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October is Long-Term Care Planning Month. If you're a senior and haven't started planning, it's time to begin! Plan now while you have time to choose how and where you receive care, if needed, in the future. That's something your family will also appreciate. What exactly is long-term care? Long-term care refers to services and support you may need to meet your personal care needs. Most long-term care is not medical care, but rather assistance with the basic personal tasks of everyday life, sometimes called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These include bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking), eating, and maintaining continence. Who needs long-term care? 70% of people age 65+ can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. Women are more likely to need long-term care than men because they outlive men by an average of five years. Who provides long-term care? Many people receive long-term care from family or friends in the comfort of their home. Also, services are offered by public and private organizations, such as home care agencies: home-delivered meals, supervised adult day programs, plus the assistance of visiting nurses, therapists, or home care aides. Some people decide to move to a long-term care facility, including: Continuing care retirement communities, which typically offer services such as housekeeping and diningAssisted living, for people who need help with personal care like bathing or getting dressedAround-the-clock care at a nursing home for people with greater health-related needsWho pays for long-term care? Long-term care can be costly, and most health insurance plans, Medicare, and even Medicaid don't cover many fees. Planning on planning long-term care? Make the Los Angeles Jewish Home part of your long-term care plan. Our senior-focused Connections to Care® program can connect you to the type of long-term care you may need: residential care, independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer's disease and dementia care, and skilled nursing. Even though October is Long-Term Care Planning Month, in reality, every month should be. Because the best time to plan for long-term care is before you need it. The best time is now! To learn more about long-term care at the Jewish Home, click here or call our Connections to Care® hotline at (855) 227-3745.

You know the names: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. They’re seemingly everywhere and used by seemingly everyone. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, social media is becoming increasingly important for seniors. From 2013-2015, social media use by Americans 65 and older increased from 27% to 34%. Younger senior citizens were more likely to use social media, with a Pew research study finding that 45% of those under 75 do so, versus 20% of those 75 and older. Pew added social networking use is common among seniors with some college experience and an annual household income of at least $50,000.Studies also that show social media has become helpful in reducing isolation, loneliness, and other depressive symptoms. Still, many seniors don’t use social media. And that’s unfortunate. Because social media offers many advantages. Following are 6 reasons why you should make more of social media. 1. Get connectedSocial media gives you the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It’s a simple, entertaining way to learn about what your friends and family are doing—and let them know what you are doing. Sharing experiences is a great way to cement bonds with family and friends. 2. Be entertainedWhere else can you see a cat playing the piano, a man juggling a running chainsaw, and a concert pianist playing Bach—all for free? On your phone, on your computer, on your tablet. That’s entertainment! 3. Stay informedSocial media provides a powerful source of news and information. With a simple click, you can learn the latest in politics or the history of China—and so much more. Twitter is great for finding specific news sections you want to follow. Social media helps you get in the know. 4. Have your sayEverybody has an opinion. Social media provides a way to make your voice heard and engage in discussions with people who may (or may not) agree with you. Of course, the first rule in social media: be polite! 5. Check out dealsSocial media often runs ads targeted to your particular likes. It also frequently offers special deals to encourage you to purchase. 6. Watch for classes and eventsAre there any interesting classes or events being held nearby that might interest you? Social media will tell you where they are and when to go! If you aren’t using social media, look into it. We think you’ll find it fun and informative.

As we prepare for the High Holy Days, we reflect on the past and look toward the future. At the Los Angeles Jewish Home, we use the strong foundation of our history to build a bright future for our residents and their families. This year has brought about big changes for the Home, particularly at our Grancell Village campus. In August, we completed demolition of approximately half of our Grancell campus. This is the first step to expanding our capacity to serve seniors in need of housing with assisted living, memory care, a community clinic and more. While the change will ultimately result in an expansion of programs and services, it means the Home is unable to accommodate family members for High Holy Days services and meals at Grancell Village. We are very sorry for this inconvenience and the interruption in what is a long-standing tradition at the Home. At Eisenberg Village, family members and guests are welcome to join their loved ones for services and meals throughout the High Holy Days. Services will be led by Rabbi Ron Goldberg and Cantor Joel Stern in the Ziman Family Synagogue. Please contact Allison Tepper at (818) 774-3386 or [email protected] for more information. Tickets must be purchased by September 13th. At Grancell Village, residents and rehab patients will have the option of attending our mainstream services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur or a liturgical musical High Holy Days experience. All will be under the direction of Rabbi Karen Bender, director of spiritual life for the Jewish Home. On behalf of the Los Angeles Jewish Home and our residents, we wish you a healthy and happy New Year! L'Shana Tova!

