In May of each year, National Nursing Home Week is celebrated to honor the seniors and other residents served by long-term and post-acute care communities. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) selected the 2013 theme of Nursing Home Week as “Team Care: Everyone Pitches In.” This theme highlights both the residents and patients in long-term and post-acute care settings, and also the dedicated staff who care for them. The theme serves as a reminder that each and every person on staff at a nursing home is part of a larger team that pitches in and works for optimal outcomes for residents.

The theme “Team Care: Everyone Pitches In” honors everyone including: families, volunteers, community members, youth and others community-wide who show support and respect for residents.

The Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living and Sarah Chudnow Community continually strive to create a resident-centered care setting. “Our staff constantly thinks about the residents as individuals who deserve the best care possible,” said Elaine Dyer, administrator at the Jewish Home and Care Center. “We always work to give them the best quality of life we can,” said Dyer. “The best question you can ask is, ‘What is best for the resident?’”

The nursing home industry overhauled the quality of care offered in the late 1980s. “Nursing home care used to be cookie-cutter. Almost a one-size-fits-all kind of care,” said Dyer. “Today, we focus hard on providing our residents with personalized care. The tasks are less uniform and more resident centered.”

Every department at the Jewish Home and Care Center pitches in for optimal care on a daily basis. Here are some of the ways that the departments at the Jewish Home and Care Center act as “Team Care” to provide outstanding service:

Hospitality Department
“We are a friendly face. The members of our staff provide the best hospitality possible. We greet the resident when we walk in the door, shake their hand, and ask if there’s anything we can do for them. The Hospitality Department makes sure that the residents feel welcome and comfortable.”
– Eric Bates, Director of Hospitality Services

Photo: Eric Bates with resident Sheldon Friedman.

Maintenance Department
“The members of the maintenance team are the "doctors" of the building. We keep the buildings safe and comfortable for the residents, and we always make sure that they are operating correctly. We also ensure that the buildings look nice too!”

– Paul Bischoff, Director of Facilities Management

Photo: Maintenance Supervisor, Jim Hahn, with resident Neil.

Activities Department
“I think of activities as enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We’re the highlight of their day, and we really do make the fun happen. We’re able to build programs that speak to all people on different levels.”
– Carol Lukaszewicz, Director of Activities

Photo: Activities Therapist, Kimberly Rosenau, shares a moment with resident Theresa Hershbein at the '50s party. 

Nursing Department
“Our nurses provide the highest quality of care to our residents, and we personalize the care to fit the need of each individual resident. Our care is very person-centered. And we love our residents.”
– Cara Hesse, Director of Nursing Administration

Photo: Resident Tsilya Frenkel enjoys sunshine with C.N.A. Diamond Yancey.

Food Services Department
“The Food Services Department provides nutritious meals so residents are both happy and healthy. We also prepare all the food for activities so that the residents have some delicious food to eat while they are enjoying a fun event!”
– Kathy Prodoehl, Director of Food Services

Social Services Department
“Social workers really take the time to get to know each resident as an individual. We see them as a person with a unique personality. Social workers also oversee the emotional and spiritual needs of the residents. We know that the nurses take care of the physical, so we oversee the other side.”
- Sarah Cohen, Social Worker

Photo: Social Worker Sarah Cohen with resident Jean.

Pastoral Services Department
“Our job is to make a house into a home. The unique quality of a house is not the shelter or the services it provides its members. It’s the spirit and emotional depth that is experienced there. We create a home for the residents. It’s the life, spirit, and emotional depth that make it a home.”
- Rabbi Levi Emmer

Photo: Rabbi Levi Emmer gathers residents for a Tashlich service near McKinley Marina.

Therapy Department
“We truly treat the person as a whole. A resident may be in our facility for a physical reason, but we also treat the mental part as well. Our patients get to know each other really well and cheer one another on!”

– Jamie Schaap, Director of Therapy

Photo: A Physical therapist working on strength building exercises with a resident.

Administration Department
“The dedicated team at the Jewish Home and Care Center consistently provide the best care possible, and also offer excellent customer service. Our care is very personalized to fit residents’ needs.”
- Elaine Dyer, Administrator

Photo: Administrator Elaine Dyer (left) with Administrator-in-Training, Liza Holle.

