Who is Present for Life Cycle events?

By Nancy Ludin

Often one defines life by examining life cycle events. When you look back on your life, you think about the friends and family that were with you as you experienced life cycle events such as births and deaths, holiday celebrations and birthday parties. During your younger years, it  is easy to recall celebrations with parents, siblings and friends. For many older adults, the calendar is not their friend. Many Mother’s and Father’s Days are spent alone, birthdays are ignored and Jewish holiday celebrations are absent.

Fortunately, this is not true for the elderly in long term care in Orlando, Florida where the Jewish Pavilion, an outreach organization, serves as a surrogate family. Birthdays and  holidays are special occasions shared by volunteers and residents.

Today, I went to a funeral service for a resident of Horizon Bay. Who was there? He was lucky enough to have a loving daughter and son-in law and a terrific care giver. He also had many friends in the building, staff who loved him and several friends from the Jewish Pavilion who were there to say goodbye to a very special man. A chaplain from VITAS Hospice conducted the service and everyone had the opportunity to share memories. It was a beautiful tribute to an incredible man.

I wish I could tell you that this was a typical goodbye to a resident in long term care, but it wasn’t. Far more often, a staff member or volunteer arrives for his or her weekly visit and finds a name missing from the door. Since we are not family, HIPPA Laws prevent us from learning about the last couple days of life. There is no closure for the staff person or volunteer who was often the resident’s only friend.

Other times, Jewish Pavilion volunteers are called by the facility when a resident passes away, because there is no one else to call. I recall a funeral where there were three people in attendance- two nurses from Life Care and one Pavilion volunteer.

Those of us who are involved with the Jewish Pavilion are honored to play a significant role in the lives of our elders. We are their friends, their family and their link to the Jewish community.

Visit http://www.jewishpavilion.org/ to learn more about this special charity.

Passover 2011 for our elders in long term care

Passover 2011

Imagine moving out of your home and saying “goodbye” to your previous life. When one moves into an independent, assisted or skilled living facility, the Activities Director knows how to put together a beautiful party for Christmas, Valentines Day and Easter, but he or she is unlikely to have the foggiest idea how to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Purim and Passover. Therefore, Shabbat and the Jewish holiday celebrations are not found on Activities calendars across the nation.

Only in Orlando, Florida will you see Jewish holidays listed on the calendar and next to them will be the words “The Jewish Pavilion.” The Jewish Pavilion sounds like the name of a place, but in reality it is a place in the heart. This outreach organization with a skeletal staff and over 400 volunteers ensures that EVERY Jewish individual in long term care in the greater Orlando area is included in the Jewish community. So that on one feels alone in the world, volunteers visit every week. Pavilion staff arrange for Shabbat and holiday celebrations.

There were tears galore as over 300 seniors celebrated Passover with their friends from the Jewish Pavilion. One hundred year old woman exclaimed “I never thought I would ever see another Seder in my life.” While most of her teeth were missing, she was able to thoroughly enjoy a piece of gefilte fish and an egg. When Ella and Ben Colley ages 8 and 5 belted out the four questions in Hebrew, you could hear the seniors singing “Mahnistanah” under their breath. Gentile friends were invited to join in the festivities and everyone clapped and sang along to “Dyenu.” Jewish Pavilion Executives Director, Nancy Ludin, commented “I always make the effort to attend many holiday celebrations, because residents share memories associated with the holiday. Most people spoke about beautiful Seder tables and experiences they shared with their siblings revolving around the afikomen. Others spoke about sitting at the Seder table listening to Hebrew prayers until midnight without a morsel of food. One woman remembered a secret Seder in the woods during the Nazi occupation where one potato was cooked and shared by the entire family and the ashes were buried so that would not be found.

No one wants to be forgotten…it is the mission of the Jewish Pavilion to enhance the  quality of life of our elders in long term care and strengthen their connection to the community. Please support this effort to enrich the lives of nursing home residents by visiting http://www.jewishpavilion.org/  or e-mailing info@jewishpavilion.org.

We will miss "Hanky Panky"... Celebrate his life on April 10th

Often times, charities honor someone who will bring in the most money for their oganization. Instead, the Jewish Pavilion selected the  man who  meant the most to the organization and exemplified all it means to be a dedicated and caring volunteer. Our “Pied Piper,”  Hank Goldberg passed away this morning. 

