straight spine— can help to build strength in the hips and spine.”
Receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis does not mean that you should not exercise in fear of breaking something. In fact, regular exercise can help maintain or improve bone strength. Paulin-Liston teaches a specialized class called “Yoga for Osteoporosis” that’s specifically designed to offer individuals with osteoporosis a safe way to practice yoga. It is important to avoid certain poses such as rounded postures where the back of the body is long and the front of the body is short. That’s because these poses can lead to compression fractures in the spine. Naturally, it’s important to consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen. Add a Dose of Mindfulness. The practice of MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction (MBSR) is another useful tool for maintaining or improving our psychological and emotional health of which we can all take advantage. MBSR, first coined by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, is defined as “paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and without judgement.” MBSR has been shown to improve mental and physical health and many therapists have incorporated a version of this mindfulness practice in their sessions with clients. Chloe Gremaud, LCSW, a Social Worker with CJE Counseling Services, finds that a mindfulness exercise helps her clients respond rather than react, and to observe rather than control
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in many situations. This is a tremendously positive reaction. She gives the example of a stressful moment in our day, like waiting in a long line at the grocery store or having a difficult conversation with our spouse or child. The outcome would be so much better if we were able to pause and reflect on the situation instead of reacting to it. In the context of mindfulness exercises, reacting comes naturally for us, while responding takes work and practice. In a typical mindfulness session, practitioners spend 5 to 20 minutes with their attention focused on an anchor, such as the sensation of their breath or the feeling of their hands folded in their laps. While attempting to focus on the anchor, thoughts and feelings will inevitably wander into their minds. But this is normal, and they are instructed to observe the thought without judgement and then gently bring their attention back to their anchor.
If you decide to try mindfulness, remember that this is by no means an easy exercise to do. As you practice, keep in mind that you are using random, wandering thoughts to build muscle. Every time you become aware of an intrusive thought when you are trying to focus on your anchor, you are being given an opportunity to exercise your “mindfulness muscle,” as if you were lifting a weight with your brain! The longer you practice mindfulness on a regular basis, the stronger your muscle will get—just like the reward of regularly working out. It’s important to remember that the goal of your mindfulness practice is not to have an empty mind. The goal is to observe and release the thoughts that will often pepper your mindfulness sessions. As you practice mindfulness on a regular, consistent basis, your ability to observe and respond will become closer to second nature. Mindfulness exercises help us to realize that the long line at the store is a temporary annoyance, and that very realization can help us let go of the stress caused by the feelings of powerlessness, anger and fatigue that build so quickly if we don’t deal with them. And when we have that difficult conversation with our loved ones, we will get to the point of being able to observe that we are feeling stressed and to take
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a pause before responding. That way we can communicate in a more thoughtful, loving, measured way.
Those who have a regular mindfulness practice also benefit from better physical health. Gremaud points out that stress causes the body to create cortisol, the stress hormone. And while a bit of cortisol in a dangerous situation can help us (the honk of a car’s horn can snap us back to attention), too much can lower your immunity. You definitely can’t control the outcome of every situation you’re in, but, more often than not, you can control how you respond. Blending It All Together. Charlene West, Certified Yoga Instructor, believes that “yoga is not only an exercise with physical benefits. It helps bring the body, the mind and the breath in sync.” West, like many instructors, feels that yoga prepares her students for their meditation practice and, therefore, she incorporates mindfulness exercises into her yoga class. Vera Rodriquez Mancera, LPC, Holocaust Community Services Care Manager, incorporates mindfulness exercises into her sessions with clients and she finds that it helps them with depression, anxiety and sleeplessness, which can lead to healthier food choices. She also co-leads an exercise class that uses chair yoga, breathing exercises and meditation to promote healthy minds and bodies. It appears that when we concentrate holistically on our physical and psychological health, and bring them in sync with each other, we benefit the most.
CJE Counseling Services has Licensed Clinical Social Workers available who can work with you to meet your holistic health goals or help you with anxiety, depression and other needs. Call CJE SeniorLine for an appointment at 773.508.1000. Resources Article
Jewish Mindfulness Meditation reformjudaism.org/blog/2012/11/06/path-wellness-jewishmindfulness-meditation Books
Yoga for Osteoporosis by Loren Fishman, MD and Ellen Saltonstall Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn 10% Happier by Dan Harris Apps
Yoga Studio. Subscription based app with yoga classes at all levels. Classes can be customized to suit abilities.
Insight Timer. Offers both free and paid versions that include guided mindfulness exercises and a timer with ambient sounds. 10% Happier. Requires paid subscription with curated classes and guided mindfulness exercises.
Calm. Free and paid subscription with meditation, sleep exercises, music and ambient sounds.
TRY MINDFULNESS FOR YOURSELF There are many helpful smartphone apps that offer guided mindfulness exercises. There are also mindfulness coaches who lead group meditation sessions. And while these are helpful, you can start a mindfulness practice with just these simple steps and easy recommendations. Nine Steps to Start Practicing Mindfulness A Quiet Place. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. The place does not have to be silent, but you don’t want to be interrupted by someone needing your attention. Regularly Scheduled. Choose a regular time. If you practice mindfulness once, you will probably feel calm immediately afterward. But the greatest benefit will come if you can practice on a regular basis. How about five minutes, five days a week for five weeks?
Sit Down. Choose a comfortable posture. If you can, sit upright without being rigid, with your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands in your lap. You can also practice while lying down.
Set a Timer. A kitchen timer, watch alarm or the timer on your phone will work. Set it for five minutes. Breathe and Release. Take a deep breath, hold it for a count of three, then release it slowly. Repeat this breathing two more times. With the last exhale, gently close your eyes.
Scan Your Body. Start with a gentle focus on the top of your head. Observe the way it feels. Notice if there is any tension, or lack thereof, and move on to your brow, your jaw, your shoulders working your way down your body to your toes. There’s no need to make any adjustments, just observe and move on. Choose a Focus. You may choose to focus on the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your chest and abdomen. Or notice the feeling of air entering and exiting your nose. Or the warmth of your hands resting in your lap.
Let It Be. Inevitably, a thought will interrupt your chosen focus. Sitting for five minutes without any thought at all is not the goal. Acknowledge the thought and bring your mind back to your anchor. When thoughts enter your meditation practice, you have not failed. You’ve been given the opportunity to practice mindfulness. Allow the thoughts to come and go without judgement. Repeat Tomorrow. See you at the same time, same place tomorrow!
