Dedication and Support: A Prescription for Recovery

Home / News & Events / Newsletter

Dedication and Support: A Prescription for Recovery

May 26, 2016

Short-term in-patient rehabilitation is often a critical factor in recovery after an illness, injury, medical procedure, or hospital stay. Conditions requiring this type of specialized care may include joint replacement rehab, orthopedic post-hospitalization care, stroke and neurological rehab, post-medical and post-surgical recovery, and adaptive equipment instruction and conditioning.

For Fernando Carrillo, it was a stroke that eventually brought him to the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at the Los Angeles Jewish Home. At 66, Fernando is an active man, working fulltime as a buyer in a downtown LA store, exercising at the gym regularly, and enjoying two mile walks and trips to Las Vegas with Lucia, his wife of 14 years. After spending 10 days in the hospital, he was brought to the Home for rehab. With the left side of his body completely effected by the stroke, Fernando spent the first two weeks in rehab in bed, unable to move. “I was also a little confused and had difficulty speaking, eating, and swallowing,” he recalls. His brain returned to full function quickly, and within 10 days he was able to eat and swallow.

As he began physical therapy, Fernando’s first question was: How long is it going to take you to fix me? The answer from his inter-disciplinary team: That’s all up to you! “I move fast. I don’t like to sit around and do nothing,” says Fernando. “I was committed to working hard and doing everything I could to improve. And the daily encouragement and support I received from everyone was fantastic!”

By the end of the first month, Fernando was able to lift his left leg. Two weeks later, he could lift his left arm. Now he can reach out with it. “The first day I could stand up and take a step, we all cried,” he shares emotionally.

After 100 days in short-term rehab at the Jewish Home, Fernando was ready to return to his home and Lucia. “When I came here I couldn’t even move. Considering what I can do now, it’s hard to believe,” Fernando says as he stands and takes several steps. “I consider myself to be at 50% now, and my goal is to be at 90% in five months.”

Before leaving TCU, Fernando was referred by his physician to receive in-home physical therapy, and he chose Jewish Home Care Services as his provider… “of course!” After that he will receive outpatient physical therapy as he continues working toward his goal.

The rehab team receives the highest marks from Fernando. “This wonderful team has all my respect. I have never seen a group of people so devoted to what they do. If someone is in need of rehab care, they should come here!”

Marina Balabanov, DPT and facility rehab director for the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center (JEKMC) at the Home, offers some insight into what makes their team so successful. “Each rehab program is individually designed by a supervising physical therapist, taking into consideration the patient’s medical history, current medical problem, and prior and current functional status,” she explains. “These programs are reviewed weekly with consideration of new ideas and recommendations from team members. We have state-of-the-art rehab equipment that helps us implement our programs, provide very high quality care and services, and achieve patient-oriented goals.”

The members of Fernando’s rehab team worked diligently to help him return to his home and his life. It was truly a group effort, and the bonds formed are strong, with each person feeling invested in his improvement. “It’s a testament to Mr. Carrillo’s 100% commitment and the dedication of our rehab staff to see such incredible improvement,” says Ilana Grossman, executive director of JEKMC.

At the Jewish Home, the approach to recovery and wellness combines onsite medical care, prescribed therapies, personal coaching and counseling, and excellent nutrition. We direct all efforts toward promoting healing, building confidence, and restoring independence. For more information, please call Connections to Care, our toll-free hotline, at (855) 227-3745 or visit our website at www.lajh.org.

Prev Page Next Page

Share

Sign up for the Los Angeles Jewish Health newsletter, Connections.