The residents of Eisenberg Village recently received a very unusual and thought-provoking gift from Dan Rosenfeld — a Jewish encyclopedia. Written in the 1970s, the encyclopedia consists of 20 volumes in pristine condition. The Jewish encyclopedia was given to Dan by his grandfather, Karl Frey, and he is now passing it on to the Home's Eisenberg Village seniors. "As a kid, every family had to have an encyclopedia," said Dan. "It was necessary — part of raising a family and part of being Jewish." Dan sees learning as a lifelong challenge. "Today, because of the accelerating pace of research and knowledge, it's more important than ever for seniors to keep current and keep the brain active," he explained. Even with new technology and communication tools, such as computers, the internet, and social media, physical books still have a special meaning. "There's something to holding a book, the physical aspect of turning a page. It is part of our childhood, a communal memory," said Dan. Joy Picus, a former Los Angeles City Councilwoman and current resident of Fountainview at Eisenberg Village, is a community leader who Dan has admired for many years, both professionally and as a personal friend. They stayed in touch over the years. When Dan mentioned he and his wife were downsizing and had this encyclopedia, Joy suggested it would be beneficial and interesting to the residents at the Jewish Home and suggested a visit. "I was deeply moved by my visit to the Home — at the quality of services and facilities — and even the food! It is a very impressive operation," Dan noted. Sitting and talking with the seniors at the Home reminded him of a visit 50 years ago to the senior home in Portland. To become an Eagle Scout he had to do a community service project. Dan chose to visit the senior home and interview the residents. He collected their stories and published a newsletter — printed on a mimeograph machine! Even then, at the age of 14, he was fascinated and interested in seniors and their stories. And now, thanks to Dan's generosity, the seniors at Eisenberg Village will be able to research and learn, and perhaps tell their stories, using their newly donated Jewish encyclopedia.

Each year on August 11th, sons and daughters across the country celebrate National Sons and Daughters Day. It's an important day for us here at the Los Angeles Jewish Home. That's because, first, every resident of the Home, every patient we care for, and every member of our staff is, of course, a son or daughter. Often, there are people in our lives we may regard as our "son" or "daughter." This could be a family member, children of close friends, or a "little brother and sister" from a community organization. Today is a day for all of us to show our appreciation for the sons and daughters in our lives. Here are 6 ways you can celebrate this special day: Cook a favorite meal togetherWatch a favorite movie or go to the theaterGo to a museumDine out for lunch or dinnerLook at old photographs and reminisceEnjoy an ice cream together If a son or daughter has moved away, call, Facetime, or Skype them and have a nice, long chat. Celebrate this special day with your children or anyone else who's like a son or daughter to you.

On Friday, July 28th, the participants and staff of the Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) had a special visit from the Girl Scouts-Granada Hills Troop 4006. As part of their summer community service program, troop members Cassie, Kaitlyn, Sophia and Gracie collected cans, bottles, and recyclables to raise funds to provide custom made blankets to BCSC participants. As they presented the blankets, the Scouts spoke about their project, which took a few weeks to complete, and got to know the seniors. BCSC participants and staff enjoyed the special visit by the Girl Scouts-Granada Hills Troop 4006 and greatly appreciate the thoughtful gifts they provided. A program of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, the Brandman Centers for Senior Care provide quality medical care that promotes independence for seniors through the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The PACE program enables frail seniors with multiple health conditions to live safely at home. The innovative program coordinates all services so qualified seniors are able to have their healthcare needs taken care of in one place. 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 patients age 55 and over who live in the Jewish Home's service area.For more information about the Brandman Centers for Senior Care, please click here to visit the BCSC website or call 818.774.8444.

This morning, Jewish Home CEO-President Molly Forrest and Jewish Home CMO Dr. Noah Marco met with representatives Scott Abrams from Congressman Brad Sherman's office and Ian Anderson from Assemblyman Matt Debabneh's office. The group toured the Eisenberg and Grancell Village campuses and then sat down to discuss the Home's exciting future. Molly was delighted to meet with the gentlemen, "It's wonderful to have federal and state representatives visit us and learn about the Home's commitment to seniors."