MANAGING MENOPAUSE DURING “THE SQUEEZE” By Mary Keen If you are a woman in your late forties to early fifties, chances are you may have kids who are dependent on you for something, even if they are not living with you. To add to the mix, you or your partner’s parents may be moving into the stage of older age, perhaps also needing some assistance, or just a bit more of a watchful eye. Depending on their overall health, a sudden crisis may be just around the corner that will require you to become involved in the situation. The truth is, with two generations depending on you for care and, possibly, financial help… you are a member of the Sandwich Generation! As luck would have it, with menopause spanning the ages of 45 to 55, and the average female caregiver being about 49-years-old, we are now seeing the phenomena of caregiving and “The Change” converging at an increased rate. Blame these overlapping life passages on good healthcare and longevity. You wouldn’t find this happening long ago. In ancient times, life expectancy at birth was 25-years-old. In the USA in 1800, it was 40-years-old. A woman may not have lived long enough to experience menopause, and her parents would have pre-deceased her many years before. So, her only caregiving requirements would be for her children and spouse—there would be no Sandwich Generation and little menopausal activity during those eras. And even if there were, household sharing among generations would have provided built-in support for each other, much more than they do now. Also, many of the current Sandwich Generation caregiving problems arise from its members’ isolation and distance from family due to career and other demands.
Sorry ladies, if you are of a certain age, it’s in the cards: just as the stars align in the sky, you’re most probably going to enter menopause at the same time you begin caregiving a parent, and possibly at the same time you might be caring for children too. All is not lost though. Knowing when your mother reached menopause can give you a clue as to when you will too, especially if her sisters and her mother (your grandmother) all reached it at the same time. Trying to anticipate when you can expect to enter menopause and preparing yourself for some typical symptoms—such as irregular periods and spotting, hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability—can help a great deal.
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Also perimenopause (the transitional time around menopause) can cause very uncomfortable symptoms for some because of changing hormones, and it can begin years before your last menstrual period. Thus you might experience this before entering your Sandwich years, but you can at least anticipate it.
Prepare Your Mind for a Confluence of Feelings Caregiving and Menopause = Similar Feelings of Loss
As your parents need more help with basic household chores or start to lose their hearing, sight or memory, you may be hit with a “reality check” that they are growing older. They may appear frailer and not rebound as quickly from an illness … and that can cause an adult child to feel sad. At that same time, if you are entering menopause, you may feel that you are losing your youth, your fertility and your ability to have children. These are all feelings of loss that can occur during menopause and can have a very strong and lasting impact on a woman’s overall health and well-being. Sharon Dornberg-Lee, Clinical Supervisor of CJE SeniorLife Counseling Services, notes “Simultaneous work, caregiving and child-rearing demands leave many women feeling exhausted and with little time or energy to devote to self-care. It is important for women not to lose sight of their physical and emotional needs during midlife. This may mean getting supportive counseling to address issues relating to changing self-image, one’s own aging and caregiving stress, as well as getting medical advice on coping with symptoms of perimenopause or menopause. Simply taking a few minutes a day for respite, a mindfulness practice, walking or other self-care activities can make a big difference.” Caregiving and Menopause = Similar Feelings of Anger
Anger bubbles to the surface when you are caregiving day in and day out. Maybe you are asked a few too many times to
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fetch something after you have just settled into a chair after a long day of caring for someone else. Maybe your partner could pitch in a little more. You feel put upon by all the demands on your time. Irritability and discontent arise out of losing control of your life and your body. You are losing a function of your body—your ovaries are basically shutting down and the physical symptoms make you feel angry, tired and depleted. Caregiving and Menopause = Similar Feelings of Stress
Caregiving, especially the Sandwich variety, can cause stress, stress and more stress. Menopausal stress adds to the caregiver stress, creating a vicious cycle. Problems can spiral as stress also affects clear thinking. For example, a prescription may need filling, but when you think to renew it, the doctor is out of town. Or your child forgot to bring his assignment to school, but he calls you while you’re in a hospital waiting room with your mom. Or you forgot to cancel an appointment for your dad, and there’s a $150 charge for a “no-show.” These issues snowball and stretch you in multiple directions, so that you have no time to think through solutions or call a friend for support. This extreme stress exacerbates menopause symptoms to the point where it can really hurt your health and interfere with your ability to care for your parent or your children. Other Similarities
Besides increased stress, caregiving and menopause can also cause insomnia, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety and depression. That’s quite a list of serious symptoms and some remedies are definitely in order.
Ways to Soothe Your Body Take Some “Me” Time
The first thing you can do—and all the other suggestions follow this one—is to take time for yourself … even when you think there isn’t any to take. You MUST tear yourself away. Tell yourself that your kids need to learn how to figure certain things out for themselves; that they need to start taking responsibility for their own choices. You must have room to breathe or you will be too drained to cope with the challenges of caregiving. Take a Long Soaking Bath
This is not an indulgence, this is a requirement. A long bath combats the emotional stress of caregiving and can be very calming. Add Epsom salts to the bath water. When soaking in Epsom salts, the bath can combat fluctuating hormones that cause hot flashes. Because menopause prohibits the body from completing the body’s natural detoxification cycle (this can cause heart disease and weight gain) taking a bath with Epsom salts helps remove the toxins in the body. Drink Lots of Water
Staying hydrated is important for caregivers because it can help them avoid headaches and irritability. Also sipping cold water can help alleviate hot flashes. Common wisdom recommends drinking half of your body weight in ounces a day, i.e., if you weigh 120 pounds, drink 60 oz of water.
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There’s a Strong Interrelationship Between Weight Gain and Lack of Sleep
Weight gain and lack of sleep have been studied a lot in terms of caregiving and menopause. Because of an inability to focus on themselves (for example, getting enough exercise) caregivers can struggle with their weight. It has been shown that 30 minutes of movement a day (including gardening, cleaning or walking) can help you get seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, which in turn can help prevent weight gain. Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends
Another big factor that has an impact on caregiver outlook and mood is spending time socializing with friends. It doesn’t have to be friends going through the same thing you are, but it can help to have someone with whom to empathize and commiserate. Also, sharing caregiving duties is a possibility. Whatever support can be garnered, grab it! Don’t forget the love and support that might be available from family members, including siblings and cousins, second-cousins, aunts, uncles, step-brothers, and step-sisters … you get the picture.
