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For people of all ages, but especially for seniors, travel helps improve mood and outlook on life. It strengthens relationships with loved ones far away. It allows you to commune with nature and increase your understanding of other people and cultures. Meeting new people, exploring new destinations, and engaging in activities outside of your normal routine stimulates the brain, leading to better cognition. Vacationing also reduces stress levels and helps you exercise more as you wander around new environments. Vacationing can be a bit more challenging as you get older. There are ways to smooth the bumps in the road while expanding horizons and creating new memories. With a little planning, you can continue to enjoy all the benefits travel brings well into your golden years. Planning Cruise ships are built to be handicapped-accessible, have on-board clinics, and you only have to unpack once, no matter how many countries you visit.Bus tours do the navigating for you and allow you to enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace.When booking hotels and B&Bs, be sure to ask about stairs, elevator service, narrow hallways, and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. Make sure the place you are staying is convenient for your needs.Always ask for senior discounts for train tickets, entrance fees, and event tickets. You might be surprised at how many places offer them.When needed, wheelchair and electric cart services at airports help you get through security lines more quickly and make tight flight connections. Request these services when booking tickets.Requesting a wheelchair at a theme park can give you a break from all the walking and usually gets your whole family to the front of the line for each ride. Packing Wheeled luggage, especially the upright kind with four wheels, makes bringing your clothes around the world a whole lot easier.If you pack very lightly and only bring carry-on luggage aboard airplanes, you can skip baggage claim altogether. Health Medicare is not valid outside the United States. Consider buying travel insurance that includes health coverage for overseas travel. It can bring peace of mind in case medical emergencies crop up while out of range of your usual medical coverage.Bring all the medications you will need with you in your carry-on bag. Getting prescriptions filled overseas can get tricky and time-consuming.Build in down time. Be sure one or two days of your itinerary is dedicated to rest and relaxation so you have the energy to enjoy your exciting new experiences.

Andrew Berman, an entertainment industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in global sales, marketing, and content acquisition, has assumed a two-year term as chair of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Jewish Home. His new role began on July 1, 2018. A native Angeleno, Berman has a long history of philanthropic involvement in his local community. His work with the Jewish Home has particular resonance. "I believe it's an obligation to give back, and I've always had an affinity for seniors," Berman says. "I'm thrilled and honored to have this role." Jewish Home CEO-President Molly Forrest points to Berman's record of success in business and his longstanding commitment to strengthening nonprofits as key assets to the Home's growth and development. "Andrew is a distinguished leader with a proven ability to get results," she says. "We are delighted he will be applying his knowledge and expertise on behalf of the thousands of seniors we serve." Berman's focus at the Jewish Home is expanding programs and services to cover Los Angeles' growing senior population. This includes spreading the positive message about the Home to donors and other supporters throughout Southern California. "This is such an impressive and amazing organization, and so many people aren't fully aware of all the services and lines of care that we offer," he notes. "Whether they are accessing independent living, skilled nursing, or memory care, our seniors receive extraordinary care. A big part of the reason is the loyalty and dedication of the people who work here – many of them have been with the Home for 20 or 30 years. They are truly invested in what they do, and it shows." Berman plans to leverage that investment, building on the Jewish Home's distinguished brand and legacy of impact. "The Jewish Home makes a significant difference and impact in seniors' lives every day," he says. "How many other organizations can say that?" "The Jewish Home is fortunate to have extremely capable men and women serving on our board," says David Swartz, the Board of Director's outgoing chair. "Andrew Berman is a stellar example: His knowledge, dedication, and experience will undoubtedly take the Home to a new level of excellence." In addition to his work with the Jewish Home, Berman has served in a volunteer capacity with organizations including the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (past president, Board of Trustees), Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services (Capital Campaign Committee), and Stephen Wise Temple (Board of Directors), and Connecting to Cure (Board member.) Berman grew up in Beverly Hills but has spent the past three decades living in the San Fernando Valley. He and his wife, Marci, have two adult daughters. He graduated from California State University, Northridge with a B.A. in radio, television, and film.

