Jewish Senior Living Newsletter JULY 2015 - VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4 Keeping you connected to our communities.
Meet Rabbi Steven Adams, Director of Pastoral Care Meet our new Director of Pastoral Care across our communities. Jonathan Mann, Director of Development
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ichael Sattell, President & CEO, The tradition of bikkur cholim began announced that as of July 1, when Abraham made his covenant with 2015, Rabbi Steven Adams has G-d and thus the first brit milah took taken on the role of Director of Pastoral place. G-d visited Abraham while he was Care within our organization, providing recuperating from his circumcision. In the spiritual leadership to our residents, their Talmud it reads, “As He visited the sick, so families and all of our employees and shall you visit the sick…” Therefore, it is volunteers at the Jewish Home and Care incumbent upon all of us to visit the sick Center, Sarah Chudnow Community, as a mitzvah, or commandment. and Chai Point. He will provide pastoral care for our residents and families, Rabbi Adams added, “I plan to provide Rabbi Steven Adams, administrative coordination of our ritual more education on Jewish culture and Director of traditions, outreach to the community, practice for our employees. My goal is Pastoral Care and education and programming. Rabbi to increase our services by maintaining Levi Emmer will remain involved in tradition and responding to the needs of Jewish enrichment and traditions and more actively a pluralistic Jewish community. I see a strengthening involved in Kashrut. of our connections with all local synagogues and their clergy through communications and participation in Rabbi Adams has been involved in pastoral care for events.” 33 years and has been actively associated with the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point and Sarah Our Mission is very clear. We strive to provide Chudnow Community for the last decade. He will also outstanding care to our residents and the community’s continue his chaplaincy to Caring Partners, which is seniors based on the Jewish faith. As Christine in keeping with the mitzvah of bikkur cholim, visiting Kovach, our Director of Research, has observed: the sick and homebound. Rabbi Adams explained “Where people live in their senior years shapes the how bikkur cholim is part of the fabric of the Jewish last chapter of their lives -- how they live, whom they Home family, and how working with Caring Partners, see, what they do, and their relationships with family the specially trained group of volunteers who sit with and community members. The Jewish community residents at the end of their lives, is an important part has chosen to make residential eldercare services a of his life. see “Rabbi Adams” page 4
In This Issue
Welcome Rabbi Steven Adams Caregiver Support Group at Jewish Home and Care Center and Chai Point Senior Living
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Summer Safety Tips for Seniors Upcoming Events
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Caregiver Support Group at Jewish Home and Care Center and Chai Point Senior Living This support group provides meaningful discussion on caring for loved ones with dementia. Liza Holle, Donor Stewardship Coordinator
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve Our caregivers are our everyday heroes in providing care and support for loved ones with dementia. Caring for a family member or loved one is an act of kindness, love, and loyalty. As life expectancies continue to increase, medical treatment advances and an increasing number of people living with chronic illness and disabilities, more and more of us will participate in the caregiving process. At the Jewish Home and Care Center and Chai Point Senior Living, a program has been developed (and, due to popular demand, now extended) to support caregivers across our communities and to the public. This support group provides a safe, nurturing environment and is focused on the needs of the caregiver. The classes began in May and will continue throughout the summer, meeting at a variety of times to provide flexibility for caregivers’ schedules. The program is structured to serve as an education and resource for caregivers to support them as they take care of their loved ones. Each class has a different topic, ranging from preserving dignity to techniques on personal care for their loved one. The class has discussed challenges in the role of a caregiver. Caring for a person with dementia can often seem to be a series of grief experiences as you watch your loved one’s memories disappear and skills erode. The person with dementia will change and behave differently, sometimes in disturbing or upsetting ways. For both caregivers and their loved ones, these changes can produce an emotional bundle of confusion, anger and sadness. Participants are able to share stories and experiences in a secure, confidential setting.