Menopause … Not All Bad?
We’ve heard all the negatives, but on the other side of the coin, there are some women who have been lucky enough to report that menopause wasn’t that bad. The reason? Every woman’s menopause onset and symptoms can vary. So can their approach to being a Sandwicher and caregiver. One woman spoke of being a menopausal Sandwicher and caring for her dying mother. Having her kids at that time was actually a lifesaver, not a burden for her. And she was going through a divorce, too!
For some, the onset of menopause can give women a sense of freedom from menstruating after 40 some years and also a huge relief of no longer having to fear getting pregnant. That’s real liberation for many!
Did you know Your Eldercare Consultants has a Geriatric Care Manager who specializes in Sandwich Generation caregivers? The Program is currently offering a no-obligation consultation (a $150 value). Also, CJE Counseling Services provides private counseling sessions to help you with depression, anxiety and other concerns when you feel like you can’t cope with the demands of caregiving two generations. Please call our CJE SeniorLine at 773.508.1000 to schedule an appointment for either of these services. Information for this article from Wikipedia and North American Menopause Study
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LIEBERMAN WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR By Mary Keen Lieberman Center in Skokie is delighted to welcome Scott Hochstadt who takes the helm of CJE’s flagship skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation community as the fifth administrator in Lieberman Center’s 37 years. Coincidentally, he used to live in the neighborhood and volunteered there when he was a child. Scott Hochstadt is on a formidable mission: To provide excellent care to the people who come through the doors of Lieberman Center. He wants Lieberman Center to be the place people choose for the best short- and long-term care available, delivered by the most dedicated, well-trained staff possible, in one of the most pleasant, inviting and well-run facilities around. And he knows this is possible.
One thing you notice after meeting him is that he wants to do what’s right. From all his years in the nursing home and rehabilitative care industry, something emerges loud and clear— Scott Hochstadt really cares. He cares about his residents; he cares about his families; and he cares about his staff. The sincere compassion he carries in his heart can be sensed immediately when you sit down with him in his modest office at Lieberman Center. There are no fancy accoutrements, shiny plaques or impressive photos. Just stacks of folders, papers and books—all things he’s in the process of reviewing. In other words, lots of work. He comes across as an extremely busy person devoted to his job. When asked about his passion and drive for the skilled nursing industry, Hochstadt turns serious and tells a very personal story. When he was in New York working in HR, a person very close to him had a massive stroke. He had never set foot before in a short-term care center, but now he found himself visiting the Brain Injury Unit of a short-term acute care center every day. That was his sudden entry into the arena, and little did he know it would become his career. This person received very good care, and he thinks that is what opened his eyes and made him appreciate the important work that was being done behind the doors of rehab facilities—bringing people back to full capacity after experiencing traumatic injuries to the brain and other parts of the body. “These were injuries that very well could have killed them,” he added. Being in rehab is a slow process that is arduous, takes a lot of patience and requires a kind, compassionate and understanding staff to help patients along. “Not just any person can do the
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kind of work that rehabilitative staff does,” Hochstadt insists. “Some people have to improve inch by inch, fraction by fraction step by step. Think about that,” he exhorts. It’s important to remember that it also takes a lot out of the patient and the people who love them. Often a special bond develops between patient, family members and staff. It takes a lot to understand that, and Hochstadt has had many experiences to prove it.
After working in the field for so long, Hochstadt has had his own loved ones in his care. He was managing a home where his grandmother was a patient, and where she eventually died. His mother had two knee replacements and a hip replacement in a short-term care facility he was managing. In other words, he has been on both sides of the aisle—as an administrator and as a family member and advocate. He explains, “I know what it means to worry if your loved is receiving their medication, is getting enough water, is being taken out of their bed and being exercised frequently enough, if their call bell is being answered quickly enough. I know the spectrum of feelings that a patient’s family is having when they have to leave their mom or dad for the first time at a new facility. It’s not easy. In fact, it can be one of the hardest things someone has to do,” he emphasizes. “That’s why we always try to keep compassion in the forefront of our minds. Of course, it may not be convenient to let a family linger and say their goodbyes, but staff always has to make sure that things are done with concern for family first at Lieberman. If we don’t do that, we haven’t done our job. And if we haven’t done our job, what are we here for?” “The first thing I learned when I got here is our strong reliance on our Jewish values for guidance. And what a wonderful thing that is! If you ever find yourself at a fork in the road, or have a difficult decision to make, you just have to think of our values. If you make sure that they are invoked in all that we do, you can’t go wrong. They are such wonderful beacons to follow: respect, compassion, advocacy and accountability. Just keeping those four in mind will keep all of us at Lieberman Center on track.”
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Scott Hochstadt is a native Chicagoan. He is a graduate of Bradley University with a Bachelor’s of Social Work and received an MS in Human Resource Management and Development from National Louis University. He has just moved back to the Chicago area from Wisconsin with his wife and son.
Hochstadt started out his career in Human Resources at the nationally-known skilled nursing care provider Manor Care and moved on to management in the skilled nursing sector there and elsewhere. Most recently, he worked at Dycora Transitional Health and Living (formally Golden Living) as Vice President of Operations where he provided operational support for eight skilled nursing facilities in Wisconsin.
Hochstadt has many good ideas and hopes to implement them in the near future. He’s got a good mind for marketing, hospitality and customer service. He believes that CJE’s continuum of care is what sets CJE apart from other skilled nursing buildings. Just a while ago, he says he was able to refer a client to CJE’s Holocaust Community Services, an amazing resource for the residents of Lieberman Center. “People don’t realize what we have at our fingertips at Lieberman Center and throughout CJE’s network, and we have to constantly steer people toward the services we are able to offer them at a moment’s notice,” Hochstadt enthuses. Hochstadt goes on to enumerate how great the quality of a stay is at Lieberman Center, due to the many features that are provided. Above all, he speaks of the benefit of all 240 rooms being private. “This adds so much speed and quality to the recovery of an individual. It can isolate a patient from the spread of diseases; the quiet and calmness of having one’s own room can be healing; plus, the ability to control your own space is of utmost importance to your recovery.” Upgraded cable, back-to-back, high-quality social activities, certified art therapy
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and the only cRc-certified kosher dining in a non-profit skilled nursing community are some of the other amenities Lieberman Center offers that Hochstadt boasts about, with good reason.