Molly Forrest, Chief Executive Officer-President of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, has been selected as chair-elect of LeadingAge California, the state's top advocacy group for nonprofit senior living and care. Her two-year term begins July 1, 2018. Forrest is the first leader of a Jewish home to hold this position, helming an association representing nearly 600 members statewide who together serve more than 100,000 California seniors. LeadingAge's critical work assists the state's older adults with the full continuum of care including issues related to affordable housing, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, home- and community-based care, and skilled nursing. "For more than half a century, LeadingAge has demonstrated an unflagging commitment to raising awareness about seniors' needs and putting them front and center on the state and national policy agenda," Forrest says. "I look forward to carrying that tradition forward as we seek to make a difference for California's rapidly expanding senior population." That expansion – an expected 87 percent increase in California's senior population by 2030 – is resulting in unprecedented growth in the market for services. In the next two years alone (through 2020), LeadingAge projects an 80 percent increase in the demand for aging-related healthcare. "This is a challenge facing all Californians of every age," Forrest says. "Our system for providing senior care is inefficient and fragmented, and everyone pays for that. LeadingAge is playing an instrumental role in helping us think through how we as a society can finance the care our seniors deserve." Vision and experience were vital factors in Forrest's recent elevation. "Molly's leadership on the LeadingAge board and at the Los Angeles Jewish Home propelled her to this position," says Jeannee Parker Martin, LeadingAge's President and CEO. "We are thrilled by her election." LeadingAge California has represented nonprofit senior living and service providers since 1961. Whether testifying at public hearings, building coalitions, visiting member communities, or engaging with elected officials, the organization actively works to create systemic change through advocacy that strengthens members' viability and supports innovations in the delivery of aging services.

Recently students from Heschel Day School in Northridge joined hands with residents at the Eisenberg Village campus of the Los Angeles Jewish Home to create hygiene kits for homeless people. Both groups of people were independently looking for an opportunity to give back to the community. Heschel's Rabbi Scott Westle and the Home's Rabbi Ron Goldberg thought the two populations would love to collaborate on this worthwhile project—and so they did. "It's a wonderful program," said Rabbi Goldberg. "This is a good chance for our residents to engage in social activism and contribute to the larger community around us." Rabbi Westle noted, "It's intergenerational dialogue and community problem solving. The real magic that stems from this event is the conversations the students are having with the residents sitting next to them." The seventh graders researched the problem of homelessness and decided hygiene kits would bring aid, comfort, and dignity to those without permanent housing. Over 200 finished kits were given to LA Family Housing, an organization that helps homeless people regain their footing in society. The Home's residents—whose average age is 92—enjoyed kibitzing with the 12- and 13-year olds. "This was so wonderful," said resident Karen Meyer. "I'm so proud of the kids for coming." Audrey Berger commented, "The kids had a ball!" And Shoshana Oshradt was thrilled the Home participated in a program like this. "There is nothing out there like the Jewish Home," she said. "Rabbi Ron is terrific!" The Heschel Day School students were just as happy about the occasion. Student Leila said, "We worked together with people of different ages to help the homeless." Rabbi Westle summed up the event by saying, "Our students created a product to make the lives of the homeless better. They also networked with a population to whom they don't normally have access." The making of the kits lasted only 15 minutes, but the students and residents chatted together for an hour.

On Sunday, May 13, 2018, the Jewish Home will host the twenty-fourth annual World's Largest Mother's Day Celebration. The event will honor the Home's mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and even great-great-grandmothers on both the Grancell Village and Eisenberg Village campuses. The Mother's Day Celebration will begin at 10:30 a.m. Everyone can enjoy a festive brunch while listening – and dancing – to the music of the Skye Michaels Orchestra. Chaired by Debbie Weiss and Marcie Weiss, the event promises to provide a wonderful opportunity for 1,000 seniors and their families to gather together to celebrate this special day. Tickets for adults (age 12 and older) are $25.00 each and children's tickets (ages 5-11) are $12.00 each. There is no charge for Jewish Home residents and children under age 5. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 9th. For more information and to purchase tickets for the World's Largest Mother's Day Celebration, please contact Denise Horowitz at [email protected] or (818) 774-3324.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Every year, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) leads a campaign to educate and engage the public in addressing this widespread issue. The theme for this year’s campaign is Embrace Your Voice. Recent high-profile cases of sexual assault have propelled this serious matter into the international spotlight. Supported by the #MeToo movement, women and men of all ages, ethnicities, faiths, and economic backgrounds are making their voices heard by sharing their stories. One voice has power; many voices together take that power to an entirely different level. This power can bring about change. What is sexual assault? According to NSVRC, sexual assault is part of a broader term, sexual violence, which includes rape, incest, child sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, and voyeurism. Nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States has experienced rape or attempted rape at some time in their lives, and 1 in 67 American men has also been victims of this violence. One in two women has experienced sexual violence other than rape in her lifetime. For men, that number is 1 in 5. Anyone at any age can experience sexual violence. Those who sexually abuse can be acquaintances, family, trusted individuals, or strangers. Of these, the first three are most common. How we talk about sexual violence matters. The things you say every day send a message about your beliefs and values. When you stand up for survivors of sexual violence, you send a powerful message that you believe and support them. In the words of NSVRC, your voice has power. Believe survivors. End victim blaming. Ask for consent. Respect boundaries. It takes courage to tell your story. Jewish Home resident Leslie Scales was brave enough to tell someone what was happening to her, and they helped her find a safe place… the Jewish Home. Here Leslie talks about her experience and the new life she has found at the Home.

