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Bat Mitzvah of 60 year old Jill Axelrod

Friends and fellow residents at the Bronx Division of Jewish Home Lifecare recently attended a joyous and meaningful Bat Mitzvah of 60-year-old Jill Axelrod
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Bat Mitzvah of 60 year old Jill Axelrod
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Bat Mitzvah of 60 year old Jill Axelrod

Friends and fellow residents at the Bronx Division of Jewish Home Lifecare recently attended a joyous and meaningful Bat Mitzvah of 60-year-old Jill Axelrod, who said her “spiritual awakening” and the care she has received at the home has turned her life around.jillaxelrodbatmitzvah

Ms. Axelrod arrived on the doorstep of the 816 bed nursing home and rehabilitation center in a wheelchair, suffering from a myriad of health issues including degenerative discs, scoliosis, obesity, alcoholism, isolation and depression.

“Now I feel welcome, cared for, optimistic about life and looking forward to visiting friends, taking trips and writing about my life experiences,” said Ms. Axelrod, who has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Ithaca College and a Master’s Degree in Deafness Education and Rehabilitation from New York University.

Rabbi Bonnie Steinberg, spiritual leader of the Bronx Division, has provided religious instruction for Mx. Axelrod once a week for eight months.  Rabbi Steinberg said that Ms. Axelrod is “a bright, creative woman who has overcome the obstacles in her life,  She is far more joyful, mellow, accepting of life, and extremely good at networking with staff and residents as well as eagerly participating in social activities, which is a major change from her previous state of mind.”

“It’s because I feel so good about the care I’ve gotten here from every discipline including doctors, nurses, nurse aides, dietitians, rehab therapists and pharmacists.  I’m also constantly encouraged to join the programs and services available to us.  One of my favorites is studying with Rabbi Steinberg and learning the lessons taught in the Psalms and Proverbs.  The readings remind me of the days I spent with my Grandmother on Shabbat when we lit candles and read poems that highlighted the lessons she taught me about life.

Prior to her illness, Ms. Axelrod worked for the New York City Board of Education for eight years as a teacher and also worked as assistant to the press secretary in a small Public Relations firm.  Then her health problems escalated and her inability to work made her eligible for funding from the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Hospital placement was followed by an unsatisfactory nursing home placement and her condition continued to deteriorate.

Eventually Ms. Axelrod found Connections Spokeswoman Rise Landsman and her warmth, knowledge and friendly advice resulted in Ms. Axelrod’s decision to move to Jewish Home Lifecare’s Bronx Division on Kingsbridge Road.

“Before I came here, my friends were telling me I was killing myself with overeating, drinking and isolation. One friend told me that if I kept it up I wouldn’t fit in his car and he wouldn’t be seeing me much anymore.  That was a turning point and I began to seek help. I was lucky to find Rise and that turned my life around; so did Rabbi Steinberg with her genuine and supportive attitude and attentiveness.  The Rabbi, Rise and this nursing home are a blessing in my life.”

The moment I walked in the door, I felt welcome. Thanks to the care I received here, I’ve dropped my weight from 455 to 260 pounds, reduced the medications I was taking, let go of my anger about my disabilities and I’ve found friends and spiritual contentment.”