Working with CJE’s Human Resources Department, Hochstadt wants Lieberman Center to focus on employee retention, training and recruitment. He wants Lieberman Center to stand out in the community so that it becomes the “Employer of Choice” in the Chicagoland area—the first place that Nurses, Resident Care Assistants, Dining Associates, Social Workers and other staff choose to work because of its unparalleled reputation as a place that values its staff and treats them with respect. He intends to do this by honoring staff members as individuals, providing opportunities for recognition and advancement and showing them that they are appreciated. He wants Lieberman to become known as a place where employees can achieve career goals swiftly and with pride because of its reputation for a work culture that is rewarding, challenging and inspiring. In terms of benefits, Hochstadt is the best walking promotion for Lieberman Center. Being a rather new employee himself, the benefits list is still fresh in his mind and he is pretty impressed with it. He truly believes that the benefits of working at Lieberman Center, and by extension CJE, are a well-kept secret. “How many people have a pension nowadays?” he asks. “Usually it’s only state employees, firemen and policemen,” he exclaims. “People under 40 have never even heard of the word pension, and look at us here at CJE, offering a pension for retirement!” He continues: “The multicultural atmosphere is wonderful too. It is a real joy to be in this kind of environment. Did you know there are at least 10 languages spoken here? Lieberman Center is welcoming of all cultures and all ethnicities. I believe there are residents from 35 ethnic groups living here!”
Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation is conveniently located in Skokie near Old Orchard. It is a residential community that provides shortterm rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing care and dementia care. The facility has earned CARF International Accreditation as a Person-Centered Long-Term Care Community, an achievement indicative of Lieberman Center’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served. Lieberman Center has 240 allprivate rooms plus many amenities to enhance your stay. Call 847.929.3320 for a tour or more information. Fall 2 0 1 9
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MEET LEON GREENBERG … HE’S ALL ABOUT FOOD By Mary Keen Actually, there’s a lot more to Leon Greenberg than food. But ask Greenberg—the new Manager of CJE’s Home-Delivered Meals and Kosher to Go® Programs—what he enjoys, and the first thing he answers is cooking for family and friends. That’s good, because in his position, he deals a lot with food. But he knew that before he applied for the position. He was a volunteer at Lieberman Center (where the Programs are based), which is how he found out about the position … and the rest is history. As Manager, he makes sure that delicious and nutritious fresh and frozen meals are produced and delivered to individual clients, subscribers and organizations like clockwork. He coordinates the drivers, puts in the orders to the kitchen, reviews menus and updates pricing. Home-Delivered meals (HDM) are subsidized by the government, and recipients must meet eligibility requirements in order to receive them. The meals themselves must conform to strict nutrition standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with one requirement being that they include a pint serving of dairy. The meals are also cRc-certified, and that same pint serving of dairy must be delivered in a plastic bag separate from the entree container (to be consumed later by those who keep kosher if the meal contains meat).
will only eat food prepared under strict kashrut guidelines. Also, Greenberg conducted a cost analysis of Kosher to Go meals. After doing so, he found that not all meals were created equal. He used his previous business experience to institute cost-based pricing, charging for the meals according to how much was involved in producing them. This resulted in a very slight price increase on some items, the first since 2012. As an example, the delicious turkey dinner is now priced at $10.35, but with mouth-watering gravy, sweet potatoes and green beans, it’s definitely worth it! It’s no surprise that Greenberg has worked in the food industry for over 10 years. Most recently, he has supervised Prepared Foods at Whole Foods, managing all catering orders from their legendary kitchen. He started his own baking company called the Rugelach Man that specialized in rugelach and black and white cookies, selling them online and in local grocery stores. He has owned or managed a couple food establishments and has been an executive at a few financial service businesses.
A native New Yorker, he transplanted to Chicago nearly 25 years ago and lives with his partner Lynn and their blended family of four kids and their dog Sadie in the Lakeview area. A long-term volunteer who learned to always give back from his mother, Greenberg volunteered for 11 years (from 2006 to 2017) as Chairman of the 57th Street Art Fair, a wellknown, juried art festival in Hyde Park that attracts talented participants from near and far. Greenberg managed committees that implemented tasks necessary to prepare and set up for this large, multi-faceted event. This included signing vendors, putting out calls for artists, contracting with musical talent and more. For other enjoyment besides cooking, he also likes tennis, photography and considers himself a Deadhead, an avowed follower of The Grateful Dead.
If you would like to order Kosher to Go or you know someone who might qualify for Home-Delivered Meals contact the CJE SeniorLine at 773.508.1000. To begin a career of Volunteering and giving back like Leon, call 847.929.3040.
The Most Authentic Chicago Pizza Poll
With 230 HDMs delivered daily, that’s a lot to keep track of, but it’s accomplished by utilizing a cadre of over 33 devoted volunteers (including two women who have been delivering meals together for 18 years (see article page 13), as well as loyal long-term deliverers Board Member Alan Greene and his wife Carol. On average, a remarkable 5,000 Home-Delivered Meals and 1,750 Kosher to Go meals are delivered per month! Greenberg has been introducing program enhancements such as streamlining the ordering of meals for Organizational clients, like hospitals and other nursing homes. These clients utilize our services because they have residents or patients who
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Leon Greenberg claims to still know where to find the most authentic New York pizza, bagels and nova lox in New York! Do you think you know Chicago pizza like Leon knows New York pizza? We challenge our readers to take part in our Most Authentic Chicago Pizza Poll on Facebook and Instagram. Go to our pages located here: facebook.com/cjeseniorlife, twitter.com/CJESeniorLife and @cjeseniorlife on the Instagram app and vote for what you think is the most authentic Chicago-style pizza within the borders of the city only. We’ll report the results in our next issue.
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TWO FRIENDS VOLUNTEER FOR 18 YEARS TOGETHER, DELIVERING HOME-DELIVERED MEALS—ONE MEAL (AND MITZVAH) AT A TIME
eating, which is obviously very important,” said Cooper. “Almost every single person is extremely grateful. Many people just light up when we deliver the meals to them, so it feels really good. It’s a mitzvah.”
