OUR SERVICESYou learn well, grasshopper.
Watching Francheska and Eugene banter and joke around, you would might think they were family. But they only just met this past July, when Eugene was assigned to be Francheska’s Elder Mentor.
Through an innovative Geriatric Career Development program at Jewish Home Lifecare, high school students are gaining first-hand experience and training in health care careers, while befriending and learning from nursing home residents who act as Elder Mentors.
Francheska, a Junior in the program, walks up to Eugene and hugs him. Eugene lights up and says, “Hey, what’s up? Get a chair. Sit down. Relax.”
With that, Francheska shifts modes. She has just come from her internship, listening and observing the Adult Day Care program, but now seriousness fades away. Francheska transforms back to being a teenager who likes to listen to Eugene’s often colorful stories.
Eugene has seen a lot change in New York City, and in his own life. His experiences run the gamut from serving in the war and 9/11 to his four marriages and the misadventures of his uncles. Francheska adds, “We talk about a lot of stuff – life, relationships…”
“About her boy problems!” interjects Eugene. “I tell her, she needs to just stay focused on work and her career. And just not think about boys.” Eugene feels like he has a second daughter when he’s with Francheska, and they both share their lives with each other. Staff members at the Jewish Home say that he has really influenced Francheska. “He’s taught me it’s better to enjoy life now. And not to enjoy it by doing stuff that’s bad for you. And to listen to my parents. He always tells me to listen to my parents.”
Eugene responds, “You learn well, grasshopper.”
Read more about the Geriatric Career Development program.