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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. 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: [email protected]. 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.

Robert Hirsch accepts Reflections Award from CEO and President Dale Surowitz Every day, Los Angeles Jewish Health is able to make a difference in seniors’ lives thanks to the dedication and hard work of its staff, volunteers, and lay leadership. In September, the organization honored the contributions of stand-out volunteer leader, real estate developer and philanthropist Robert (Bob) Hirsch. Bob was celebrated by a crowd of more than 300 (including many members of his loving family), who gathered together at Los Angeles Jewish Health’s annual Reflections Gala, held at the Skirball Cultural Center. With noted real estate agent and television personality Josh Flagg serving as master of ceremonies, the gala paid tribute to Bob’s influential career at the forefront of Los Angeles real estate development. His accomplishments include more than 150 projects in residential, multi-family, government-subsidized apartments, and quality assisted living and retirement facilities. Bob’s influence on the Los Angeles real estate landscape is mirrored by his impact in the world of philanthropy. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, he has given of himself tirelessly, taking on critical roles as both member and chair of the LAJH board of directors and its board of governors. He has also been a member of the board of the Annenberg School of Nursing, which is located on property donated by the Hirsch family, adjacent to the LAJH campus on Tampa Avenue in Reseda. During the gala’s dinner program, Los Angeles Jewish Health CEO and President Dale Surowitz shared exciting news about a redevelopment of the Hirsch Family Campus. Plans are underway to expand housing and care options for the growing population of low and middle-income seniors across Los Angeles in need of affordable housing options. Once complete, seniors residing on this campus will also have access to the successful adult day care program provided by the Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE program. “We are tremendously grateful to Bob for his dedication and vision, and we are delighted to honor his landmark achievements,” Surowitz said. “With his longstanding commitment to our community’s seniors, he has built an enduring legacy that has improved, and will continue to enrich, so many people’s lives. When completed, the Hirsch Family Campus will be an enduring symbol of Bob and his family’s generosity and support.” The Gala raised over $625,000 to strengthen Los Angeles Jewish Health’s efforts to set new standards of excellence in senior care and, specifically, to advance its work on behalf of making the new Hirsch Family Campus housing program a reality. For more photos of the Reflections Gala click here The Hirsch Family Event hosts Susan Hirsch-Wohl and Josh Flagg Gala Attendees Reflections Gala Media Gallery

Our hearts and prayers are with Israel upon the unprovoked surprise attacks by the terrorist organization Hamas on this Shabbat and festival of Simchat Torah. We stand with Israel as she confronts this most devastating war and pray for the families of the victims and for all of Israel with hope that peace comes swiftly.