By Nicole Bruce Back in 2009, Robin Wolf, a CJE Home-Delivered Meals (HDM) volunteer, was videotaped exclaiming: “I love volunteering. I love meeting all the people that we deliver to. Sometimes we’re the only people they see on any given day, so a lot of people love to talk and open up about their lives and their life experiences.”
Not much has changed over the 18 years she’s been delivering meals together with friend Sheri Cooper—or since both women were interviewed for the Celebrate CJE annual fundraising event video 10 years ago. Today, they’re still connecting with older adults in the community through weekly kosher meal deliveries and vital well-being checks. Both Wolf and Cooper are grateful for the chance to give back to their community through CJE. “We’ve been volunteering together for 18 years now!” said Wolf. “We both donate our money and our time. For me personally, the handson volunteer work just makes me feel grateful. We’re very fortunate, and it’s been rewarding to give back.”
When the two started volunteering together—each with children of similar ages who went to school together—Wolf had already been delivering meals with another friend, who later stopped volunteering. Cooper and her service dog had also started visiting with residents at Lieberman Center. Cooper and her pup continued to make rounds on Lieberman Center floors, then they’d all hop in the car to deliver meals to HDM clients.
Cooper says that while volunteering alongside Wolf has been a boost for their friendship, both find it’s also been a personally fulfilling experience meeting older adults in the community through CJE’s meal delivery service. “We both feel like we’re helping the people we deliver to by giving them face-to-face contact. They may never see anyone else but us that day. They see somebody who cares about them and cares that they’re
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Robin Wolf (L) and Sheri Cooper (R) have been volunteering with CJE’s Home-Delivered Meals program together for 18 years.
HDM volunteers provide much more than nutritious, kosher meals to older adults in their homes. “Connecting with the older adults while delivering meals is the most important thing we do. Many people we deliver to are in their mid-90s living alone. We’re their contact to the outside world,” said Wolf. “The companionship we provide means a lot to them, so that’s what keeps me doing it for so many years. We’re really helping one person at a time, and they’re always so appreciative.”
Over time, Cooper and Wolf have developed special connections with various HDM clients, often taking the time to sit and swap stories and life experiences with them. “In the beginning, Robin and I had a very good relationship with a woman. She was a Holocaust survivor and we would listen to her stories. We felt like we were doing good just by visiting with her for an extra 10 minutes. When we would see things not going so well, we’d call and inform CJE and her son, who would sometimes visit,” said Cooper. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve developed strong connections with others. They really enjoy hearing about our lives because it brings them closer to the outside world, especially those who don’t ever leave their apartments.” Weekly meal deliveries usually give volunteers a chance to check on the older adult’s health and well-being, Cooper adds: “Sometimes we notice that there might be some issues, and we can always call to let CJE know that we see something that’s not going well in their home.”
If something doesn’t seem right, Wolf and Cooper know they can always rely on CJE to look into the situation—whether it’s calling up an older adult’s family members or arranging for other helpful services. “CJE is great because, if we detect a problem, it’s dealt with immediately. If we call the HDM Department, it’s a link to a social worker and other services. So
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CJE is pretty special for caring for all these people out in the community,” said Wolf.
Volunteering with older adults in the community can often open the doors for bigger conversations about our own futures. “Volunteering sparks a discussion between us about our future elderly life,” said Cooper. “We think about how we’re so lucky to have our families. It opens up that dialogue for us, and it makes us really see and appreciate our lives.”
Cooper says that when she first began volunteering, she felt like she was able to connect with her grandmother’s generation. “My grandmother lived until she was 101-years-old and she was in her 80s when we started volunteering. I remember seeing that connection between my grandmother and the people we were serving and it made me feel like I was doing something important for that community,” said Cooper. She also had another inspiration for delivering meals through CJE: “My father-in-law delivered meals as a volunteer until he was around 81-years-old with a friend. They delivered meals for 20 years together. They’d started in their early 60s because they’d both just retired,” said Cooper. “So they were older, but were seeing generations older than them and what they would become, and I think it made a huge difference in their lives.”
Wolf admits she’s always had an affinity for helping older adults. “Supporting CJE has been personally meaningful to me. I’m a nurse and I’ve always gravitated toward that [older] population. So it’s something that comes from my heart,” she said. She also believes it’s important for younger generations to get involved, and to do something meaningful and rewarding personally. “It’s important to help this generation because we’re all going to get older. It’s what our future is...we’re all going to be in that situation one day.” As long-term volunteers and ambassadors of CJE in the community, both Wolf and Cooper have discovered the value of its commitment to older adults. Cooper says, “To sit around at home and never talk to anyone or never see anyone can be pretty depressing. As the generation we’re serving gets older and is still living alone independently, CJE allows them to have a connection to the outside world. It’s wonderful and necessary for people to get involved with this organization.”
Learn more about volunteering with CJE’s HomeDelivered Meals program and other volunteer opportunities by calling 847.929.3040 or visiting cje.net/volunteer.
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ENRICHING LIVES VIA MELODIES: Hannah Joseph, MT-BC, Music Therapist at Weinberg Community By Nicole Bruce Studies have shown that music therapy can increase stimulation and socialization, enhance short- and long-term memory recall, and improve mood by decreasing anxiety, depression, stress and agitation in older adults, particularly those living with dementia. As Weinberg Community’s Adult Day Services Coordinator and Music Therapist, Hannah Joseph leads music therapy sessions for older adults in individual and group settings—through guitar, piano, percussion, and voice—at The Friend Center for Memory Care and Adult Day Services in Deerfield.
In light of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November, we’ve asked her to share with LIFE readers the benefits of music therapy and how she helps individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders—and their family caregivers— through music therapy programming.
LIFE: What is music therapy and what are its benefits for older adults, particularly those with cognitive disorders? Joseph: Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based
use of music to help people by accomplishing individualized goals. For older adults, music therapy can help improve their overall well-being and quality of life. This form of therapy can also help with memory and other cognitive issues: one can pair information with familiar and improvised music, and then use that connection as a springboard to recall memories and have meaningful discussions. Music therapy can also use rhythm as a cue for movement, song-writing for emotional expression, and much more!