“Each department is extremely important,” said Carol Lukaszewicz, activities director at the Jewish Home and Care Center. “Where would we be without nursing? Or maintenance? Every department has a big role to play in the larger team.”

The staff members at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living and Sarah Chudnow Community are proud to be team members. They are passionate about working together to enhance the quality of life for every resident.

Find out more about how you can become a part of Team Care at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living and Sarah Chudnow Community. www.jewishseniorliving.org/get-involved

Over the history of our organization, there have been many individuals and families who, through small or large donations, have had a lasting impact on how we carry out our mission. Maurice Surlow was one of those individuals. The second youngest of eight children born in Hungary, Surlow emigrated with his family to Milwaukee in the early part of the 19^th century. After honing his business skills while working in his parent’s grocery store on 7^th and Walnut, he opened up his own retail business called Roxy’s Dress Store. This business which later expanded into a chain of six stores along with very savvy stock market investments, allowed Maurice Surlow to leave a lasting legacy to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation and the Jewish Home and Care Center.

Nita Corré, President Emeritus of the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation working closely with Maurice Surlow’s family members, conceived the Maurice Surlow Award for Employee Excellence in 1999. This award, which takes place three times a year at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living and Sarah Chudnow Community, recognizes staff members who provide superior quality of care to our Residents and their families. Staff members who receive the award are nominated by their peers, residents and families and are honored at a special celebration where they receive a monetary gift as well as a special plaque distinguishing their accomplishment.

Michael Sattell, President of the Organization and Foundation, said "Funding for The Maurice Surlow Awards For Employee Excellence allows us to recognize outstanding employees for their outstanding resident service. Three times each year we acknowledge those employees efforts, in front of families, residents and peers. This positive public celebration, and the accompanying award, underlies our mission to provide exemplary service in the delivery of care. Being able to loudly applaud our employees' efforts in this way drives other employees to similarly succeed in meeting our high standards of service.

Maurice Surlow built his business by treating his customers the right way. He also treated anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him with grace and dignity, as if they were his customer, too. We are very proud to be the recipients of funding to perpetuate his memory and his definition of excellent service.”

On May 8, 2013 during annual Nursing Home week, we will again honor staff members at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living and Sarah Chudnow Community with this distinguished award.

To find out more about how you can help continue this legacy and recognize staff for their outstanding care visit our website at www.jewishseniorliving.org/donation-form or call the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation at 414-277-8803.

In the last issue of the Jewish Senior Living eNewsletter we covered the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and highlighted what Medicare part A (Hospital Insurance) covers and how it works. As a continuation to that conversation, in this issue we will be breaking down Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) to help you better understand your Medicare coverage.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers: Services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment and some preventive services. If you are 65 or over you will receive Medicare Part A and Part B benefits automatically. Medicare Part B, unlike Medicare Part A does have a monthly premium regardless of whether or not you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. In 2013 the standard premium amount was $104.90 per month, but you might pay more depending on if your modified adjusted gross income is a above a certain amount.

1) What is the definition of medically necessary doctors’ or other heath care provider services?
The term “medically necessary” is defined by Medicare.gov as “services or supplies that are needed for the diagnosis or treatment of your medical condition and meet accepted standards of medical practice.” To find out if Medicare Part B covers your test, service or item visit www.medicare.gov/coverage, or call 1-800-633-4227.

2) When is a service considered to be outpatient care?
As a general rule, an outpatient service is any type of medical or surgical care performed at a hospital that your doctor does not expect will be an overnight hospital stay or any therapy services that helps you maintain your ability to function. Outpatient care might include hospital-billed laboratory tests, mental health care, x-rays and other radiation services, outpatient clinic services and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy.

3) What are home health services and how do I qualify?
Home health services include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology services and/or services for people with continuing need for occupational therapy. They may also include social services, a part-time or intermittent home health aide, durable medical equipment and medical supplies for use at home. To qualify for home health services a doctor or healthcare provider must certify that you need home health services and must order your care through a Medicare-certified home health agency.