For the past 105 years, the Los Angeles Jewish Home has provided seniors in the Greater Los Angeles area with vital programs and services. With a team of nearly 1,500 professionals working to provide the community’s older adults with outstanding, high-quality care, the Jewish Home is one of the largest employers in the San Fernando Valley. The Home offers its employees a rewarding working environment with generous benefits, compensation, and advancement opportunities. Training programs include instruction from the Home’s Annenberg School of Nursing (ASN) as a home health aide (HHA), certified nursing assistant (CNA), and licensed vocational nurse (LVN). No other senior care provider in Southern California offers so many advancement opportunities. To continue the tradition of staff enrichment, the Jewish Home has partnered with ASN to provide employees with three complimentary courses – restorative nurse assistant, medication technician, and medication technician recertification. Restorative Nurse Assistant Employees seeking a restorative nurse assistant (RNA) certification will learn techniques for helping patients increase strength and mobility levels, resulting in an enhanced quality of life. The two day RNA program is for current CNAs with at least 6 months experience, a high school diploma or GED, and a recommendation from the director of nursing. Medication Technician* Employees seeking a medication technician certification will be trained to prepare and provide patients with non-injectable prescription medications. The two day medication technician program is for current CNAs with at least 6 months experience, a high school diploma or GED, and a recommendation from the director of nursing. Medication Technician Recertification Employees seeking a medication technician recertification will receive a refresher course in the preparation and distribution of non-injectable prescription medications. The eight hour medication technician program is for current medication technicians only. The three courses will be available to staff through the end of August. For more information, please contact Cyndi Meyer at (818) 757-4431 or [email protected] *This course is waitlisted for May, June, and August

Last month, seniors gathered in the Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) to participate in the Center’s newest activity —a healthy cooking class. The course, one in an ongoing monthly series led by BCSC activities coordinator Karla Lopez, showcased simple recipes for vegetable-centric meals and snacks. Seniors sat at their work stations, donning aprons and gloves, excitedly awaiting instruction. Equipped with knives, cutting boards, skewers, and an assortment of fresh vegetables, the participants had everything they needed to begin. Karla started the lesson with an announcement. “Today we will be making grilled vegetable skewers – a delicious, balanced meal that only takes 25 minutes to make.” The room began to buzz with excitement. Participants followed Karla’s detailed directions, carefully peeling onions, chopping bell peppers, halving mushrooms, and finally skewering the mixture of colorful vegetables. Once the fresh components were assembled, Karla placed three skewers on a pre-heated portable grill, demonstrating how to properly prepare the food. Participants took turns manning the grill, patiently waiting to flip the skewers until vegetables were tender and the edges were slightly browned. After only a few minutes, the batch of skewers were cooked to perfection. Seniors took their seats and prepared to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Karla said, “And now it’s time for the best part, the taste test.” Seniors bit into the juicy, grilled vegetables and were delighted with the results. “These are delicious!” Brandman Center participant Maria Hernandez exclaimed. “I never knew making a healthy meal could be so easy. I love coming to Karla’s classes, I’ve learned so much about nutritious cooking.” BCSC’s registered dietician nutritionist Randi Drasin explains the importance of the class. “Eating healthy is an essential part of living a long life. Seniors and people of all ages can greatly benefit from maintaining a healthy diet, high in fruits and vegetables. BCSC’s new cooking class exposes participants to delicious plant-based meal options and fresh cooking concepts, showing seniors eating healthy can be easy, inexpensive, and fun.” “At the Brandman Centers, we offer a variety of unique activities to engage, educate, and inspire seniors,” says Jillian Simon BCSC director. “Our monthly cooking classes provide our participants with an exciting, hands-on experience they can easily recreate at home. Activities like these provide seniors the tools they need to continue to lead active, independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.” For more information about adult day healthcare at the Brandman Centers for Senior Care, please click here to visit the BCSC website or call 818.774.8444.

As a philosophy, hospice care provides pain and symptom management to those needing end-of-life care. At Skirball Hospice, our team of physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, home health aides, office staff, and volunteers provides biopsychosocial and spiritual comfort, throughout the greater Los Angeles community and at the Los Angeles Jewish Home. After the death of a loved one, the bereavement team provides support to family members for 13 months in the form of counseling, referrals, and mailings, as well as guidance with logistical concerns. An important part of our support is our Annual Skirball Hospice Memorial Service – a time to remember and celebrate the legacy of the patients that died in the previous year. This year, the Memorial Service was held on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at the Skirball Cultural Center. Led by members of the Skirball Hospice team, attendees joined together through songs, readings, and prayers. Stories of love and laughter were shared as the memories of loved ones came to life throughout the day. Family members and friends expressed their gratitude to the hospice team for their support and guidance; team members rekindled relationships with those they had regularly been in communication with in the year past; and everyone experienced a sense of fulfillment, hope, and peace in continuation of the journey through grief and through life. Skirball Hospice is a program of the Los Angeles Jewish Home. If you have any questions or comments you’d like to share with the Skirball Hospice team, please feel free to contact us at any time on our 24-hour line at 818.774.3040. We look forward to connecting with you, and thank you for giving us the honor of serving you and your loved ones during a most sacred time.