LIFE: Is a background in music necessary for someone to participate in or benefit from music therapy? Joseph: No, not at all! As music therapists, it’s our role to tailor and shape each session to the needs and abilities of our clients. Music therapy isn’t about utilizing or measuring musical talents—it’s geared toward encouraging and stimulating non-musical accomplishments, like emotional expression and positive engagement. Music therapy is using music to meet non-musical goals—we’re not looking for the next Pavarotti; we’re looking to help people feel more deeply, expand their communication of those feelings and enjoy being enriched through music.
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LIFE: What are your social, emotional and cognitive goals for working with someone with dementia? Joseph: The great thing about music therapy is that the
goals are completely individualized when working with clients. For example, socially-focused goals for participants may include positive stimulation, sense of community, and socialization through large and small music groups. Emotionally-focused goals may include decreased anxiety and depression and increased mood and affect through making music with peers. Cognitively-focused goals may include enhancing and maintaining short- and long-term memory recall, cognitive stimulation and maintaining complex thinking through musicbased discussion groups.
LIFE: How can music therapy help those living with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders? Joseph: Music therapy can give people living with
Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders an opportunity to engage and to be stimulated cognitively, emotionally and physically. Music therapy helps individuals connect with friends and family and maintain a sense of identity. It can also help create new pathways in the brain to access memories and information by using music to stimulate memory, speech, and conversation.
These music therapy programs— and others—promote memory and a sense of self for older adults with dementia because they provide an opportunity for independence, decision-making, disclosure, making connections with community members and normalcy.
LIFE: Do you use Holiday and Jewish music to connect with persons with dementia? Joseph: Yes! When there is a holiday to celebrate we
explore its music, because familiar music from celebrations in the past are ways that have been shown to be effective in reaching persons with memory issues. Reminiscing in these ways with music around the holidays and with secular Jewish music works wonders at making those connections that are so important.
LIFE: Do your programs also involve family members as well as clients? Joseph: Music therapy sessions regularly involve families and clients together.
LIFE: How can your therapy work with clients also benefit their family caregivers? Joseph: That’s a great question! There are many benefits of
music therapy for families and caregivers. When a loved one has dementia, it doesn’t affect only the individual with dementia, it takes a toll on the family as well. So creating these moments of joy, normalcy, and happy memories is incredibly valuable.
LIFE: What types of therapeutic programming do you typically engage in, and how do these programs promote memory and a sense of self in older adults with dementia? Joseph: This goes back to the idea that all programming is created based on the individual’s or the group’s needs. Music therapy programs can include: • • • •
Music-making and improvisation groups to encourage emotional expression, stimulation, and positive social interactions;
Drum circles for rhythmic auditory stimulation to increase gross and fine motor control and strength; Music trivia and discussion to facilitate long- and shortterm memory recall;
Songwriting and lyric analysis to increase expression, sense of community and group cohesiveness.
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In sessions, we provide opportunities to connect with one another, and reminisce. Families can sing their favorite songs together—these are all things that can happen when a family makes music together.
If you are interested in finding out more about Weinberg Community’s Music Therapy Program, please contact Hannah Joseph, Music Therapist-Board Certified at 847.236.7823 or hannah.joseph@cje.net.
THE RESULTS ARE IN! In our recent social media poll, folks voted for or against an upper age limit for becoming President of the United States. Facebook—10 responses: 50% Yes & 50% No Instagram—17 responses: 33% Yes & 67% No
See our new pizza poll on page 12!
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Transitions Transition to Wellness To Wellness An Educational Series on Positive Aging for Consumers and Professionals 1.0 free CEU per program for nurses and social workers.
Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation 9700 Gross Point Road • Skokie IL
The Joy of Eating Can Return with Therapy Wednesday, September 11, 2019 5 pm Registration • 5:30–6:30 pm Presentation & Light Dinner Caroline Hourihan, BS, MS Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation
Mindfulness in Both Your Professional Role and in Your Self-Care Wednesday, September 25, 2019 5 pm Registration • 5:30–6:30 pm Presentation & Light Dinner Trisha Abbey, LCSW In-Home Counseling
Weinberg Community for Senior Living 1551 Lake Cook Road • Deerfield IL
Bullying of Seniors: Awareness and Prevention Thursday, September 12, 2019 5 pm Registration • 5:30–6:30 pm Presentation & Light Dinner Joyce Marter, LCPC Joyce Marter Enterprises, Inc.
The Elephant in the Room: Addressing Memory Changes Thursday, September 26, 2019 5 pm Registration • 5:30–6:30 pm Presentation & Light Dinner Danielle Dodson, MSW, LCSW Advocate Memory Center Advanced Registration Required Lecia Szuberla at 847.462.0885 or events@elderwerks.com
www.cje.net | 773.508.1000 CJE SeniorLife® is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.
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Inside CJE CJE’S RABBI MICHELLE STERN RECEIVES JUF’S SAMUEL A. GOLDSMITH AWARD The Award will be presented at the Federation’s Annual Meeting on September 17 particularly for Rabbi Stern’s work with people with dementia. The Award, named for Samuel Goldsmith, who led the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago as its Chief Executive Officer from 1930 to 1966, was established to recognize and sustain the qualities of dedication and devotion to the Jewish community. VOLUNTEERS FÊTED AT ROBINEAU ANNUAL LUNCH The annual Robineau volunteer luncheon, was held at Taboun Grill this year, with approximately 20 people in attendance. CJE SENIORLIFE THANKS ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS Staff at Lieberman Center, Weinberg Community, Adult Day Services and Bernard Horwich Building thank our valued volunteers for their loyal support of our mission. CEO MARKS A YEAR AT CJE August 13 was the first anniversary for Dan Fagin as President and CEO of CJE. Everyone at CJE wishes him mazel tov and many more to come! MARY KEEN COMPLETES UPSTART PROGRAM She was a member of the second cohort to go through the Upstart Accelerator, which included eight other Jewish communal agency members. LIEBERMAN CENTER’S EVELYN W. SPELLS “MISCELLANEOUS” TO WIN SPELLING BEE Thanks to Bloom ‘n’ Toss Florist for donating the prize, a beautiful orchid, to the 7th Floor to be shared with the residents.