4) What is Durable medical equipment and what is the cost to me?
Medicare defines durable medical equipment as long-lasting equipment used expressly for medical reasons in your home. It includes, but is not limited to, hospital beds, blood sugar monitors and diabetic testing strips, canes, commode chairs, CPAP machines, crutches, home oxygen equipment and supplies, infusion pumps, walkers and wheelchairs. On the Original Medicare plan, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Also of not is that Medicare will only cover your durable medical equipment if your doctor or supplier is enrolled in Medicare.

5) Definition of Preventative services
A preventative service is “heath care to prevent illness or detect illness at an early stage, when treatment is likely to work best.”¹ Some examples of preventative services include pap tests, flu shots, mammograms and yearly visits to your primary care doctor or practitioner.

Medicare part B, much like Medicare part A can be very complicated to understand and to navigate. Our staff at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living and Sarah Chudnow Community is always willing to answer any of your questions regardless of if you are living in your home or one of our communities. The previous article about Medicare Part A in the first issue of our Jewish Senior Living eNewsletter can be found at www.jewishseniorliving.org/medicare. More detailed information about Medicare can also be found at www.medicare.gov or www.cms.gov.

[1] www.medicare.gov

By: Liz Brach, Foundation Communication Specialist

Dor l’ Dor, Hebrew words meaning “generation to generation,” represent the passing of Jewish traditions and teaching from one generation to another. The Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living and Sarah Chudnow Community, with the support of the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation, strive to carry out the Dor l’ Dor message by uniting the old and young in our community through our Intergenerational Program. 

Intergenerational activities have always been an important aspect to the daily lives of our residents, and with the creation of the Martin F. Stein Intergenerational Fund, the program was able to expand by leaps and bounds. Kimberly Rosenau, activities assistant at the Jewish Home and Care Center, began reaching out to Milwaukee area schools starting in 2010. Mequon Jewish Preschool was the first school to start regular visits. Then, St. Joan Antida began visits that consisted of ceramics, painting and manicures with the residents. The Intergenerational Program grew quickly during the 2011-2012 school year. Currently, seven Milwaukee area schools visit regularly, including Hillel Academy, Saint Joan Antida, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, Pierce Elementary, Yeshiva Elementary School and others. On any given week, at one or more of our communities, school children fill our halls with laughter, energy and enthusiasm.

The Intergenerational Program gives residents and children the opportunity to form close friendships that span many generations. Residents mentor children by imparting their advice and experience to a younger generation. “Our residents enjoy reminiscing with the kids,” said Kimberly. “They talk about what Passover was like when they were young, and discuss different traditions.” When asked about how the children make them feel, one resident stated, “I come alive, they make me feel young and on that day I feel useful again.” 

Complicated. Confusing. Two words we often hear when talking about long-term care and aging services in the United States. So often, older adults and their families are confronted with making major decisions about their health and care without fully understanding what it all means. Common questions might include: What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? How do I qualify for services? and Where do I go for information? To better inform you about aging issues, we will be describing  the Medicare and Medicaid programs in detail over the next several issues, starting today with Medicare Part A.

The official US government site for health and human services, www.hhs.gov, defines Medicare as “the federal health insurance program for people, regardless of their income, who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease.”  It is a federally run program made up of four parts known as A, B, C and D and is run basically the same way everywhere in the United States. On the other hand, Medicaid is a government assistance program paid for by federal, state and local taxes and serves low-income people of every age. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid varies from state to state and is run by state and local governments.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, care in skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and some home heath care. Although this seems very cut and dried, there is key information that you need to know in order to successfully navigate through the system.

1. What is an inpatient hospital stay? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services  defines an inpatient hospital stay as when the patient has been formally admitted to the hospital with a doctor’s order. You are considered an outpatient if you are receiving emergency department services, admitted to the hospital under observation status, receiving outpatient surgery, or if the doctor has not written an order to admit you to the hospital. As regulations on hospitals have been tightened, more and more people are not being given inpatient status but are rather being admitted under observation. Because observation status allows a patient to stay in the hospital overnight or even for several days, many people think they have achieved inpatient status when in fact they are there only “under observation.” If you find yourself or a loved one in the hospital it has become increasingly important to ask your doctor or hospital staff whether or not you are considered to be inpatient or outpatient. It is important to note that your status at the hospital affects whether or not Medicare will cover your stay at a skilled nursing facility.

