Senior Engagement

JFS staff and trained volunteers provide friendly visits, in person and over the phone, to seniors living independently in their own home or in residential senior communities. Visits provide regular social interaction and can reduce feelings of isolation. JFS connects with our seniors during holidays, including Rosh Hashanah and Passover, and on their birthday with special treats delivered by our volunteers. 

JFS assists in coordinating and planning care for older adults. Our staff helps to develop an individualized plan to connect to services such as meals, transportation, housing, financial support, health options, social activities and other benefits. With an emphasis on maintaining dignity, the JFS Food Pantry helps those struggling with food insecurity. 

The aging process presents different issues and challenges. Our counselors are experienced with these challenges and can help with:

• Life’s transitions
• Grief and loss
• Stress
• Depression and anxiety
• Family relationships 
• Life decisions that arise with the aging process.

Whether someone lives at home or in a senor residential community, JFS therapists can help retain and/or improve emotional quality of life. JFS serves on multiple insurance panels, accepts Medicare, Medicaid and provides therapy on a sliding scale for those who qualify.

JFS is committed to enhancing the quality of life for our community’s Holocaust survivors. The senior engagement staff has the knowledge, expertise and sensitivity to address the unique needs and interests of this community and their family members, and can connect eligible survivors to needed services such as in-home care and transportation.

Designed to connect, engage and support the survivor community, Holocaust survivors and their family members can access all JFS Senior Engagement services: Friendly Visits, Case Management, Counseling, Caregiver Education and Support, Senior Programs and Celebrations.

JFS recognizes the unique needs of caregivers and offers a variety of support to this community who often times must show up for duty 24/7 when caring for a loved one. JFS staff is well versed in the challenges of caregiving and the community resources that are available for Caregivers and their loved ones. For a list of Caregiver resources, please visit Resources below.

JFS provides relevant and meaningful educational programs and coordinates Jewish holiday and cultural celebrations throughout the community. These experiences touch the lives of seniors living independently and in senior residential communities, and often become the one connection our Jewish seniors have to their culture, heritage and traditions. JFS provides:

• Educational lectures
• Jewish holiday celebrations
• Friendly visits
• Social gatherings 
• Weekly Shabbat Services

Caregiver Information/Resources

AARP: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/

• • Provides caregivers with information about various issues such as long-term care financing, home care, housing options

Administration on Aging: http://www.aoa.gov

• • Great resource for anyone dealing with issues related to aging or disability
  • Government site – our local Area Agency on Aging: http://Centralina.org can provide information about aging programs and services
  • For information about caregiver support, resources and respite: http://centralina.org/centralinaaging/what-we-do-services/family-caregiver-support/

Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/northcarolina/

• • Multiple types of resources available for caregivers with a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementia, including support groups, online forums and information and programs for Early Stage dementia

Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.caregiver.org/

• • National group to support family caregivers; online support groups, policy information, news

The Caregiver’s Handbook: http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~drstall/hndbk0.html

• • The entire text of the handbook is available at this site. It is written for the family caregiver and focuses on how to maintain their health and sanity, rather than on the problems of the patient or care recipient

Just 1 Call: local information clearinghouse for aging resources: 704.432.1111

CareWalks: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/carewalks/id1622058250 Short bites of information intended for caregivers to listen to while on a walk (10-30 minutes)

HFC (Hilarity for Charity): https://wearehfc.org/programs/ multiple resources for caregivers of those living with dementia, including workshops, online support and grants for respite

• • To apply for respite (3-6 months paid care through Home Instead): https://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/get-help/hilarity-for-charity/

Project CARE (Caregiver Alternative to Running on Empty): 980.314.7075 or email Patricia Mayhew at Patricia.Mayhew@mecklenburgcountync.gov

• • Offers ongoing family consultation services for home visit, telephone and email to caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementia
  • Respite vouchers may be available

NC Lifespan Respite Project: https://www.highcountryaging.org/

• • $500 respite voucher available to caregivers
  • Application must be submitted by referring agency or professional