Last month we posted a blog entitled "7 New Year's Resolutions to Improve Your Health in the Coming Year." As a follow-up, we're offering a few tips for keeping your resolutions. Because as we all know, there's nothing easier than making a resolution—and nothing harder than keeping one! In fact, one study of 3,000 people showed that just a little over 10% of people are able to keep their New Year's resolutions. Here are the major reasons why: The resolution is unrealisticProgress isn't trackedPeople forget about the resolutionPeople make too many resolutions Following are 5 ways for you to help keep your resolutions. 1. Set specific goals Wanting to lose weight—just to use one example of a common resolution – is an admirable goal. But be specific. How much weight do you want to lose? 10 pounds? 20? Or perhaps your resolution is to exercise more. How? Walking? Swimming? How often? How far? Once you understand the parameters, the following tip will come in handy. 2. Measure your progress Now that you know how much weight you want to lose or how much you want to exercise, track your progress by keeping a diary. If you are not achieving your goals, you'll know what you have to do. If you are reaching your goals, you may be inspired to strive for even more. 3. Talk about your goals Share your experiences with family and friends. You might consider joining a support group, such as an exercise class, to reach your goals. Sharing your challenges and success may help make keeping your resolutions much easier and more enjoyable. 4. Ask for help You are surrounded by people who want you to succeed—and want to help. Don't hesitate to ask. You may be surprised how much they can help you achieve your goals, even if just by offering their support. 5. Be kind to yourself It's perfectly normal to go off your diet or skip the gym. But that's okay. There's no need to beat yourself up—or worse, give up altogether. The important thing is to resolve to get back on track as soon as possible. By following these 5 simple tips, you'll be on your way to achieving your New Year's resolutions!

Looking for a good latke recipe to celebrate the holidays? Here's one of our all time favorites, Papa Ed's Latke Recipe. PAPA ED’S LATKE RECIPE Serves 8 – 10 Ingredients: 10 medium potatoe5 Yukon gold5 Russet2 medium onions3 large eggs1⁄8c unbleached all-purpose flour1⁄8c matzah mealSalt and white pepper to tasteCanola or vegetable oil 1. Peel the potatoes. If the skin is not coarse, just clean them well and don’t peel. Keep in cold water until ready to prepare latkes. 2. Starting with the onions, alternately grate onions on large holes of grater and potatoes on small holes. This will keep the potato from blackening. (Note: Use a food processor with steel blade or grating blade for an easier way of grating potatoes and onions.) 3. Press out as much liquid as possible. Reserve the starchy sediment at the bottom of the bowl and add to the mixture. 4. Stir potato mixture with eggs, flour, matzah meal, salt, and white pepper until blended. 5. Heat 1 inch of oil in a frying pan. Make sure the oil is really hot before frying. Drop about 1 tablespoon of mixture for each latke into the skillet. Press lightly with spatula to flatten. Fry latkes, turning once. (A small ice cream scooper can be used to measure the mixture for consistency.) 6. When golden and crisp on each side, place on paper towel and drain. 7. Serve with sour cream, apple sauce, jam or yogurt. Click for printable version