 Hank was always the life of the party. He made board meetings and other mundane activities fun; always adding humor and compassion. When the Jewish Pavilion held Jewish holiday celebrations at nursing and assisted living facilities, it was always Hank who added jokes and joy to the celebrations. Women in wheel chairs stood up to dance with Hank. Many people feel uncomfortable touching the elderly. Hank welcomed them with open arms.  It is so hard to believe that we have lost such a special man.

Cards can be sent to Joni directly or through the Jewish Pavilion. We look forward to celebrating the life of Hank Goldberg on April 10^th at our gala. We knew how sick Hank was, so we sent him all publicity in advance of the gala including all tributes made in his honor. The city of Orlando proclaimed April 10^th Hank Goldberg Day.  Hank received the proclimation before his passing. Please take a moment to read about the life of Florida’s Marvelous Mensch.   http://www.floridajewish.com/mensch.php.  We will really miss our beloved Hank!

Funeral services will be held  at Temple Israel on Friday at 10 AM. Shiva will be Saturday and Sunday nights at Joni’s house .

Temple Israel address

50 South Moss Road

Winter Springs, FL 32708-3002
(407) 647-3055

Following services, Interment will be at Glenhaven Memorial.

Joni Goldberg’s address

1421 Sunnyside Dr

.

Maitland, FL  32751

Jewish Pavilion
http://www.jewishpavilion.org/
421 Montgomery Road Suite 131
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
407-678-9363

Submitted by Nancy Ludin- Executive Director

The Jewish Custom of Sitting Shiva after a Death

A month ago, I was approached by the founder of the ShivaConnect.com requesting a link to her website. I researched the site and sent it to my rabbi and agency President. After careful consideration, we decided to link to the site.The Jewish Pavilion operates like a Jewish Nursing Home on wheels. Since Orlando does not have a Jewish Home for the Aged, our non profit brings the Jewish community to residents in over 40 independent, assisted and skilled nurisng facilities. We visit weekly and provide Shabbat sevices, holiday celebrations and intergenerational activities for residents of all faiths. Unfortuantely, we experience a number of deaths each month and family members ask us questions about Jewish death practices. I feel that Shiva Connect will be able to answer some of their questions.

Mourners can create a Shiva Registry to:

• Announce the loss of a loved one
• Inform friends & family of memorial service/funeral   arrangements
• Detail where, when and who is sitting Shiva
• Order deli platters & Shiva food online
• View/Post ”food notes” eliminating confusion
and the concern “will there be enough food?”• List Memorial Donation preferences
• Post Eulogies

With a Shiva Registry
friends & family can:

• Learn of the loss of your loved one
• Send an email message of condolence
• Receive detailed information about the
memorial service/funeral including directions• Learn where, when, & who is sitting Shiva
• View a listing of food already expected, to
better know what is needed, where & when
• Order deli platters, Shiva food, gift baskets or
comfort gifts
• Make charitable donations

http://shivaconnect.com/page/home/

Submitted by Nancy Ludin, Executive Director of the Jewish Pavilion

We like to see seniors smile! We are always seeking support so that we can continue to operate the Pavilion and make seniors smile next year too.

What to Look For in Selecting a Long Term Care Facility

The Jewish Pavilion is a wonderful resource to turn to when selecting a long term care facility for a loved one. Pavilion staff and volunteers visit residents in over 40 facilities in the greater Orlando area in an effort to enhance the lives of the residents. The non-profit provides weekly visits,intergenerational programs and holiday celebrations which make seniors smile! Because Pavilion staff and volunteers are regularly visiting, they have the opportunity to observe far more than the decor. Pavilion staff and volunteers have spoken with residents and family members, met the nusing home staff, tasted the food etc. Call 407-678-9363 and hear their impressions or visit http://www.jewishpavilion.org/ for more information and resources.

Selecting a Facility

The following questions may guide you in evaluating nursing facilities throughout your selection process. Remember, each resident – young, elderly, ambulatory, bedridden, or disabled – has different needs, preferences, and desires that should be taken into account in the selection of a facility.

Location
•    Visitors are important! Is the facility conveniently located for frequent visits from family and friends?

Ambiance
•    Is the atmosphere welcoming and attractive?

Staff
•    Observe staff interactions with residents. Do caregivers show respect and a positive attitude toward residents and others?

Activities
•    Look over the activity calendar for the week or month and ask about the programs available.
•    Are residents encouraged to participate?

Religion
•    Are religious services held on the premises?
•    What individualized arrangements can be made for residents to worship?

Rooms
•    Ask to visit a typical room. Does the living space suit the needs of the resident?
•    How are roommates selected?
•    How are private items stored or secured?
•    What is the policy for residents having a private telephone?
•    What is the policy for decorating rooms with personal items?

