Many seniors rely on a broad array of prescription medicines to help their bodies function smoothly and efficiently. Whether they are taking antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering medications, or painkillers, seniors can benefit enormously from the groundbreaking innovation of research scientists and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Often, and for various reasons, seniors have an overabundance of these medications. Perhaps their physicians prescribed painkillers to take on an as-needed basis, and their pain was brought under control before the medicine was fully used. Maybe they misplaced a bottle of pills, only to unearth them later and find they had expired. Increasingly, pharmacists and other medical professionals are realizing seniors need better information about how to dispose of leftover or excess medicine in a safe and effective way. "Prescription drugs can be dangerous," notes Robert Shmaeff, Director of Pharmacy at the Jewish Home. "Storing unneeded prescription medication at home after completing the prescribed regimen exposes them to children and other people who may not be aware of the risks they present." Fortunately, finding appropriate methods of medication disposal is getting easier. The California State Board of Pharmacy has created an online database of locations offering drug-take-back services statewide. This convenient new resource promotes environmental protection (pills disposed of improperly can contaminate the local water supply) and also helps stop prescription drug abuse. Determining where to dispose of unwanted medications depends, in part, on the type of pills being thrown away. For instance, registered receptacles can collect prescription drugs, including controlled substances, as well as over-the-counter medicine. However, auto-injectors such as EpiPens require alternate handling. Consumers can visit the California Department of Public Health website for more details. In addition to the pharmacy board and state public health department, patients can turn to a variety of other resources for advice on getting rid of medication properly such as the federal Drug Enforcement Administration website and "Don’t Rush to Flush," a site administered by the California Product Stewardship Council that has a wealth of information about responsible drug disposal. These resources are emerging at just the right time: A recent poll by the University of Michigan shows Americans between the age of 50 and 80 receive too little guidance about what to do with medicine they no longer need. Nearly half of survey respondents reported having medication left over; 86 percent of those individuals said they kept the medicine in case their pain returned. "The fact that so many older adults report having leftover opioid pills is a big problem, given the risk of abuse and addiction with these medications," Alison Bryant, Ph.D., senior vice president of research for AARP, said in a press release about the study. The bottom line: Education about what to do with these pills is a critical part of the formula for a healthy society—and vital for keeping seniors active and thriving into their golden years.

Maintaining memory and other cognitive skills is a fundamental challenge for aging brains. Many seniors address this challenge by seeking intellectual stimulation – adhering to a “use it or lose it” philosophy that has them tearing through books of Sudoku puzzles or laboring over crosswords from the Sunday New York Times. Yet, a recent study by a team of Scottish researchers suggests that these types of brain training exercises may not fend off age-related mental decline. Published in leading research journal The BMJ, the study (entitled, “Intellectual Engagement and Cognitive Ability in Later Life: Longitudinal, Prospective Study”) looked at 498 volunteers, all born in 1936 and living independently in northeast Scotland. Tracking them from the age of 11, when they each took an intelligence test, scientists measured their information processing speed and verbal memory over a 15-year period after they had reached late middle age. Results showed that mental stimulation does not directly prevent cognitive decline. However, there was a bright spot: The study did seem to indicate that investment in intellectual activities throughout the course of one’s life, starting with the younger years, can enhance cognition overall. “These findings are interesting, but I don’t believe they argue against seniors participating in activities that make them think,” says Noah Marco, M.D., Executive Director of the Brandman Research Institute and Chief Medical Officer of the Los Angeles Jewish Home. “The satisfaction that comes with accomplishment can trigger feelings of well-being, and research shows that seniors’ emotional health is linked to longevity.” The Scottish study was led by Roger Staff, an honorary lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and head of physics at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He and his team acknowledge that individual personality may play a part in how much effort seniors put into puzzles, and that the combination of personality and effort could influence cognitive ability, ultimately, changing the study’s results. For his part, Dr. Marco plans to continue giving residents of the Home the same advice he has always offered. “Seniors should do things they love, and they should pursue those activities with determination, passion, and joy,” he says. “Filling their days with happiness will make every year worth more.”