November is National Family Caregivers Month. It's a time for us all to thank the caregivers who do so much. Did you know this about caregivers? Today, over 90 million Americans are caregivers for their loved ones. Many provide care 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.The average family caregiver is a working mother of school-aged children.Up to 70% of the time, the family caregiver—not the patient—manages medications.Six out of 10 family caregivers work full- or part-time. Most say they have to cut back on working hours, take a leave of absence, or quit their job entirely to give care. Although caregiving can be a rewarding experience, it can lead to stress, poor health, and burnout. Here are a few ways you can show your appreciation to the caregivers in your lives: Tell them how much you appreciate all their efforts. And tell them you love themEncourage them to make time for themselves in order to protect their own healthSend them a card or bouquet of flowersGo online and purchase a gift card to a bookstore, coffee shop, or museumWho doesn't like a nice meal? Send them a gift certificate for their favorite restaurantOffer a bit of respite care for your busy caregivers. Volunteer a few hours of your time a week to help them out—and to allow them some free time for themselves These and other actions can help ensure that the caregivers in your life maintain their strength, energy, stamina, and positive attitude. So, this November, let's all take the time to show our appreciation for the caregivers in our lives—the ones who do so much to improve our quality of life.

From its humble beginnings in 1912, the Los Angeles Jewish Home has grown to become one of the largest providers of senior healthcare services in Los Angeles. Through our innovative Connections to Care® program, each year thousands of seniors benefit from the Home's community-based and in-residence programs. By calling our hotline at (855) 227-3745, you can connect to expert professional Jewish Home staff to access our full continuum of services.In-Home and Community Health Services PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) enables frail seniors with multiple health conditions to live safely at home. Among the program's many services are adult day healthcare; primary and specialty medical care; vision and dental care; medications; physical, occupational and speech therapy; transportation; acute care; home health care and caregiving. The program serves participants age 55 and over who live in the Jewish Home's service area.Jewish Home Care Services offers a full spectrum of restorative services in the individual's home. Clients are referred by a physician's written order, and treatments are provided according to a plan of care jointly developed by the referring physician, the person receiving care, the caregiver, and others. Home health care services are available to adults over 19 years of age in the Greater Los Angeles Area.Jewish Home Center for Palliative Medicine provides comprehensive pain and symptom management for adults with serious, chronic, and/or life-limiting illness. Our team of professionals addresses the medical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of our patients.The Geriatric Community Clinic is located on the Jewish Home's Eisenberg Village campus in Reseda. The clinic provides primary and specialty medical care to seniors.Skirball Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care for adults with a life-limiting illness in the Greater Los Angeles area. Skirball Hospice treats patients in their home or care facility. Hospice care includes pain management, medical equipment, supplies, and personal care. Our staff members work as an integrated team, including nurses, chaplains, social workers, registered dieticians, and certified home health aides.Short-Term Care at the Jewish HomeThe Ida Kayne Transitional Care Unit (TCU) is designed to help seniors successfully recover from an illness, injury, medical procedure, or acute hospital stay. The TCU provides short-term rehabilitative and skilled nursing care. Patients in the TCU receive treatment from physicians and geriatric specialists in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The average length of stay ranges between two to six weeks. When possible, TCU seniors discharged home may transition with short-term skilled nursing and/or rehabilitative therapies through Jewish Home Care Services.Auerbach Geriatric Psychiatry Unit (AGPU) is certified to treat both voluntary and involuntary admissions, AGPU provides short-term geriatric psychiatric care to individuals over the age of 55 who are experiencing stressful mental or emotional challenges that require intensive, short-term acute hospital psychiatric care. Most commonly treated diagnoses are depression, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disease (PTSD), schizophrenia, delirium, and Alzheimer's or other age-related dementia with behavioral disturbance. The average length of stay is 10-14 days. The primary care physician is kept informed during the patient's stay, and follow-up appointments are made with the patient's physician as a part of the discharge plan.Long-Term Care at the Jewish HomeIndependent Senior Housing is available at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village and Fountainview at Gonda Westside. Both are licensed as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and are designed for active independent senior living. Fountainview residents have easy access to assisted living services in their unit (as needed), as well as priority access to the Home's skilled nursing facilities.Residential Care is currently available at Eisenberg Village in Reseda for seniors over 65 years of age, independently mobile, and mentally alert. Residential care includes meals, medication management, social services, chaplaincy, fitness and recreational activities, transportation, and many educational programs.The Goldenberg•Ziman Special Care Center (G•Z) is among the most advanced of its kind in the world. The Center is designed to provide exceptional skilled nursing care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and age-related dementia.Skilled Nursing Care is offered at our Grancell and Eisenberg Village campuses. Long-term skilled nursing services play a critical role in stabilizing and improving seniors' health and enhancing their quality of life and sense of well-being.To learn more about Connections to Care® and the programs and services of the Jewish Home, please call (855) 227-3745 or visit our website at www.lajh.org.