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HOME-DELIVERED MEALS PROGRAM RECEIVES GRANT Voices: The Chicago Jewish Teen Foundation Alumni Board awarded HDM a $2,400 grant to continue its mission to reduce food insecurity of low income seniors. 2ND CJE ACADEMY FEATURES NORTHWESTERN DOCTOR Namratha Kandula, MD, MPH, spoke at CJE Academy about how she was inspired to go into holistic health and gave tips on staying healthy to over 60 community members. WEINBERG DOGS ON PARADE Weinberg families and friends held its 5th annual dog parade in August and celebrated the “Top Dog” in several different categories. TWO LONG-TERM EMPLOYEES RETIRE CJE bade farewell to two employees who retired this summer. Susan Buchbinder who served as Director of Religious Life will retire after 28 years at CJE. Retiring after 21 years, is Director of Housing, Linda Kaplan. Mazel Tov to you both. CJE will not be the same without you. NEW INDEPENDENT LIVING BUILDING IN DEERFIELD PREVIEWED ON JULY 28 Dan Fagin introduced the New Independent Living Building in Deerfield, adjacent to the Weinberg Community, at a gathering of leadership from CJE, JUF, Village of Deerfield and other partners in the project. LIEBERMAN CENTER GARDEN ABLOOM THIS SUMMER Thanks to the watchful eyes and green thumbs of volunteer Monica Naiditch and Volunteer Coordinator Marla Goldberg, the raised garden beds at Lieberman Center have been thriving all summer and are ready for harvest. The picture says it all!
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FALL 2019 COMMUNITY CALENDAR CJE SeniorLife offers ongoing support groups and programs, which are subject to change. All programs are free unless indicated. Some fees may be partially covered by Medicare or private insurance.
C a l e n da r September 5 Supplemental Security Income
& Social Security Disability Insurance for People with Disabilities. Topics include: How to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance; How to make appeals after denial of benefits; What qualifies a person as “disabled” under these programs; How to maintain eligibility for benefits while returning to work. Attorney Jeffrey A. Rabin. 10:30 am–Noon. Free. Registration required: 773.508.1106 or linkages@cje.net. H September 7 Caring for Ourselves and
Our Loved Ones. Tools to help start the conversation so your wishes are honored throughout your lifetime. The right time to open the door to these conversations is now. Tamara Kushnir Groman, JD. 5:45– 6:45 pm. Mincha immediately following. Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob, 8825 East Prairie Road, Skokie. Free. For more info: 847.674.3473. September 8 Celebrate CJE. Join us for
an unforgettable evening to support CJE SeniorLife (see ad page 2). Registration required: 773.508.1321 or www.cje.net/CelebrateCJE2019. September 11 Joy of Eating Returns with
Therapy. Part of Transition to Wellness education series (see ad page 16). Registration required: 847.462.0885 or events@elderwerks.com. L September 12 Bullying of Seniors: Awareness
and Prevention. Part of Transition to Wellness education series (see ad page 16). Registration required: 847.462.0885 or events@elderwerks.com. W September 17 Insights on Aging:
Understanding and Supporting a LGBTQ+ Loved One. It is not always easy for grandparents and older adults to understand how to be most supportive of LGBTQ+ family members. Come and ask questions in a comfortable and non-judgmental environment. Libby Reinecke, LCSW, Transitional Care of Arlington Heights. 11 am–Noon. Free. Registration required: 773.508.1121 or lauren.vourvoulias@cje.net. H
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September 18 Mather’s—More Than
a Café Annual Senior Health Fair. CJE will be offering bone density screenings at the fair. 11 am–2 pm. 3235 N. Central Ave., Chicago. Registration required: 773.205.3300 or jrose@MatherLifeways.com. September 25 Mindfulness in Both Your
Professional Role and in Your Self-Care. Part of Transition to Wellness education series (see ad page 16). Registration required: 847.462.0885 or events@elderwerks.com. L September 26 The Elephant in the
Room: Addressing Memory Changes. Part of Transition to Wellness education series (see ad page 16). Registration required: 847.462.0885 or events@elderwerks.com. W October 27 Mahjong & Canasta Social
Tournament. Compete for prizes and enjoy a full-service brunch with omelet stations, salads and dessert. 10 am–2 pm. $36. Registration required: 847.236.7852. W November 5 Medicare Open Enrollment.
Learn about the changes you can make to your Medicare coverage during Open Enrollment Period (10/15–12/7). Certified Senior Health Insurance Program counselor Esther Craven will present information about Medicare and share money-saving tips. 2:30–3:30 pm. Center for Life and Learning/Fourth Presbyterian Church 126 E. Chestnut, Chicago. Free. Registration required: 312.981.3389 or shakes@fourthchurch.org. November 7 CJE Academy: How Can I
Connect with You? Let Me Count the Ways. Older adults are at increased risk of social isolation. Learn what research can teach us about the barriers and facilitators to good social connections at any age. Louise Hawkley, PhD, National Opinion Research Center, University of Chicago. Bryn Mawr Country Club, 6600 North Crawford Avenue, Lincolnwood. 5 pm. Free. Registration required: 773.508.1034 or michele.mangrum@cje.net. November 12 Insights on Aging: Learning
to be More Resilient. Focus will be on the concept of resilience and explore techniques to increase one’s ability to tolerate stress and regulate emotions,
making the many challenges of aging more tolerable. Rosann Corcoran, LCSW, CJE Counseling Services. 11 am–Noon. Free. Registration required: 773.508.1121 or lauren.vourvoulias@cje.net. H November 13 Medicare Open Enrollment.