Photographic images can tell a compelling story. But if a picture is worth 1,000 words, it is only because of the talent of the person behind the camera. The Jewish Home's Photography Club is a case in point. Led by volunteer instructor Ron Cooper, a retired dentist and lifelong photography buff, the club enables residents of the Home to tap into their creativity and strengthen their powers of self-expression. The club meets weekly at Eisenberg Village and is open to residents of all skill levels. L.A. native Ron began taking pictures in grammar school; by the time he was a teenager, he was catching a bus from Westwood to a storefront on Western Avenue run by Otto Rothschild, a prominent performing arts photographer. "I would hang around the dark room and learn how to print photos," Ron remembers. "Ever since I was little, photography has helped shape my view of the world. The fact is that once you develop the skill, you see things better even when you're not taking pictures." Once he stopped practicing dentistry, Ron began looking for ways to get involved in the community. Sharing his passion for photography seemed like a good way to give back. He had heard about the Home from board chair Andrew Berman, and from the moment he walked on campus to teach, he knew it was a perfect fit. "I walked into the Pepp Center and immediately felt comfortable," Ron recalls. "Gertrude and Ray Pepp were among my parents' closest friends." Ron has been delighted by the interest and excitement of Photography Club members like Marilyn Weiner and Ray Joseph. "Based on the ideas they have and the questions they ask, I'm learning a lot myself," he notes. "And, through my interactions with them, I can tell the Home offers such a healthy and nurturing environment." For Ray, who moved into the Home three years ago, the Photography Club has been a wonderful way to continue a hobby that stretches back decades. "I took pictures semi-professionally for years—submitting them to magazines and selling them to newspapers," he says. "At the Home, I'm using an iPhone to shoot the statues situated all across campus." Marilyn is focused on photo editing—a particular expertise of Cooper's. "We sit together at the computer, and I teach her different editing techniques," he says. "She's getting good and can now do some of it on her own."Eventually, club members hope to showcase their work in an exhibit at the Home. "I'm eager for people to see what we're producing," Ray says. "Once they take a look at how good iPhone cameras are, and how easy they are to use, they might decide to take up photography, as well!"

Dr. Noah Marco, the Home's Chief Medical Officer, appeared on the Who Cares? Podcast presented by Honor. The podcast explores the future of home care through engaging interviews with thought leaders and innovators in the senior care space. Dr. Marco discussed current innovations in care for older adults and what's needed most, industry-wide, to improve post-acute care and wellness support Download the podcast on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-l-a-jewish-home-dr-noah-marco/id1436238216?i=1000419806722&mt=2 or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LO4f5JnbtyuHsDMkAk2Ie

Every year the Home chooses two staff members—one from the Eisenberg Village Campus and one from the Grancell Village Campus—who exemplify the best of our team, the people who work toward fulfillment of our mission and demonstrate our core values each and every day.The employees of the year are chosen by a vote of the Home Team Council. The Council is made up of employees from different departments at each campus. They were invited to represent their peers in electing new Home Team members and in selecting the employee of the year.“We are very fortunate to work with truly incredible people all throughout the Home,” said Alyssa Alderman, the Home's Vice President of Human Resources.Scarlett Alvarez, Eisenberg Village Scarlett has been with the Home for over 15 years, working in in the same department since she started. She has held different positions in different buildings. Scarlett is always willing to take on extra shifts, always with a smile. The residents love her and look forward to seeing that big smile as she engages with them. She knows every aspect of her job and does it with enthusiasm. She clearly loves what she does and leads by example as she always encourages her co-workers to do their best. Many new nurses look to her for guidance. She is a fantastic C.N.A., a Med-Tech and an R.N.A! Tammy Martinez, Grancell Village Tammy began her career at the Home almost 15 years ago as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of Nursing. She has truly been the right hand of all the people she has reported to over the years—sometimes as many as four people at one time! Tammy is currently in the JEK Administration department. She knows the ins and outs of every policy and procedure related to nursing, clinical, infection prevention, safety, maintenance, and the list goes on and on. She is always willing to help every building at every campus, especially during annual surveys. She is a go-to person for many staff members across all campuses. Tammy has received several “Home Runs” based on great appreciation for her assistance. She is truly amazing at what she does!Congratulations to our Employees of the Year!

