Support Group Offers Comfort to Family Members with Loved Ones in Memory Care
Connections to Care Mobile Hero
Home / News & Events / Newsletter / Support Group Offers Comfort to Family Members with Loved Ones in Memory Care

Support Group Offers Comfort to Family Members with Loved Ones in Memory Care

Oct 3, 2023

When someone struggles with issues of memory loss, dementia, and the psychiatric symptoms that can accompany illness, it can affect the individual and their families as much as if they were suffering from a physical ailment like cancer or heart disease. The patients’ lives, as well as those around them, can eventually become irreparably altered as the person impacted becomes less and less self-reliant. While the person afflicted may have no choice but to put the burden of providing for their health and well-being on those they love most, they may not recognize that help is needed, further complicating their family’s attempt to be there and provide necessary assistance.

Often overlooked in this life-changing scenario is the person providing and overseeing the loving care. The primary caregiver is never “off the clock” or without worry. Others close to the patient also experience stress, worry, and fatigue. It is easy to feel alone and isolated, and it can be difficult to ask for help. At Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH), we provide that help and support for those caregivers.

At LAJH, we strive to support the entire family. We provide care to those who reside on campus, participate at our Brandman Centers for Senior Care (PACE program), and those who receive our care services in their homes. In addition, we are committed to helping the family members who are also providing care, love, and support. For years, we have been offering support groups led by Dr. Jennifer Watson. Prior to the COVID pandemic, the groups met in person on the Eisenberg Village Campus. Throughout COVID, at the participants’ request, they gathered by ZOOM for about an hour, two times a month. These remote meetings continue today, and the Zoom program utilized is HIPPA compliant to ensure member privacy.

One benefit of the group is that newer members learn all about Los Angeles Jewish Health from the members who have been involved longer. The more knowledgeable members share everything from details about the facilities to their experiences with the gatherings themselves. They can attend the support group for as long as it is helpful to them.

What Dr. Watson has found is that even once participants feel they no longer need to attend the organized small group meetings, many group members stay connected in their own informal ways, as they share many similar experiences and challenges that they have worked to overcome.

Dr. Jennifer Watson
Dr. Jennifer Watson

Dr. Watson believes that the group works well when members are encouraged to share what they are learning in their caregiving journey. She states, “It is helpful to treat members of the group as experts. They are the ones going through this journey and can share their firsthand experiences. They help each other problem-solve and also share success stories as well.”

Based on her background as a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, Dr. Watson shares insights about diagnosis, and supports caregiver problem solving about challenging behaviors and psychiatric symptoms, while providing caregiver coping strategies. Support group meetings encourage members to share their feelings to maximize emotional coping through the challenging time of caring for someone with memory issues. Individuals caring for someone at any stage of memory loss are welcome. Those interested can contact Dr. Watson directly at 818-317-3421 or via email at: jwatsonphdneuropsych@gmail.com.

About Dr. Jennifer Watson: Dr. Watson is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. She currently serves as a clinical psychologist, geriatric neuropsychologist and forensic neuropsychologist conducting assessments and providing therapy to adults of all ages. In her consulting role, she completes capacity assessments of older adults and has testified in court. She also currently works as a neuropsychologist at Kaiser Permanente. LAJH sponsors this Family Support Group Program, which is made possible through the generous support of the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.

Sign up for the LAJHealth Newsletter, Connections.

Recent Articles

Nov 29

Grand Opening of Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE Program West Los Angeles Location

Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a program of Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH), held an opening celebration for its new facility located at 9800 Pico Boulevard in West L.A. The day included well wishes from dignitaries, a ribbon cutting, and an open house offering tours of the new facility to more than 150 guests in attendance. Formerly the site of a Chase Bank branch, the building has undergone a comprehensive transformation and is now a state-of-the-art social center for older adults. The facility includes medical and dental clinics, and inviting activities rooms. Poised to enroll its first participants on December 1, 2023, the new BCSC location will provide adult day health care services to hundreds of local seniors, 55 and older, who can take advantage of door-to-door shuttle service to and from the center. This is the second Brandman Centers for Senior Care facility; the first is located on the Grancell Village campus of Los Angeles Jewish Health in Reseda. PACE is a vital program of Los Angeles Jewish Health, a non-profit health system that cares for 4,000 seniors each year. Program participants receive medical care onsite from doctors, dentists, nurses, and therapists whose specialties include primary and specialty care; medications; nutritional counseling, state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies; optometry; hearing aids; podiatry; and mental health counseling. Brandman Centers are a safe and enjoyable place to come and participate in stimulating activities, enjoy delicious and nutritious meals, and receive medical care. Brandman Centers for Senior Care Vice President Susie Fishenfeld said that opening the latest BCSC facility “has been a dream, a long time in the making as we worked to find the perfect location that will benefit the most seniors from the local community. We understand that today more seniors want to stay in their own homes, but they may be frail and need extra help and support to do so. Our PACE centers empower seniors to continue living independently at home while receiving vital services at thriving activity centers located near them. We even provide comfortable, sterilized shuttle transportation to and from the centers.” Joining in the celebration was Los Angeles Jewish Health Chief Executive Officer and President Dale Surowitz, who shared that, “Today is a very special day for all of us at Los Angeles Jewish Health. We are immensely grateful to Joyce Brandman and the Saul and Joyce Brandman Foundation for funding this second Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE location. Joyce’s unwavering support of our work over the past decades has ensured the health of the older adults in our care, while enhancing the quality of life for each and every participant and their families. Support from donors like Joyce is what makes days like today possible.” The PACE Program accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal, and private pay. To find out more, call (855) 774-8444, or visit brandmanseniorcare.org. You can see event photos at our photo gallery
Read More
Nov 15

Los Angeles Jewish Health Celebrates Opening of Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE Program, Offering Care to Seniors on Los Angeles’ Westside

BCSC PACE West Los Angeles Location Opens Program enables seniors to live independently in their homes while receiving vital health and social services in their local community (November 15, 2023, Los Angeles) Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a program of Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH), held an opening celebration for its new facility located at 9800 Pico Boulevard in West L.A. The day included well wishes from dignitaries, a ribbon cutting, and an open house offering tours of the new facility to more than 150 guests in attendance. Formerly the site of a Chase Bank branch, the building has undergone a comprehensive transformation and is now a state-of-the-art social center for older adults. The facility includes medical and dental clinics, and inviting activities rooms. Poised to enroll its first participants on December 1, 2023, the new BCSC location will provide adult day health care services to hundreds of local seniors, 55 and older, who can take advantage of door-to-door shuttle service to and from the center. This is the second Brandman Centers for Senior Care facility; the first is located on the Grancell Village campus of Los Angeles Jewish Health in Reseda. PACE is a vital program of Los Angeles Jewish Health, a non-profit health system that cares for 4,000 seniors each year. Program participants receive medical care onsite from doctors, dentists, nurses, and therapists whose specialties include primary and specialty care; medications; nutritional counseling, state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies; optometry; hearing aids; podiatry; and mental health counseling. Brandman Centers are a safe and enjoyable place to come and participate in stimulating activities, enjoy delicious and nutritious meals, and receive medical care. Brandman Centers for Senior Care Vice President Susie Fishenfeld said that opening the latest BCSC facility “has been a dream, a long time in the making as we worked to find the perfect location that will benefit the most seniors from the local community. We understand that today more seniors want to stay in their own homes, but they may be frail and need extra help and support to do so. Our PACE centers empower seniors to continue living independently at home while receiving vital services at thriving activity centers located near them. We even provide comfortable, sterilized shuttle transportation to and from the centers.” Joining in the celebration was Los Angeles Jewish Health Chief Executive Officer and President Dale Surowitz, who shared that, “Today is a very special day for all of us at Los Angeles Jewish Health. We are immensely grateful to Joyce Brandman and the Saul and Joyce Brandman Foundation for funding this second Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE location. Joyce’s unwavering support of our work over the past decades has ensured the health of the older adults in our care, while enhancing the quality of life for each and every participant and their families. Support from donors like Joyce is what makes days like today possible.” The PACE Program accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal, and private pay. To find out more, call (855) 774-8444, or visit brandmanseniorcare.org. You can see event photos at our photo gallery
Read More
Oct 31