First Name

Last Name

Email

Recent Articles

Nov 6

Confirmation and Inspiration at Los Angeles Jewish Health

The holiday of Sukkot—a Hebrew word meaning “booths” or “huts”—follows closely after Yom Kippur and is a joyous celebration of the autumn harvest. This year at Los Angeles Jewish Health, the holiday also marked another very special and happy occasion: the adult confirmation of three residents in their 80s and 90s who displayed their mastery of Jewish scholarship and prayer in front of a rapt audience of family and friends.Confirmation is a way for Jewish students of post-bar or bat mitzvah age to continue engaging with their tradition and confirm their commitment to Jewish life. Inside a gorgeous sukkah erected in the main courtyard of LAJH’s Grancell Village campus, the assembled guests listened to the women—Etta Spiegel, 96; Barbara Fallick, 82; and Linda Zweig, 81—all of whom had previously had adult bat mitzvahs, chant from the Torah and offer astute insights into Jewish history, ritual, and culture. The ceremony was held as a highlight of LAJH’s Friday afternoon Shabbat service, led by Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender.“These women wanted to deepen their Jewish knowledge, and they studied with me for about a year in preparation for this day, ultimately becoming experts in an area of specific interest to them,” Rabbi Bender shared during the moving ceremony. “Their passion and determination are incredible to behold, and I am beyond excited for them to share what they’ve learned with you today.”Etta focused on the Passover story, making connections between the Pharoah of ancient Egypt and modern-day tyrants. Linda spoke about Midrash, a genre of Jewish commentary, and discussed the ways in which, when it comes to biblical interpretation, women (whose perspectives were once marginalized) are now empowered to be part of the conversation. Barbara delved into family dynamics in the Book of Genesis, with particular emphasis on the life of Jacob.At the conclusion of the service, Ilana Springer, CEO/administrator of the Joyce Eisenberg- Keefer Medical Center, presented each of the confirmands with a framed photograph of them with the Torah and complimented their dedication and drive. “Through their words and actions, these women demonstrate their faith, courage, and hope for the future of the Jewish people,” Springer said.LA Jewish Health Board Chair Judy Friedman-Rudzki gifted each of the women a sculpture, bearing their names and depicting a woman holding the Torah. “Your example shows us that there’s no limit to what we as women can accomplish!” she said.Also on hand was Dale Surowitz, LAJH’s president and chief executive officer, who congratulated the three residents on their tremendous effort and handed them each a certificate of adult confirmation to mark the occasion.“Thank you for showing all of us that age is only a number,” he said. “What you accomplished here makes clear that we can do anything if we put in the hard work and follow our hearts.”As she ended the service, Rabbi Bender offered Etta, Barbara, and Linda a special blessing and some heartfelt words of praise. “I have so much gratitude and respect for each of you,” she said. “You’ve truly inspired us all.”