Learn about the changes you can make to your Medicare coverage during Open Enrollment Period (10/15–12/7). Certified Senior Health Insurance Program counselor Kathy Gaeding will present information about Medicare and share money-saving tips. 1:30–2:30 pm. NilesMaine District Library, 6960 Oakton Street, Niles. Free. Registration advised, walk-ins welcome: 847.663.1234. November 14 Supportive Housing for People
with Mental Illness. This program will provide an overview of the residential services that are available for adults with mental illness through Turning Point. Alexis King. 10:30 am–Noon. Free. Registration required: 773.508.1106 or linkages@cje.net. H
O n go i n g S e r i es & P ro g r a ms SENIOR RESOURCE SPECIALIST Connecting people over the age of 60 and people with disabilities with programs such as Medicare, Social Security, Transportation, Housing and more. Service available at 15 community locations in Chicago and the North and Northwestern suburbs. Free. English and Russian. More info: 773.508.1000. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AT CJE SENIORLIFE Music with Les: Come out to listen and discuss different styles of music. Mondays, beginning September 9. 11 am–12:15 pm. Scrabble Club: Drop in for a game of Scrabble! No experience necessary. Wednesdays, beginning September 4. 10:45 am–12:45 pm. Schmooze It or Lose It: Join a diverse group of friendly folks for a lively discussion of current events. Thursdays, 1–2 pm. For more information and to confirm dates: 773.508.1000. H MY GO-TO PLACE Offered weekly, for Niles Township residents 65 and older, each program will start with an educational topic or activity
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Adult Day Services 1015 West Howard Street, Evanston 847.492.1400
Bernard Horwich Building 3003 West Touhy Avenue, Chicago 773.508.1000
followed by coffee and camaraderie. • Healthy aging educational presentations • Senior exercise classes • Creative arts program • Community resource and benefit events Thursdays, 1–2:30 pm. Niles Township Government Office, 5255 Lincoln, Skokie. Free. Space is limited. Registration required: Sarah.Squires-Doyle@cje.net or 773.508.1052. FRIEND CENTER MEMORY CAFE Individuals with early Alzheimer’s, a related dementia and mild cognitive impairment are welcome. In order to attend, participants must be accompanied by a family member or care partner. 2nd Thursday every month. 4–5 pm. Free. Registration required: jaclyn.abramson@cje.net or 847.236.7826. W PARKINSON’S AT LIEBERMAN CENTER Basic Exercise Class. Designed to address weakened muscles, minimize the risk of falls and facilitate functional independence with daily routines. Led by HealthPro® Fitness. Tuesdays & Thursdays. 1–2 pm. Free. Registration required: Cindy Pedersen 847.929.3022. L Seated Tai Chi. A low impact form of exercise that uses slow, controlled movements and gradual shifts of body weight. Led by Andrew Serlin, DC. Mondays. 5:45–6:45 pm. Free. Registration required: Cindy Pedersen 847.929.3022. L PARKINSON’S AT WEINBERG COMMUNITY Parkinson’s on the Move Exercise Class. Wednesdays & Fridays ongoing. Noon–1 pm. 847.236.7852 W
S u ppo rt G ro u ps Coping with the Challenges of Aging. An eight-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group designed to help members change patterns of thinking in order to feel better. Led by Chloe Gremaud, LCSW. New sessions of this group are now in formation in Chicago. Participation requires advance screening and evaluation to be billable to Medicare and other insurance. For dates and to register call 773.508.1698.
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Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation 9700 Gross Point Road, Skokie 847.929.3320
Adult Children of Parents With Early Onset Dementia. Support group for adult children who have parents with a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or related dementias. Led by Deena Karno, LCSW. 1st Tuesday of every month. 7–8:30 pm. Free. Registration required: deena.karno@cje.net or 847.929.3330. W Parkinson’s Caregivers. Emotional support, information and coping strategies for caregivers of someone with Parkinson’s. Led by Jaclyn Abramson, MA, LCPC, BC-DMT. 3rd Wednesday of the month. Noon–1 pm. Free. Contact us to confirm dates: jaclyn.abramson@cje.net or 847.236.7826. W
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Weinberg Community for Senior Living 1551 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield 847.374.0500
Jewish Child and Family Services. Mondays. 1:30–3 pm. Free. Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. Call to confirm dates: 773.508.1004. My Story. A testimonial writing program for Holocaust survivors. Led by Maya Gumirov and Anna Dominov. JCFS, 135 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 104, Buffalo Grove. New sessions of this group are now in formation. Call for session dates. Registration required: 224.625.2708 or 773.508.1164.
V o lu n t e e rs N e e d e d !
Family Caregivers—Evanston. Emotional support, information and coping strategies for family caregivers of ADS—Evanston participants and other caregivers in the community. Led by Nancy Rakowsky. 2nd Tuesday of every month. 3:15–4:30 pm. Free. Registration required: 847.492.1400. A Making Connections: Seniors with Adult Children with Disabilities. Connect, share experiences and learn about benefits and community resources. Led by Mariana Sanchez, LCSW. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. 11 am–12:15 pm. Free. Registration required: 773.508.1106. H Living Life Through Loss. A bereavement support group. Sponsored by CJE SeniorLife and Jewish Healing Network. $5 suggested donation per session. Chicago—Wednesdays. 1–2 pm. Led by Lisa Andrews, LCSW. Registration required: 773.508.4742. H Deerfield—Wednesdays. 3–4 pm. Led by David Rosenblatt, LCSW. Registration required: 773.508.1129. W Caring Conversations. A support group for family caregivers of Holocaust survivors. Led by Yonit Hoffman, PhD and Anna Dominov, LSW, Holocaust Community Services. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. 4–5:30 pm. Free. Call to confirm dates: 773.508.1004. H Coffee & Conversation. A support group for Holocaust survivors. Led by Yonit Hoffman, PhD, Holocaust Community Services and Barbara Urbanska-Yeager,
Our Friendly Caller Program is seeking both volunteers to make calls and older adults who want calls. Contact volunteers@cje.net • 847.929.3040
H o l i day C los i n gs Labor Day September 2 Rosh Hashanah September 30 October 1 Erev Yom Kippur October 8, close at 3pm Yom Kippur October 9 Succoth October 14 & 15 Shemini Atzeret October 21 Simchas Torah October 22 Thanksgiving Day November 28 Christmas Day December 25 Visit www.cje.net/events to find more events and details!
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Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Chicago, IL Permit No. 1710
3003 West Touhy Avenue | Chicago IL 60645 773.508.1000 | www.cje.net | lifemag@cje.net
CJE SeniorLife® is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.
Let CJE SeniorLife Do the Cooking This Rosh Hashanah. Try our delicious kosher catering menu which features traditional entrées, sides, desserts and even a round challah! DOWNLOAD AN ORDER FORM AT WWW.CJE.NET/KOSHERCATERING Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation
glatt
Weinberg Community for Senior Living
RABBINICALLY SUPERVISED
PLACE YOUR ORDER BY WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2019: 847.929.3255 • CATERING@CJE.NET
PLACE YOUR ORDER BY WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2019: 847.236.7862 • WEINBERGCATERING@CJE.NET
PICK UP ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 BETWEEN 1–3 PM
PICK UP ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 BETWEEN 1–3 PM
9700 Gross Point Road | Skokie, Illinois 60076
1551 Lake Cook Road | Deerfield, Illinois 60015