When she immigrated to the United States from her native India in 2004, 22-year-old Amandeep Kaur had completed her bachelor’s degree in mass communications and was working on a master’s. She landed in Los Angeles eager to advance herself, but quickly discovered the obstacles that lay ahead. “I arrived here with $364 in my pocket and realized I would have to choose between going back to school and putting food on the table; I didn’t think I could do both,” she recalls. Annenberg School of Nursing Staff Given her limited resources, Amandeep opted to join the workforce, securing a job at Subway as she explored opportunities to climb the ladder of professional success. Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait long: A regular Subway customer mentioned his mother lived at Los Angeles Jewish Health (then known as Los Angeles Jewish Home) and suggested Amandeep consider a nursing program there that would offer her employment while she studied in order to help cover the cost of the education. The next day, she took a bus to Los Angeles Jewish Health to look into this potential opportunity. “It sounded too good to be true, but I discovered he was right,” Amandeep says. “I couldn’t believe it – I could simultaneously earn income and pursue my education as I built my own American dream! I signed up right away.” Amandeep never looked back. She started classes at LA Jewish Health in April 2005; four weeks later, the organization officially hired her so she could get vital, hands-on experience as she made progress toward her nursing certificate. “I was incredibly grateful for the chance to develop new skills that could translate to a meaningful career,” she says. Adjusting to life in a new country and culture was difficult, but Amandeep’s determination and drive pushed her through. “There were times when I felt defeated and wanted to go back to India. The challenge of making a living here felt too big, and I worried I couldn’t do it,” she says. “But this is a land of opportunity, and it pushes you. I believe we all have the capacity to succeed; it just depends on how we use it.” Amandeep embraced the challenge, expertly juggling academics, work, and the responsibilities of starting a family. “Thanks to LA Jewish Health, I was able to work full-time while earning my nursing credentials,” she says – credentials that ultimately grew to include CNA (certified nursing assistant), LVN (licensed vocational nurse), RN (registered nurse), and PHN (public health nurse) certifications, as well as both Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN-Ed) degrees. “During my LVN program, we were allowed to take three days off, plus the weekend; during that time, I flew to India, got married, and came back – all in just five days! To be honest, I’m not sure how I managed it,” she laughs. In 2012, Amandeep left LA Jewish Health for a little while. She then returned in 2015 as an RN supervisor in the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer (JEK) Medical Center. After three years, her professional excellence and her dedication to LA Jewish Health were recognized with her promotion to assistant director of Annenberg; just four months later, she was promoted again – this time, to director. Today, Amandeep is thrilled to be at Annenberg’s helm, steering the school’s direction and being a part of the community she loves. “LA Jewish Health is a family. When I walk into a building to make rounds, I run into so many friends – people who want to catch up or are looking for advice. I feel so at home here,” she says. She also feels proud to be in a position to help nurture a new generation of nurses. “LA Jewish Health took a chance on me, and now it’s my turn to be able to invest in other people,” she says. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for LA Jewish Health. I’m so privileged to be able to pay that forward.” The Annenberg School of Nursing has been ranked in the top three LVN schools in the entire state of California. Practicalnursing.org ranks nursing schools based upon their first- time successful pass rates for the state licensing exam, overall student support services and program elements more easily streamlining students towards achieving licensure. To learn more call 818-757-4431 or visit ASN.edu Amandeep Kaur and Annenberg School of Nursing Students

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

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

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

When long-time San Fernando Valley resident Rick Munitz, 85, took a fall in his backyard, he narrowly avoided serious injury. It was, he recalls, a sign that it was time to make a move. “I had a Meyer lemon tree that was located on a slope in the yard, and I lost my balance going uphill toward it and took a fall. Fortunately, I landed safely, but it made me realize how lucky I’ve been not to have hurt myself at my age,” Rick says. The tumble served as a catalyst for Rick to explore alternate living options – a search that ultimately brought him to Fountainview at Eisenberg Village, one of Los Angeles Jewish Health’s premier independent living facilities. He moved in this past July. “From the moment I walked in here, there was a feeling of belonging,” he recalls. “Fountainview is more than an apartment building; it’s a community.” Mr. Munitz - a Resident of Fountainview at Eisenberg Village For Rick, staying in the Valley made sense: It was where he and his late wife, Judy, had built a life for themselves and their family. A native of Milwaukee, Rick moved to Los Angeles with his parents in 1945 and attended Fairfax High School before marrying Judy in 1958, when he was 19 and she was 18. In search of more affordable housing, the couple put down roots in Woodland Hills, raising two kids, Risa and Benjy. Rick also had ties to the Westside – for four decades, he was an English teacher and assistant principal at Beverly Hills High School – but home was on the other side of the hill. “I knew I wanted to stay local, and Fountainview was the best option for me,” he says. “There’s so much to do, and I’ve been trying it all: playing bingo, joining a men’s group, going to Rabbi Ron’s classes every Thursday, and attending Shabbat services on Friday nights. I’ve met lots of people, and they’re all incredibly welcoming.” His peers have also provided an important support system during a particularly sensitive time. “My son, Benjy, and his family live in Israel, and I have three Israeli grandchildren who are serving in the army during the war in Gaza,” he says. “Many people here have a connection with Israel, and they have been very nice about expressing concern for me and my loved ones.” Rick’s daughter, Risa, and her husband live in Westlake Village; she volunteers at Fountainview, teaching a crocheting class every week, which Rick happily attends. “It’s such a joy for me to watch her teach, and to be able to spend time with her and with her two kids – my local grandchildren, who come to Fountainview to visit,” he says. Although he has only recently taken up residence at Fountainview, Rick was already somewhat familiar with the Eisenberg Village campus – his mother, who had advanced Parkinson’s disease, lived in the [now closed] Max Factor Family Foundation Building until she passed away. “I came to see my mom every week,” he says. In the months since he moved in, Rick has been refamiliarizing himself with the campus he used to visit. “I go outside and stroll around every day, and it’s wonderful because it’s flat here, so I can walk easily,” he says. “It’s much safer than my old backyard – and, if I want lemons, I can just go to the supermarket!” _______________ A New Look for Fountainview at Eisenberg Village At Los Angeles Jewish Health, we have prided ourselves on providing excellence in senior healthcare for more than a century. Our commitment to offering residents the very best includes ensuring they have access to well-appointed, up-to-date facilities. With this in mind, we recently upgraded Fountainview at Eisenberg Village, our premier independent living community in the San Fernando Valley. With input from Fountainview residents and the support of generous donors, we installed gorgeous new carpet and flooring, painted walls and ceilings, and added modern wallpaper designs. Kudos to our hardworking staff and vendors, who undertook a labor of love in making the renovations. Our residents are thrilled with the results! Refurbished Lounge at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village Refurbished Lobby at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village Refurbished Hallway at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village