When It Comes to Providing Expert Care for Veterans, Los Angeles Jewish Health Is Proud to Serve

In December 2022, when Navy veteran Ed Vibar, 72, first came to Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC), a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), he rolled his wheelchair through the doors. Ed had been unable to walk for four years, following an ankle injury. He had begun to lose hope that he would ever recover his mobility and had turned to LA Jewish Health and BCSC PACE as a last resort. For Ed, the road to Los Angeles Jewish Health had been a winding one. He immigrated to the United States from the Philippines as a young man and enlisted to serve his adopted country, spending 12 years on active duty and another five in the Naval Reserve. He loved his work, which included stints on a guided missile destroyer in Vietnam and a project management position that had him collaborating with the Army Corps of Engineers to oversee a $300 million budget. During the course of his career, Ed was married three times and had four children, bringing him the attendant joys and heartaches that can accompany domestic life. Ed Vibar Retirement brought an end to Ed’s health insurance, so when he injured his ankle in his late 60s, he sought care at his local Veteran’s Affairs Hospital. Though imaging showed damage to nerve tissue and tendons, at that time Ed was told the VA lacked the resources to provide appropriate therapy, and doctors informed him he was unlikely to recover the ability to walk. Meanwhile, the longer he remained confined to a wheelchair, the more his health declined, and he began to suffer from gout, high blood pressure, and depression. Being unable to drive made it hard to buy groceries and cook nutritious meals, and eventually, he lost all his teeth. When he saw a brochure for BCSC PACE, Ed decided to investigate. “I went online and realized BCSC PACE was exactly what I needed,” he recalls. “In addition to offering state-of-the-art physical therapy, they would also coordinate all of my care and provide transportation, which was becoming increasingly difficult for me to access. And the costs were all taken care of thanks to my Medicare and Medi-Cal coverage!” At BCSC PACE, Ed was paired up with Jensen De La Luna, an expert physical therapist who went to work creating a rigorous treatment plan. “Ed was clearly depressed, and initially, his drive to get better was fairly low. But we dove into therapy twice each week, and his motivation picked up. After three months, he started walking again,” Jensen says. For Ed, being able to get up and around with a walker was transformational. “Jensen inspired me to try, which really gave me a boost,” he says. “I kept thinking, if I work a little harder, I can travel to see my grandchildren.” Soon, he was able to stand on his feet to cook, do dishes, and clean up after his dog. “It really changed my life, and I did end up taking the train to Texas, all on my own, to see my grandkids,” he says. “I owe it all to LA Jewish Health’s BCSC PACE program!” Today, Jensen says Ed’s mobility has increased by more than 50 percent – and his pain has decreased by an equal amount. “I’m so happy for him,” Jensen says. “It’s amazing to see that someone who used to require a wheelchair to come see me can now walk right through the door!” In addition to physical therapy, Ed also received occupational therapy (to help improve his performance of daily tasks) at the BCSC PACE program – and he had a team of professionals helping meet his other medical issues, as well. “I didn’t have proper teeth, and BCSC PACE got full dentures for me right away. Now, I can eat everything, including a full steak dinner. They were so amazing at anticipating my needs,” he says. “I used to be afraid to smile, but now I want to open my mouth wide and say, ‘Come to the BCSC PACE program and Los Angeles Jewish Health!’ I would recommend it to any veterans, and to all seniors who want to get better healthcare and improve their life situation.” The Brandman Centers for Senior Care’s PACE program continues to expand to meet the needs of the community. The newest site – on Pico Boulevard, in West Los Angeles – is scheduled to open this November. For more information call (818) 774-8444 or go to BrandmanSeniorCare.org. Ed Vibar and Physical Therapist Jensen De La Luna
Read More