An inspiring choice for young and old alike
YOU WILL not be surprised to hear that many Jewish Choice residents look back on their youth with fondness and are nostalgic for the days when they were a little faster and more flexible. These days, the youth are brought to them, not solely through the work done by Jewish Choice to support residents in keeping mind, body and souls active, but also in maintaining strong connections with local schools.
Jewish Choice has seen a decrease in Jewish neighbours, but just beyond this comprehensive-care campus Jewish schools have flourished, bringing benefits for the residents of this respected and respectful care home. Well before research found that older generations gain from interaction with the youngest, Jewish Choice had been bringing youngsters into the care home. As Kathy Waters, operations manager of 30 years’ service, says: “We are pleased to say we behave ourselves! So the schools regularly invite us back.” Not least at Chanukah 2018. Residents sang songs with children, on the Jewish Choice premises and when visiting nearby Noam Primary School. In common with many, the school’s head teacher Chaya Posen praises Jewish Choice: “The school has strong ties with Jewish Choice. The children regularly visit the residents and sing to them. They often share school work and show residents family photographs. It is wonderful to see the evolving reciprocal relationships. Children and residents gain a huge amount from these interactions. The children are always warmly welcomed at Choice House by the wonderful carers and staff and it was particularly wonderful when a group of residents visited the school on Chanukah.” The atmosphere at Jewish Choice is
Enjoying a chat about school work inspiring. Music is heard as soon as you enter the building, often on the baby grand in reception. But it is no concert hall, despite two more pianos nearby. It is definitely a home from home. That is why many who come to Jewish Choice for respite care make it their home of choice, when the time comes for a more permanent arrangement.
The personnel have a lot to do with this. Many have been with the home for years. Roger Ellis, care manager, says: “We have one of the lowest staff turnovers in the sector. We get to know our residents. So you can rest assured you’ll have consistency in your care. We don’t employ agency staff as carers.”
As an independent charity, Jewish Choice believes it leads the way in bespoke care for our elderly. With affordable independent living or fully supported residential care, all on one site, the focus on excellence and flexibility certainly seems to take the onus off residents and their relatives.
“And there’s a host of other reasons why residents and relatives view Jewish Choice as the obvious choice,” says Paula Peake, chief executive. “We always remember you do have a choice and so we invite you to visit and experience the atmosphere, so that you can make the right choice.”
020 8908 4151, info@jewishchoice.org jewishchoice.org Registered charity 1162974