People who need people
IT’S GOOD to be back among old friends,” were David Rom’s first words when he returned to The Dennis Centre for people living with dementia in Ilford and saw the staff and volunteers. Being able to spend more time together again has been so important to boost our wellbeing. Staff and volunteers celebrate and support each person’s unique interests at all Jewish Care’s homes, retirement living apartments and in person at community centres (now reopening).
Doris Rose, 101-year-old veteran, echoed David’s thoughts when talking about her first day at Jewish Care’s Southend & Westcliff Community Centre. She said, “It’s been great to see people and it’s made me feel young again.” Another member, Janice Field, adds, “It’s so exciting to see everybody; it feels like it was only yesterday instead of 16 months.” Their first day back included an exercise class and dancing. Janice is looking forward to singing in the choir again too.
Maureen, at Jewish Care’s Shebson Lodge Retirement Living apartments in Southend-on-Sea, couldn’t agree more. “People need people, I know I do.”
It has been a joy to welcome members back to community centres with balloons and banners. The team have been busy arranging exciting opportunities for members returning to Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre. The Ronson Family Community Centre at Sandringham and Ruchi and Zalman Noe Centre for people living with dementia at Sandringham also celebrated their opening.
Safety is still the priority. There are enhanced infection controls and regular Covid-19 testing for staff and volunteers, who continue to wear masks indoors. Meanwhile, Jewish Care’s meals on wheels, telephone befriending, social work and family carers’ support services are all still there for the community. Jewish Care’s JC Presents online programme, attended by hundreds of older people at home, will continue too.
Richard Shone, director of community development, says: “Our staff and volunteers are so pleased that the community centres are able to reopen inperson to support older members of the community to connect, enjoy stimulating activities and socialise with one another again. We know more than ever before how vital this is for everyone’s health and wellbeing. It’s been so special to see each and every person.”
Understanding each person’s passions and interests is key to enhancing the lives of those at Jewish Care homes and Retirement Living apartments.
At Jewish Care’s Hyman Fine House, Brighton, where the sea is part of the backdrop, Mark Pady, social care co-ordinator, discovered that Sidney, age 100, has a passion for photography. He invited Sidney to take portraits of residents for their room doors. Sidney started taking photos of the London South Bank for the Festival of Britain exhibition in the 1950s. “He has been helping us by exercising his expertise with a camera,” Mark explains. “A picture says: ‘I am a person living here, not a number on the door’.”
Penny Johns, activity co-ordinator at Jewish Care’s Pears Court at Sandringham Retirement Living, is getting to know each of the tenants moving into the new apartments and is organising activities tailored to the interests of the fast-growing community. Corinne, 90, who recently moved in, loves nature. “I’m so pleased that my plants have survived the removal van and are flourishing in their new home on my balcony,” she says. “I love gardening and get such joy in being able to enjoy the views of the countryside and wildlife that surrounds the Sandringham. I’m looking forward to being involved with the new horticultural and ecological groups here.”
It’s been great to see people and it’s made me feel young again’
To find out more about Jewish Care’s community centres, retirement living apartments or care homes, contact 020 8922 2000 or helpline@jcare.org