p Caregiver Support Group facilitators:
Dana Rubin-Winkelman, MSW, CAPSW and Carolyn Schuman, MSW, CAPSW
Caregiver Support Group Mon., June 29 Wed., July 22 Fri., August 28 10-11 am Chai Point Private Dining Room Are you providing care and support for a loved one with dementia? Do you want to connect with others who know what you’re going through? We understand and are here to help. Please join us as we explore dementia, discuss challenging behaviors, and offer practical tips and strategies. Facilitated by social workers: Dana Rubin–Winkelman MSW, CAPSW, JHCC Adult Day Center Carolyn Schuman, MSW, CAPSW, Chai Point Senior Living This program is free & open to the public. Please call 414.289.9600 to RSVP. Free parking is available under the building at 1414 N. Prospect Ave. 1400 North Prospect Avenue, Milw. 414-289-9600 • www.chaipoint.org
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see “Support Group,” page 4
Stay Connected 2 | JSL News | July 2015
Visit our website and donate online at www.jewishseniorliving.org. Questions? Call the JHCC Foundation Office at 414.721.9260.
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors Helpful hints for older adults to enjoy summer safely. Liza Holle, Donor Stewardship Coordinator Hot weather is dangerous, and seniors are particularly prone to its threat. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are real concerns for the senior population. In fact, a recent University of Chicago Medical Center study found that 40 percent of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over age 65. There are several reasons for heat vulnerability in seniors. People’s ability to notice changes in their body temperature decreases with age. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adapt to heat. Furthermore, many medicines that seniors take can contribute to dehydration. Fortunately, a few simple precautions are all that’s needed to keep safe. Here are some guidelines for keeping our residents safe in hot weather: Drink Plenty of Liquids Dehydration is the root of many heat-related health problems. Residents should drink plenty of water or juice, even if they’re not thirsty. Seniors tend to lose fluids faster than other age groups. Even eating fruits and vegetables can help with staying hydrated. Wear Appropriate Clothes When it’s hot outside, older adults should wear lightcolored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a widebrimmed hat. Stay Indoors During Mid-Day Hours During periods of extreme heat, the best time to be outdoors is before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m., when the temperature tends to be cooler. It’s also important to have a consistent temperature in your home during these hot days. Check thermostat levels to maintain a safe temperature in the home.
FREE Summer Concert Series! 7 - 8 p.m. JuLy 29 – Iberian Spanish Dancers share the rich traditions of dance, music and culture of the Ibero-Hispanic experience through classical and folkloric Flamenco styles. AuguST 11 – Carmen Nickerson’s beautiful vocals and Kostia’s original compositions create an exciting evening. AuguST 26 – Dixie Doodlers will perform lively Dixieland Jazz. We are always looking for talented people to join our staff. Interested? Call 262.478.1505 for information! Sarah Chudnow Community offers living options for older adults, with apartment living, assisted living, memory care, and sub-acute rehab. Options are available to customize your lifestyle. An elegant community with the emphasis on choice is just a phone call away. Visit sarahchudnow.org or call Connie at 262-478-1506 to learn more. Sponsored by the Gilbert Meisel Music Fund of the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation. Please drive past the Health Center to the Apartments. 10995 N. Market St., Mequon, WI 53092 262-478-1500 ceastman@JewishSeniorLiving.org SarahChudnow.org Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @jsliving
see “Summer Safety,” page 5
JSL in the News
Read about our new Art Committee, as well as programming and events at our communities, in the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle. July 2015 | JSL News | 3
Rabbi Adams continued from page 1
high priority. As the population ages and continues to diversify, the pressure to improve Jewish senior residences will grow, raising key issues that include the best and most feasible ways to maintain Jewish identity and cultural services, assure maintenance and growth in Jewish consumer demand, and provide meaningful and culturally congruent high-quality care.” “Our spiritual & ritual traditions underlie the fulfillment of our mission, and the role of our Pastoral Director is critical to our success in addressing our residents’ and participants’ needs,” Mike Sattell added. “But it goes well beyond that: The Pastoral Director also provides for all of our staff, too; the leadership, guidance and framework to help us understand and appreciate the blessings of our work. To help us see the incredible responsibility we have and the spiritual meaning that drives each of us to honor the Mothers and Fathers of our community.” You can help support the spiritual needs of our residents at all three communities with a donation to the Hyman Kastrul Synagogue Fund through the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation. For information call the Foundation office at 414.721.8260 or visit our website at www.jewishserniorliving.org. n u
Rabbi Adams fields an audience question at Caring Partners Lunch and Learn in May. Rabbi served as one of the panel members.