2. When is a skilled nursing facility stay covered? Before being able to enter into a skilled nursing facility for a short-term stay to receive skilled nursing care and/or physical, occupation, and speech therapy, you must have had a “qualifying hospital stay.”¹ This means that you must have been considered inpatient and have slept in the hospital for at least three consecutive nights.  Time spent in the hospital under observation does not count towards your “qualifying hospital stay.” Once at the skilled nursing facility of your choice, you are only covered 100% under Medicare Part A for up to 20 days. On day 21 Medicare pays a percentage of your stay and expects you or your supplemental insurance to start paying a copayment.

You are eligible for a benefit period of up to 100 days of skilled nursing and/or rehab care at a skilled nursing facility. However, is it important to understand that even though a benefit period can last up to 100 days you are only allowed to use as many days as you “need” skilled nursing and/or physical, occupational and speech therapy.  That “need” is defined by Medicare and the goals set by your interdisciplinary skilled nursing care team. The current average stay in a skilled nursing facility under Medicare Part A is 20-22 days. On a positive note, you have an unlimited number of benefit periods to use as long as after being discharged you stay out of a skilled nursing facility or hospital for 60 consecutive days or you continue living in a skilled nursing facility, after Medicare Part A discharge, as a long-term resident for at least 60 consecutive days.²

3. What is Hospice and when are you eligible for Hospice benefits? Hospice is defined as a program of care and support for people who are terminally ill.³  Hospice focuses on making a person comfortable during the last chapter of their lives and not on curing an illness. In order to qualify for hospice care benefits you must meet the following criteria: A doctor and hospice medical director certify that you are terminally ill and have six months or less to live. You meet the eligibility criteria of Medicare, you sign a statement confirming that you have chosen hospice care over other Medicare-covered benefits to treat your terminal illness, and you pick a Medicare approved hospice program to provide your care. Medicare Part A covers Hospice care in your own home, at a skilled nursing facility, or at an approved inpatient hospice facility. One important thing to keep in mind is that although Medicare Part A covers Hospice care at a skilled nursing facility, it does not cover the daily cost of living in the facility while on hospice care.

4. What is considered a home health care service and when is it covered under Medicare Part A? Home health care provides intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and/or occupational therapy in your home. Intermittent care means that you need fewer than seven days of care a week or less than eight hours of care a day. To become benefit eligible you must have a primary care physician that you see regularly, have a doctor confirm and order that you need home health care service, and be defined as homebound.⁴ Once you meet that criteria only a Medicare-certified home health agency can provide services. Other services that you are able to utilize while receiving home health care are social services, intermittent home health aide services, and coverage for buying needed medical equipment. Medicare Part A will pay for your covered home health care services for as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.  If your need for services does not meet the definition of intermittent care than you are not eligible for the home health benefit.⁵

We understand how stressful navigating the health care system can be. Our social workers and admissions directors at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living, and Sarah Chudnow Community are always willing to help with any questions you may have regarding your eligibility under Medicare Part A. More detailed information can also be found at www.medicare.gov or www.cms.gov.

Stay tuned for the next issue of Jewish Senior Living eNewsletter: keeping you connected to our communities.

¹www.cms.gov
²www.medicare.gov “Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care”
³www.medicare.gov “Medicare Hospice Benefits”
⁴www.Medicare.gov “Medicare and Home health Care”
⁵www.medicare.gov “Medicare and You”

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) set the Social Work Month theme for March 2013 as “Weaving Threads of Resilience and Advocacy.” The theme builds on the idea that “social work is the profession of hope,” and it emphasizes the value of using personal strengths and self-advocacy to manage serious life challenges.

“Social workers strive every day to help millions of people function better in their environments,” says NASW CEOElizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH. “They also work to change environments that may limit individuals, families and communities.”

The social workers at Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point and Sarah Chudnow Community work diligently every day to carry out the mission of their profession, and consistently provide hope and happiness to residents and family members.