Since the opening of the Jewish Home’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care, a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), participating seniors and their families have experienced a broad range of benefits. Now those benefits have been measured, thanks to the first national caregiver survey conducted by the National PACE Association (NPA). The results are clear: The Brandman Centers are making an important difference in their members’ everyday lives. PACE provides high-quality, comprehensive medical and social services to seniors aged 55 and older, promoting their independence in the comfort of their own homes, even when health challenges make them eligible for nursing home care. The Brandman Centers offers a full continuum of services including primary medical care on-site, preventive health services, rehabilitation, social work services, nutritional counseling, medications, supplies, Adult Day Health Care, and transportation to and from the Center. The NPA survey included 20 PACE programs across the United States, gauging a metric known as “caregiver burden” — essentially, the level of stress experienced by the men and women (often adult children or other loved ones) who assist seniors in meeting their day-to-day needs. Across the board, the Brandman Centers outshined its peers. “Our caregiver burden score was nearly 50 percent less after participant enrollment, meaning caregivers were healthier, happier, and had more time for themselves,” says Susie Fishenfeld, the Brandman Centers’ Executive Director. “This was a higher reduction when compared to the national results. And one hundred percent of respondents reported our program helped them to be better caregivers, which ultimately positively impacts the many seniors we serve.” The survey provided detailed feedback about what makes the Brandman Centers such a positive force in the community. Respondents praised the “wonderful support system,” the “excellent attention” given to seniors, and the convenience of having doctors and other medical services in one location. With assistance from the Brandman Centers, notes one typical comment, “I had a few hours to work without interruption and without worrying that my mother is unsafe or lonely. PACE is a blessing to our family!” Jewish Home CEO-President Molly Forrest noted these responses which reinforce how vital the Home and its programs are for seniors and their caregivers throughout Los Angeles. “Helping to care for a senior is a great privilege, but also a huge responsibility,” she says. “The Brandman Centers is a critical ally caregivers can rely on for compassion, understanding, and resources.” The NPA survey was administered by Vital Research, in conjunction with the Brandman Centers, in fall 2018.

Imagine entering a room and seeing exuberant seniors dancing to a syncopated beat. The smiles on their faces and the sweat on their brows tell a story: There is hard work being done here — and every moment is an absolute joy. Visitors to the Jewish Home’s Zumba and chair dancing classes often come across just this type of scene. The seniors’ enthusiasm, says Caryl Geiger, Activity Director at the Home, is contagious. “Every time I walk in there, I smile, and I’m not even taking the class! Dancing just makes you feel good.” Researchers tell us that Caryl’s observation is actually measurable. Study after study is providing dramatic evidence that for seniors, dancing can be just what the doctor ordered. “We can now say with confidence that dance has significant physical and psychological benefits for seniors,” says Noah S. Marco, M.D., Executive Director of the Brandman Research Institute and Chief Medical Officer of the Los Angeles Jewish Home. “Among its many plusses, dance activates muscle memories that may have been dormant for years. For seniors, dancing can be a safe, natural, and easily accessible way to reawaken both their bodies and their minds.” The American Dance Therapy Association has published an extensive study on the effects of dance and movement on seniors. Data was collected from more than 100 movement therapy practitioners and the conclusions were remarkable: “Dance increases quality of life for seniors. It promotes resiliency and physical and psychological health, including an increased ability to cope with anxiety, depression issues, and the behavioral changes associated with dementia and cognitive impairment.”* The results from a 21-year study of senior citizens by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York were even more striking. Scientists studied physical activities like swimming, walking, and bicycling. One of the studies biggest surprises was that the only physical activity to offer meaningful protection against dementia was frequent dancing.** The benefits, notes Caryl, extend beyond memory retention. “Dancing improves flexibility, social skills, and motor skills,” she says. Of course, movement comes naturally to children. They live through their bodies — running, playing, falling, and getting up. As we age, however, many of us tend to become less physically active. But by the time we enter our senior years, we may be sedentary or at least heading in that direction. The good news is that one of the best remedies is also the simplest and most enjoyable. After all, there is a dancer in all of us. * https://adta.org/2015/11/23/dance-movementtherapy-elderly/ ** https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa022252