Social Media 4| JSL News | July 2015
Support Group continued from page 2
Discussion topics can lead to very deep conversation, allowing caregivers to find relief by being able to express their feelings with others who understand what they are experiencing. This class is facilitated by social workers Dana RubinWinkelman MSW, CAPSW, Jewish Home and Care Center Adult Day Center and Carolyn Schuman, MSW, CAPSW, Chai Point Senior Living. Dana Rubin-Winkelman says, “This support group touches on a little bit of everything, and is focused on the individuals attending the program. The participants attending, are caring for a loved one living with dementia. The group exchanges ideas, discusses resources available, and provides useful tips for relieving caregiver stress.” Each day the group ends with a relaxation technique or a feel good/journal idea to promote caregiver wellness. Connecting with other caregivers can help you teach and learn from each other’s experience, validate your emotions and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. The Caregiver Support Group through the Jewish Home and Care Center and Chai Point Senior Living explores dementia, discusses challenging behaviors, and offers practical tips and strategies. As both Carolyn Schuman and Dana Rubin-Winkelman said, “We understand and are here to help.” To learn more about the Caregiver Support Group, call Chai Point at 414.289.9600. n
jhccfoundation
@JSLiving
Jewish Home and Care Center
JHCC Foundation
Summer Safety continued from page 3
Take it Easy Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it’s very hot out. Watch the Heat Index When there’s a lot of moisture in the air (high humidity), the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired. The heat index factors humidity and temperature to approximate how the weather really feels. Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness Dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems are all warning signs that help should be sought immediately. Immediate action should be taken when symptoms like this occur. Drinking water, a cool ice pack to the back of the neck, and removal from the sun are a must at the earliest signs of these symptoms Wear Sunscreen and Bug Repellent The season’s sun and bugs can be a challenge to summer comfort, so be prepared to prevent the sting. Keep bug spray and a high SPF sunscreen on hand, and apply regularly in accordance with the label’s instructions. Older adults have sensitive and vulnerable skin. It’s extremely important to stay protected! n
Good News! Now Serving Sunday Brunch and Dinner Tuedays and Wednesdays! Sunday 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Tuesday & Wednesday 5 - 7 pm Check website for the daily specials including our famous Kosher Fish Fry on Wednesday. Free underground parking is available.
1414 N. Prospect Ave. • jhccmilwaukee.org Like us on Facebook @jsliving
The Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial support to the programs and services of the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living and Sarah Chudnow Community. July 2015 | JSL News | 5
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 3120
1414 North Prospect Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202-3089 Phone: 414-276-2627
Upcoming Events Suzi Hanks, Docent Educator at MAM Van Gogh to Pollock: Modern Rebels Wednesday, July 22, 3:00 pm Chai Point Senior Living, Rubenstein Pavilion Dr. Paul Jacobs (former Brewers team physician) “Baseball Ballpark Memories” Wednesday, July 29, 3:30 pm Chai Point Senior Living, Rubenstein Pavilion Rhonda Pelk, Docent at MAM Van Gogh to Pollock: Modern Rebels Thursday, July 30, 1:30 pm Sarah Chudnow Community, Posner Town Square Curtis Stotlar, Classical Pianist Friday, July 31, 1:30 pm Chai Point Senior Living, Rubenstein Pavilion
Celebrate our Simcha! Sarah Chudnow Community iS 10 yearS old! Schmooze, nosh, and dance the Hora with the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band!
wednesday, august 19 • 4-7 pm Sarah Chudnow Community 10995 N. Market Street (Apartment Entrance), Mequon, WI 53092 RSVP: 262-478-1500 or bmoen@jewishseniorliving.org by Wednesday, August 12, 2015