Our social workers are making a difference by offering residents a great deal of love and care in a person-centered environment. Dana Rubin-Winkelman, a social worker at Chai Point, discussed how the social workers at the Jewish Senior Living Communities make sure that the residents age in place, while also allowing them to maintain their independence. “We treat each one of our residents with a lot of dignity and respect,” said Rubin-Winkelman. “I see social workers as people who are able to anticipate the needs of others. We use our knowledge and expertise to work to prevent the bad from happening, and to increase the good.” Dana Rubin-Winkelman loves how her job allows her to be a part the residents’ and families’ lives. “We play a role in the last blip of their lives. They all have such amazing stories, and I love that I have the opportunity to be a part of it,” said Rubin-Winkelman. No task is too small for our social workers. They do everything from calling maintenance men to fix lights in apartments, to corresponding directly with the residents’ family members to work through transitional times.

Our social workers make a daily effort to offer care and activities that are centered on the residents’ interests and talents. Recently, the Adult Day Center had a day whose activities were dedicated to a resident from New York who loves pastrami. They read New York deli books and recipes and watched a video of a well-known New York chef. The residents had a wonderful time enjoying the activities while eating pastrami sandwiches and pickles!

“I like to think that social workers are wrapping their arms around people. We’re ensuring that these people are the best they can be for as long as possible,” said Rubin-Winkelman.

The social workers at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point Senior Living and Sarah Chudnow Community provide services that keep seniors active, independent and connected to the community. Help continue our legacy. www.jewishseniorliving.org/get-involved

On Thursday, February 28, the dancers put on a costume demo in the Rubenstien Pavilion from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. This demonstration gave the audience the opportunity to learn more about the Milwaukee ballet, the dancers, costumes, and the history of ballet. The audience also got a up-close-and-personal look at life as a dancer. During the demonstration, the dancers performed basic dance moves including the five basic positions, plies, tendus, pirouettes, lifts, stretches, and more.

During the demonstration, the audience learned about life as a dancer. These dancers are all around the age of twenty and have been dancing since age three. They are all currently working very hard at the Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee Ballet II program in hopes of one day becoming a professional dancer. They are constantly auditioning with different companies both around the United States and internationally. Currently, only about half of the dancers are paid, and they are not paid very much. Many of the dancers are balancing their dancing jobs, with part-time jobs in retail. The dancers are training everyday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. five days a weeks. Extra sessions are frequently attended in the later evenings and on weekends as well. 

Here are some pictures from the demonstration. 

The dance performance on March 3 included solo and duet performances. The performance was one hour long, and included a Q and A session at the end with the dancers. Here are some photos from the dance performance. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit with the Milwaukee Ballet Program and want to thank everyone involved!

Then, on Sunday, March 3 at 2:00 p.m. join us at Chai Point Senior Living for a performance. The Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee II program provides training for your dancers, bridging the gap from student to professional. These dancers play a critical role in introducing and educating the community on the beliefs and artistry of ballet, while enhancing their performance training and development. Join us for an afternoon of classical and contemporary repertoire featuring these aspiring professionals! 

Photographer: Jenn Mazza

toldthat they needed a potter’s wheel. “I knew that the potter’s wheel was definitely where I wanted to donate my money,” she said. While the Activities Department has a kiln, they were without a potter’s wheel until Ellie made her donation. Carol Lukaszewicz, Director of Activities, could not be happier, “the potter’s wheel is a great addition to our department. Now the residents can create their own pieces and paint them too. We’re really thankful.”

The Activities Department held a resident pottery activity with Ellie on Monday, February 18. The residents have a great time working with the clay, creating pieces, and socializing with Ellie! Some of the pieces created include a vase, bud vase and a ring holder. Ellie will return to finish her piece with the residents at the beginning of April.

Ellie’s donation was made through the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation for the benefit of the Activities Department. If you’re interested in making a donation to support resident activities please visit our donation page.

Renovation continues without major setbacks. Ductwork, carpets, tiles changing daily.

Renovation continues on the second floor in the Helen Bader Center as electricians, plumbers, painters and others do their work without creating havoc or getting in each other’s way.

Photos are being posted on the JHCC Facebook page as they become available; changes are occurring rapidly, and we are starting to see what the future holds.

Activities Copes with Less Space
With less area available for residents to move around in, the Activities staff has had to be creative in finding ways for Residents to be able to move around without being constricted. Staff has been rearranging furniture and repurposing some areas to accommodate the needs of the Residents throughout the construction process.