As Angelenos live longer, they are increasingly looking for safe ways to age in the comfort of their own homes. Now, Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC), a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), is making it easier than ever with the opening of its latest facility on L.A.’s Westside. Located on the corner of Pico Boulevard and Roxbury Drive, this new addition to the BCSC family is poised to help nursing home-eligible seniors across the city live richer, fuller, healthier lives. The center’s official launch was announced on November 15th at a special open house attended by BCSC donors, care providers, state and national PACE representatives, elected officials, and supporters, who gathered for the opening ceremonies and guided tours of the clinic and other facilities. “We’ve been working for over three years to make this happen, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that we’re now ready to open our doors,” said Susie Fishenfeld, vice president of the Brandman Centers, in advance of the open house. “We’re excited to meet the full range of healthcare needs for the growing senior community here in Los Angeles.” The center offers comprehensive services including medical and specialty care, behavioral health services, social work services, physical and occupational therapy services, home care services, prescription medications, and more. In addition, seniors enrolled in BCSC can access a wide array of social activities onsite, where they also receive delicious, nutritious kosher meals. Grand Opening of the Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE West Los Angeles Location Licensed by the State of California and monitored by the California Department of Health Care Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Brandman Centers serves seniors aged 55 and older who reside in the BCSC service area and need nursing home-level care, as long as they are able to live in the community without danger to their health or safety. Once they enroll, BCSC works to address all their health-related challenges. “Perhaps the most amazing thing about BCSC is the coordination of care from our interdisciplinary team,” Susie said. “Seniors and their families or caregivers no longer have to schedule medical appointments, go to the pharmacy, or pay their bills; we take care of everything. Our goal is to make BCSC participants’ healthcare as simple and seamless as possible.” The first BCSC facility, located in Reseda in the San Fernando Valley, opened in 2013. Today, it serves between 70 and 80 seniors each day, with 340 enrolled in the program. The new center is even larger, with the capacity to serve roughly 150 seniors per day and to enroll between 450 and 500. The new center also boasts features that are unique to the Westside location, such as a full dental clinic and a lab onsite. “I’m extremely proud of this facility, which is just gorgeous – and it’s all thanks to the incredible generosity of the Joyce and Saul Brandman Foundation, whose visionary philanthropy made it possible,” Susie said. Los Angeles Jewish Health President and CEO Dale Surowitz, who delivered remarks at the open house, noted that the Brandman Centers offers a transformational model for innovative senior care. “Prior to coming to Los Angeles Jewish Health, I served as CEO of Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, and one of my jobs was to bring people into the hospital,” he said. “Our goal at BCSC is to keep them out – empowering them to live independently while receiving the very best healthcare available. This new facility is a gamechanger in West Los Angeles.” Those who may know of someone who can benefit from participating in the Brandman Centers for Senior Care at either this new location or the original location in Reseda should call (818) 774-8444 or visit BrandmanSeniorCare.org. Click here to view the photo gallery from the Grand Opening celebration.