Dining
•    Observe mealtime at the facility. How is the menu managed weekly and monthly? Ask to have the dining procedures explained to you.
•    What arrangements will be made if residents are unable to eat in the dining room?
•    What is the practice for special dining or menu requests?
•    Are snacks provided?
•    Are private dining areas available when family and friends are visiting?

Care Planning
•    How are residents and families encouraged to participate in developing their care plan?
•    Does the facility provide services for terminally ill residents and their families?
•    What special programs (Alzheimer’s, AIDS, subacute care) does the facility offer?

Medical
•    Are other medical professionals (dentists, podiatrists, optometrists) available?
•    Does the facility have an arrangement with a nearby hospital?
•    Will a bed be available after hospitalization?
•    How are prescription drugs ordered?
•    Are therapy programs provided (physical, occupational, speech pathologist)?

Costs
•    Are all services the resident requires covered in the basic charge?
•    Request a list of specific services not covered in the basic rate. (Some facilities have schedules covering therapies, beautician services, barbers, specialty foods, personal laundry, etc.)

Patient Rights/Autonomy
•    What are the patient’s rights and responsibilities?
•    When are restraining devices recommended and why?
•    Does the facility have Resident Council?
•    Does the facility have a Family Council in which you can participate?

Licensure and Certification
•    If needed by the resident, is the facility certified to provide Medicare and/or

Medicaid coverage?
•    Is the latest state survey report available for review?
•    Does the facility have a formal quality assurance program?

Your Role
If you are helping to select a long term care facility for a loved one, are you:
•    Involving this person in the process?
•    Prepared to ease the resident’s transition to the nursing facility by being with them on admission day and staying several hours to get them settled?
•    Ready to visit the resident frequently and encourage friends to make similar visits?

Finally, nursing facilities should try to be like community – where residents can feel comfortable, find familiar faces, and build relationships just like they enjoyed in their own homes. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your loved one will be provided with the highest quality of care and quality of life.

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 Submitted by Nancy Ludin, Executive Director of the Jewish Pavilion

Visit www,jewishpavilion.org for more information.

Seeking Person -Directed Care...

The newest trend in assisted living and skilled nursing is "person-directed care." Instead of telling residents that bath time is 10 AM, residents are asked what time they want to bathe? The same can be done for meal time and snacks. When an individual moves into long term care, some of his or her independence is taken away. The Jewish Pavilion, a non profit in Orlando that serves seniors of all faiths, has the motto "We like to see seniors smile." When residents feel in control of their lives, they are much happier. The Jewish Pavilion makes sure that residents in long term care are not forgotten and that they feel connected to the community through one-on-one visits, holiday programs, intergenerational events etc. Visit http://www.jewishpavilion.org/ for more information. Below is information from the Pioneer Network supporting Person- Directed Care:

There is a need to ask more specific questions about person-directed care and what the

nursing home is doing, if anything, with person-directed care and culture change. Listed

below are some general and specific things to ask and to listen for in the response. These

are not the only “correct” responses, but they will give you a general idea of what you

might hear that indicates work toward creating home for residents.

How is your nursing home involved in culture change?

Listen for: “We have a committee that works on making our place a home for residents

who live here. Residents and families serve on the committee. Staff members attend the

state coalition meetings and go to conferences to learn more. Several of our staff

(including direct care workers) have visited other places involved in culture change. We

have consistent assignment so that our staff can get to know the residents they are caring

for including their individual needs and wishes.”

How will you get to know my family member?

Listen for: “It is very important for us to really get to know each person who lives here.

We have a questionnaire for your family member to fill out that helps us get started. If

they are not able to do this (because of dementia, for example), we want you to help us

get to know them. Then we will talk with them and spend time together. We will learn

about their preferences, their past, what they enjoy doing now, and their goals and wishes

for the future. Everyone on the staff will get to know your family member.”

Do the CNAs/nursing assistants take care of the same group of residents each time

they work, or do you rotate the assignments after a period of time?

Listen for: “Consistent Assignment.” “With few exceptions, our caregivers care for the

same group of residents each time they come to work.”

Will my loved one be awakened at a set time in the morning or will she have a choice?

Listen for: “Residents may choose to sleep as long as they want without being

awakened.”

What is your policy regarding food choices and alternatives?

Listen for: “Let me show you a list of the alternatives we always have on hand if

someone does not like the main entree being offered. Do you think your loved one would

be satisfied with these? If not, we can usually accommodate her wishes.”