According to Carol Lukaszewicz, director of activities, “We haven’t made any drastic changes, but we’ve done a lot of tweaking” to make the space comfortable for Residents. Regular programming is continuing. Different spaces and plans are being used in news to provide a clam atmosphere for independent pursuits. “It’s a work in progress,” she explains.

Current Construction Update
·The inspection of our electrical work to date by the City of Milwaukee took place and was approved.
·Plumbers have finished the rough-in for the Lakeside kitchen and "dish room.” That work has also passed the City of Milwaukee inspection.
·Carpet removal and installation at the rate of four per day is underway.
·In order to keep dust under control, ceiling tile will be replaced carefully, one tile out, one tile in, after the heating contractors complete their work.

Boards displaying finishes and fabrics of the new Helen
Bader Center are on display by Monya's Garden for 
visitors to see. 

Everything including the stainless steel kitchen sink is new
in our dining areas! Look at those beautiful cabinets and
granite counters! 



Beautiful tile highlights the spacious new spa, where 
residents can bathe, have their hair done, and enjoy the 
newly redesigned space.

Stay tuned for your next update, or follow us on Twitter @JSLiving or “like” us on Facebook for a more day-to-day conversation update.

At the Jewish Home and Care Center, where dinner will be served both nights of Passover (March 25 and 26) in the newly renovated Rubenstein Pavilion, the seder will be a traditional service led by a guest rabbi (to be announced). Free parking is available under the Jewish Home at 1414 N. Prospect Avenue. Reservations must be made by March 18 by calling 414-276-2627.

Chai Point Senior Living, which is attached to the Jewish Home, is serving in its beautiful dining room. Rabbi Levi Emmer will be leading the seder, using the Hyper-Modern Ancient With-It Traditional Seder Hagaddah. Free parking here is also available under the 1414 building, and reservations by March 18 should be made by calling 414-289-9600.

In Mequon, the Sarah Chudnow Community offers more than a seder. Rather than changing your dishes for the holiday, SCC offers the opportunity to “change your address” for the eight days of Passover. (Observant Jews will clean their houses from top to bottom to eliminate all traces of chametz, or leavened bread, and change over to special dishes used only for the holiday.) At special rates, community members can move into an apartment at Sarah Chudnow and have all their meals, which will be kosher for Passover, during the holiday, and partake of the Passover seders, or they can just come for the ritual seder meals, which are held in Posner Town Square and led by Cantor Jeffrey Conn. For elderly people, especially, who want to observe the rituals, but for whom the traditional cleaning may be too difficult, this is an opportunity to stay connected to the culture, the symbolism, and the rituals of the holiday in a meaningful way, without any of the work. Reservations can be made for the seders by calling 262-478-1500. To discuss reservations for an apartment stay, call Larry Ladin at 262-478-1506.

All seders are $18 for adults and $9 for children, and reservations are required.

For more information, please contact:
Marlene Heller
Director of Marketing and Communications
414-277-8802
mheller@jewishseniorliving.org

Please read for the latest news on our communities. HomeSpun_Winter_2013.pdf

After much anticipation, the Helen Bader Center has begun its first renovation since being built almost 20 years ago.

Construction began January 16. So far, the residents are adjusting to the change in routine with little difficulty.
When you visit, you may notice that there are temporary walls around the Bader Lake Michigan side kitchen. This structure has been erected to increase safety and decrease the dust of the renovation.

Activities Steps Up to the Plate
The Activity Department is keeping the daily routine as close to normal as possible. Some changes you may see include:
• Activities are being held on the Prospect Ave. side.
• There is a small activity/TV/movie area outside of Monya’s Garden.
• The aviary provides a quiet area for residents.
• There are recliners available in the meditation room.
• We welcome Renee Peterson who has been providing some new in-sights into dementia care.
• Dawn Adler, a new addition to the Adult Day Center, has initiated a successful series called Timelines at the Bader Center.

Current Construction Update
The Lake Michigan side kitchen demolition began the first week.
• The washer and dryer were removed from the laundry.
• The spa tub was disconnected and the walls were demolished between the toilet and tub room.
• The electrician has begun electrical work for the additional lighting etc. in the common areas and kitchen.
• The wall between the laundry and the existing nursing office was demolished on January 22.
• The last step of this week was the door removal and dry walling of the lower cabinets.

