OUR SERVICESAn important current initiative of Jewish Home Lifecare is “culture change” – a reorientation of nursing facilities and staff, to transform each residential unit into a “community of caring,” within which residents feel truly at home. In support of culture change, Jewish Home recently established a pilot Dining Assistance Program.
The program takes place on the Bronx campus, in partnership with AARP’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). SCSEP is a work training program for low-income job-seekers age 55 and older. Community elders in need of employment enroll in SCSEP and are paid a stipend by AARP while they learn job skills.
The Dining Assistance Program provides medical and quality-of-life benefits to the residents who take part. Many nursing home residents are at risk for weight loss that can be medically compromising. Creating dining experiences that stimulate both appetite and socialization result in weight gain as well as lifted spirits.
Our dining assistants are patient, empathic and highly motivated to provide critical services to their peers.
Additionally, paying community seniors a stipend provides needed extra income to retirees. Residents and staff both benefit from the stimulation provided by additional people coming to the nursing communities and interacting with residents and members of the care team.
Positive results of culture change in the lives and well-being of residents is already visible. Jewish Home’s Community Coordinators shared their observations of the program’s effects:
“The Assistants have become important members of the community who take the time to listen to both residents and staff, and are great resident advocates.”
“Their presence makes a significant difference at mealtime because they are not rushed and can really connect with the residents.”
“When the Assistants are not here, they are missed by everyone.”