I love my new 2019 calendar. You're probably picturing twelve months of kittens or various natural wonders. But I am actually not referring to the art or photographs. I enjoy the barren part, with the squares and dates on it. As 2018 comes to a close and 2019 begins many of us will be saying, "Time flies!" or asking, "Where did the year go?" We wonder if we squandered time and if we are going to be more deliberate next year. Some will make New Year's resolutions and a few will even keep their resolutions! The Rabbis advise in the Talmud, "Do not say, 'When I have leisure time I will study,' because perhaps you will not have leisure time" (Pirkei Avot 2:4). In other words, if there is something you believe will enhance your life or improve the lives of others, try to do it as soon as possible. If you tell yourself "It can wait; there is no need to do today what can be done tomorrow," you may find yourself pushing off what matters most onto a thousand tomorrows. I love the empty boxes in the calendar because they remind me how every day is an opportunity to do something—and to do it now. The sooner we actualize our dreams and enact our hopes the more we live aligned with our values. And the calmer we feel. Life becomes more meaningful and purposeful. Those who live in the now thrive. Happiest and most content are those who wake up every day grateful for another day and eager to do something that will make them feel like the day was worthwhile when they lay their heads on their pillows at night. Most fulfilled are those who do at least one thing every day they do not have to do.No wonder in a nearby section of the Talmud, the Rabbis say, "The day is short and the task is great, the labourers are sluggish, the compensation is great and the Master of the house is urgent" (Pirkei Avot 2:15). Do it for God, or do it for yourself, or do it for the ideal of love. Happy New Year 2019!

A 20-year anniversary is a huge milestone to reach when working for an organization. This year, 18 Jewish Home employees celebrated two decades of working at the Jewish Home. Of those, 13 were able to attend a dinner with CEO-President Molly Forrest in recognition of their accomplishments. "We treasure our staff and are honored so many of them choose to remain a part of our Home for so long," she said. Their longevity is a reflection of the Home's leadership and its culture: All employees are welcomed like members of a family in which every individual makes a unique contribution. With a successful tradition of caring and being open to new ideas, the Home creates a dynamic working environment and a healthy community for our seniors. So much so, currently 143 Jewish Home employees have been here 20 years or more, some for as long as 35 years! "I love the Home," said Purchasing Director Jeffrey Gall who hit his 20-year anniversary in August. "The reason I have stayed here so long is because of how well I have been treated. That translates directly into how we, as a staff, treat the residents. I have seen that first-hand because I was able to experience having my mom here as a resident before she passed away. I saw how she was treated by everyone working here, and it was amazing." "This is my second home!" said Mercy Bernstein, an LVN in the Max Factor Family Foundation Nursing Building. "I love the residents. I love going to work." She works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift and she told us, "So far, I'm having fun. My plan is to retire from here after another 25 years!" Denise Horowitz, Fund Development Coordinator, said, "I feel very proud that I have been an employee here for the past 20 years. I've seen many changes in the Home, including watching many buildings go up. I feel like all of the other employees who have worked here for 20 years and up—lucky to work at a place where the residents come first and the employees are like family." "This is my second home!" said Mercy Bernstein, an LVN in the Max Factor Family Foundation Nursing Building. "I love the residents. I love going to work." She works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift and she told us, "So far, I'm having fun. My plan is to retire from here after another 25 years!" Denise Horowitz, Fund Development Coordinator, said, "I feel very proud that I have been an employee here for the past 20 years. I've seen many changes in the Home, including watching many buildings go up. I feel like all of the other employees who have worked here for 20 years and up—lucky to work at a place where the residents come first and the employees are like family."