Stay tuned for your next update, or follow us on Twitter @JSLiving or “like” us on Facebook for a more day-today conversation about the changes that our Helen Bader Center is going through!

Each pillar has four parts as illustrated below:

The Pillars of Creation are located in the hallway opposite the Rubenstein Pavilion. 

The description and artistic representation of the days of creation are as follows: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridging the space between Chai Point Senior Living and the Jewish Home and Care Center, the Dor L’ Dor Corridor, meaning generation to generation, represents the passing of Jewish traditions and teaching from one generation to another. Following in the footsteps of those who created our mission, we continue the legacy of caring for our mothers and fathers through this giving opportunity. Each plaque represents one generation paying tribute to the next Dor L’ Dor.

Dor L’ Dor plaques may be purchased for all forms of tribute; to honor a friend or relative or in memory of a loved one. Funds raised from the Dor L’ Dor Corridor help pay for the greatest needs of the Jewish Home and Care Center and Chai Point Senior living. Please contact the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation at Foundation@jewishseniorliving.org or 414-277-8803 with questions.

Ben Hersh has been a volunteer at the Jewish Home and Care Center for the past five years. After graduating high school Ben wanted to find a job. He began by delivering the mail at St. Joseph’s Hospital, a job he truly enjoyed. He wanted to find more places where he could help out. Ben and his family made a list of possible places that could use this kind of help. Ben is a very family-oriented person and has strong feelings for his Jewish roots. He wanted to find someplace that would be close to his heart, so he made an inquiry about delivering the mail at the Jewish Home and in the Volunteer Spotlight. was welcomed with open arms.

Ben was born in Milwaukee at St. Joseph’s. He lives at home with his parents. He has an older brother Murray, who is married and has a baby named Nadia. Ben is a very proud uncle. He also has two sisters: Clara lives in New York and Sylvia attends school in Oshkosh. Ben loves to travel with his family for reunions. He has been to New York, Texas, Chicago, Florida, and Mexico. Ben enjoys spending time with his family but he also enjoys Camp Wauwbeek and all of his volunteering jobs. He is also interested in taking a course in Jewish studies.

Ben was born with Cerebral Palsy. He cannot walk or talk, but has a personal computer attached to his wheelchair that enables him to communicate with a hand-held probe. He uses the probe to touch words or letters on a keyboard and then a voice speaks the words that he types.

Ben loves to help people. Aside from his volunteer role at the JHCC, he also volunteers his time at the VA Hospital, and at St. Joseph’s Hospital. “I like the doctors and the office people there.” During his time as a volunteer at the JHCC, Ben has had one job. He delivers the mail to all of the residents three times a week. “When I deliver the mail I like to visit with the residents.”

A few years ago, Ben’s Mom, Jolie, talked to him about starting to use his computer to make greeting cards. Jolie showed Ben how to make the cards and Ben has been making wonderful cards for the JHCC ever since. “People seem to like my cards. It makes them happy.” Ben recently got a new computer and his brother bought him a special printer. “I give cards to the VA, to the Milwaukee County Jail, and to the people at the JHCC.” This past year Hand in Hand (HiH) voted to turn Ben’s card-making gift into a small business for him. HiH now purchases some cards designed especially for the HiH birthday cards. If you have received a birth day card look on the back; you will see that it was “Designed by Ben.”

Since that time Ben suggested that perhaps HiH should order more card styles so that we can send a variety of cards for volunteer birthdays. HiH has now also ordered cards from Ben for other occasions and he has met the challenge with new and innovative designs. With the money that he earns from his card business, Ben has been able to enjoy outings with friends to restaurants and the movies. Ben also enjoys attending plays and hockey games.

“I like to help people get their main and I like to make them happy. I want to keep my job!”

Volunteer opportunities are available at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point and Sarah Chudnow Community. For information on becoming a volunteer, or other related questions, contact Beth Draper, Volunteer Coordinator: bdraper@jewishseniorliving.org or 414-277-8848. 

Chai Point Senior Living is proud to present Yiddishfest! Please join us on February 14, February 17 and February 21.