OUR SERVICESThe Geriatric Career Development Program 
Through an innovative program at Jewish Home Lifecare, Bronx high school students are gaining first-hand experience and training in health care careers, while befriending and learning from residents who act as Elder Mentors.
The Geriatric Career Development Program balances technical and academic training with the human side of medicine.
Elder Mentors
The program, which entered its second year this October, prepares high school students in grades 10th-12th for careers in geriatric care. Students commit to the program for three years, with sessions two to three times a week. Each student is assigned an Elder Mentor; together the student and mentor work on projects – making crafts and exploring each other’s life histories – but most of the time, simply talk with each other. (Read about Francheska, a Junior in the program, and her mentor Eugene.)
The Academic Side
On the academic side, students attend lectures given by staff. Clinical Nurse Educators train them in skills such as measuring blood pressure, taking weight and feeding assistance.
Group counseling training addresses social, family and school-related issues.
Each student has rotating five-week internships, during which s/he shadows a Jewish Home employee, in Admissions, Adult Day Care, Clinical Resources/Medical Records, Community Service, Medical, Nursing, Resident Services, Social Work, Speech Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation .
In addition to “Elder Mentors” , each student is assigned an individual nursing community floor. The floor is the student’s “home base” for three years. This enables students to get to know nursing staff and learn through hands-on training.
Group counseling training addresses social, family, school-related issues, and equips students with the valuable life skills.
The Geriatric Career Development Program at Jewish Home Lifecare reaches students on every level – professional, academic and personal. It offers them not only a rigorous and inspiring head start on a career in nursing and medicine, but a meaningful experience to help them gain compassion and perspective.
Students Rising to a Challenge
Each class in the Geriatric Career Development Program has 25-30 students from three schools. Sessions are held after school and on Saturdays, year round.
The rigorous schedule keeps students moving, but the students don’t seem fazed. In fact, after a full day of school, they still head into the program with enthusiasm, poise and energy.
Diana Vayserfirova, until recently the Program Manager of the Geriatric Career Development Program, says, “They know exactly where to go, what to do, and they work hard. It amazes me. They seem so mature, working with staff and residents. I have to remind myself they are only in high school.” (Helen Torres is now the Program’s Manager.)
Our Funding
Students have the opportunity to receive stipends during vacation periods and during the summer. At the end of the program, students also have the opportunity to earn healthcare certification at Hostos Community College and Code One.
The Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation, The Altman Foundation, the J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation, the Reader’s Digest Scholarship Fund of the New York Community Trust and the NYC Dept for the Aging have funded this program.
Contact Kia Woods, kwoods@jewishhome.org, for more information.
Phone: 212-870-4838 or 718-410-1663
Email: HeTorres@jhha.org