Can my loved one be given a shower/bath when he or she chooses?

Listen for: “Yes. We can accommodate a person’s lifelong pattern of bathing. Plus, we

understand about the special needs of persons with dementia. We have many creative

ways to keep people clean, so we can adapt to their preferences and comfort and still

maintain cleanliness.”

What type of recreational activities are offered here?

Listen for: “We offer a wide variety of meaningful and purposeful activities. Residents

have input into what is offered. Many of our activities are also spontaneous. Our CNAs

do activities with residents based on what the resident likes to do, including at night for

those who are awake. We also have someone here in the evenings and on weekends to

engage residents.”

How do you build a sense of community, and give those who live here a voice in the

decisions about how things are done?

Listen for: “Residents are part of the home team. We have an active Resident Council.

Discussion groups, neighborhood or household meetings are held weekly with residents,

staff and invited family members. Residents have a say in who cares for them.”

How do you meet the special needs of people who have some type of dementia?

Listen for: “We educate our staff on how to best communicate with people with

dementia. Because we have consistent assignments, staff know the residents well and can

anticipate and meet their needs in flexible, creative ways. We also support and teach staff

how to problem-solve difficult situations

Submitted by Nancy Ludin, Executive Director of the Jewish Pavilion

How Do You Know When It's Time For Elder Care?

The Jewish Pavilion is a non-profit in Orlando that caters to seniors in long term care facilities. Our charity is often seen as a resource for anyone who has questions about a loved one who is aging. Our website contains a wealth of information. http://www.jewishpavilion.org/. You can always get more of your questions answered by calling our staff  407-678-9363. This is one of the questions frequently posed to us.  

How Do You Know When It’s Time for Elder Care?

As they grow older, most people want to continue living independently in their own homes.  They want to remain self-sufficient in their familiar surroundings; that’s certainly expected and natural.  But all too often the very fact of aging affects people’s ability to care for themselves and manage their daily living and this creates health and safety concerns.  When caring for themselves or their home environment becomes progressively too difficult, it is time for both seniors and their families to consider in-home elder care.

Here Are 15 Signs That Signal the Need for In Home Elder Care:

1.       The person forgets to eat or does not eat nutritious meals and loses weight.

2.       The mail is piling up and bills have been left unpaid.

3.       The house is unusually dirty and unkept; dirty dishes, garbage and laundry may pile up .

4.       The person forgets to take medication and/or is confused about what to take and when.

5.       The person no longer adequately tends to personal hygiene matters.

6.       Food in the refrigerator has spoiled or is uneaten.

7.       The person makes frequent phone calls at unusual times or is unable to use the telephone.

8.       Items may be put away in unusual places or become “lost” due to short term memory loss.

9.       The person wears the same clothes every day or the clothes are noticeably dirty.

10.   The person misses appointments due to memory loss or fear of driving.

11.   The person leaves the stove or other appliances on, creating a safety hazard.

12.   The person has difficulty remembering names, situations and locations.

13.   The person is incapable of making decisions.

14.   The person has become isolated and has cut off social contacts.

15.   The person falls down often.

Fortunately, there are agencies that provide the help seniors need to enable them to remain in the comfort and safety of their home and age in place. Companions can provide services such as nutritious meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, personal care supervision, medication reminders as well as transportation. The aspect of socialization and interaction is also important and the list of non-medical services to help the senior to stay in their own home is practically endless.

Most agencies provide help for seniors on an hourly basis, but a select few offer “live-in” care as an affordable option.   Live-in care offers the senior’s family peace of mind that their loved one is never alone.

When considering an agency for elder care, be certain to ask the following;

1.       How long has your company been in business?

2.       is the company bonded and insured?

3.       Is your company registered or licensed with the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration?

4.       How extensive are your criminal background checks?

5.       How do you select your caregivers?

6.       Can you send me information describing your services and fees?

7.       What is the company’s replacement policy or guarantee?

8.       Is there a contracted period of time?

9.       Are there initiation or exit fees?

10.   Can we set up a time to meet and discuss my care needs?

While the decision to implement in home elder care takes some consideration, it is designed to be a positive experience for the senior and their family.  It may just be the option that enables your loved one to live out their twilight years in the comfort, safety and familiarity of their own home.

Information provided by Jim Mark, American Home Companions www.TheLiveInExperts.com

Platinum SPonsor of the Jewish Pavilion

Submitted to the blog by  Nancy Ludin, Executive Director