A Sweet Start to a New Year at Los Angeles Jewish Health

Every year, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—the holiest days on the Jewish calendar—present Los Angeles Jewish Health residents with multiple opportunities for both celebration and reflection. This year’s holiday events were as wonderful as ever, marked by beautiful music, meaningful prayer, and cherished traditions.Led by Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender, as well as Rabbi Ron Goldberg, the spiritual leader for the Eisenberg Village campus, LA Jewish Health’s holiday observances offered something for everyone of the Jewish faith. There were multiple religious services held across both residential campuses. In the main courtyard at Grancell Village, Rabbi Bender—assisted by her son, Holden—was joined by cantorial soloist Benzy Kogen. Services at the Goldenberg Ziman Special Care Center, officiated by Rabbi Ron, included cantorial soloist Joel Stern. At Fountainview at Eisenberg Village, Rabbi Bender and cantorial soloist Aria Gittelson led residents in the holiday liturgy.The Fountainview service had some particularly special and unexpected moments. Professional musician David Clymer, the grandson of resident Audrey Stein, was on hand to blow the shofar. He filled the room with gorgeous, powerful shofar blasts, uplifting the assembled residents. Unfortunately, Audrey was not among those gathered; she was under the weather and resting in her room. Determined to ensure his grandmother was able to hear the shofar during this season of High Holy Days, David, accompanied Rabbi Bender and Aria Gittelson, stood outside Audrey’s room and serenaded her while she stepped outside in the fresh air and lovingly listened from her balcony above.David Clymer, grandson of resident Audrey Stein blows the shofar as she looks on from the balcony“David was a trumpet player from the time he was little; I think that’s why he’s such a good shofar player,” says Audrey, who was delighted by her private concert. “Hearing him together with Rabbi Bender and Aria was so touching; I was crying the whole time.”For his part, David—a freelance musician who performs throughout West Los Angeles in addition to arranging and composing music—felt honored to perform for his grandmother and to participate in High Holy Day celebrations at LA Jewish Health.“My grandmother is such an amazing person. The amount of love she has for people and for travel has meant a lot for me in my life and has taught me to be a good person. It was a joy connecting with her at LA Jewish Health in this way,” he said.Another signature feature of the High Holy Days at LA Jewish Health this year: eating apples and honey to symbolize hopes for a sweet year ahead. Gathered around holiday tables, residents were able to dip apple slices in several different varieties of honey as they visited with peers and engaged in Jewish learning.Thanks to the ingenuity of Rabbi Bender, residents were also able to participate in the tradition of tashlich (“casting off”). Typically taking place on the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, the tradition is one in which people symbolically cast away their sins by tossing bread crumbs into a flowing body of water. While LA Jewish Health residents could not all travel to the Pacific Ocean to perform the ceremony themselves, they carried out a modified exercise utilizing the crumbs and bowls of water. Then, Rabbi Bender collected bread crumbs from them and drove to the beach herself, casting the crumbs into the water on their behalf, in the last afternoon sun.“At LA Jewish Health, every resident matters, and we will stop at nothing to bring them the joy of the holidays and the joys of life,” Rabbi Bender says.

Los Angeles Jewish Health Receives $1 Million Gift from Alfred E. Mann Charities

Leading foundation supports Southern California’s premier senior healthcare provider(LOS ANGELES, CA – October 2, 2024) Los Angeles Jewish Health has received a $1 million donation from the Alfred E. Mann Charities Inc., a prominent Los Angeles-based charitable foundation that supports scientific advancement, education, community development, and cultural initiatives. The gift will support the newest location of LAJH’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).Situated in the heart of L.A.’s Pico-Robertson neighborhood, the new Westside BCSC is a full-service adult day care center offering head-to-toe medical assistance, social activities, transportation, and home care services to eligible seniors. Through its 5,000-square-foot Wellness Center, the Westside BCSC’s coordinated team orchestrates comprehensive health services including medical and specialty care, behavioral health services, social work services, physical and occupational therapy services, home care services, prescription medications, and delicious meals. The Wellness Center is being named in the Alfred E. Mann Charities’ honor in recognition of its landmark gift, which will help advance the Westside BCSC’s work and play an important role in enabling the facility to serve more than 400 area seniors.“We are tremendously grateful to the Alfred E. Mann Charities for helping to further LAJH’s mission to provide excellence in senior care reflective of Jewish values for all,” said Dale Surowitz, LAJH’s president and chief executive officer. “Thanks to this gift, our newest Brandman Center will have critical resources to make a meaningful difference in seniors’ lives.”Each day, BCSC PACE offers a vital lifeline for frail, elderly adults still living in the community (more than 95% of program participants live outside of a nursing home). Most participants are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Once they enroll, the BCSC becomes their exclusive provider for all medical needs—coordinating their appointments and care and eliminating the need for them to pay medical bills.For the Alfred E. Mann Charities, investing in the vision of the BCSC continues a longstanding partnership with Los Angeles Jewish Health.“We are proud supporters of LAJH, a community where every individual is valued and treated with kindness,” said Michael Dreyer, president of the Alfred E. Mann Charities, and Anoosheh Bostani, the organization’s chief financial officer. “The team is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors by providing exceptional medical care rooted in compassion, respect, and dignity.” The Alfred E. Mann Wellness Center in the Brandman Centers for Senior Care West Los Angeles LocationExam room at the Mann Wellness CenterTreatment room at the Mann Wellness CenterDental Exam room at the Mann Wellness Center