Call support line receives a ringing endorsement
A STANMORE family whose lives were transformed following a call to Jewish Care’s helpline are the subject of the charity’s Rosh Hashanah appeal.
About a year ago, Jan Franks rang the service — which receives 15,000 inquiries annually — saying it had become increasingly difficult to support her father Monty Lesler, 96, who has dementia.
“As it became more serious, he couldn’t really concentrate anymore,” she recalled. “He lost interest in everything he used to enjoy, like reading and watching TV. He needed constant attention. I realised I just couldn’t do it all myself.”
The helpline put her in touch with the arts, disability and dementia team, which “helped me find exactly the right support for dad. Now he goes to the ‘Singing for Memory’ session at Jewish Care’s Otto Schiff care home [in Golders Green] every Wednesday and he really looks forward to it.”
Susan Dawson from the arts, disability and dementia team said “music has long been known for its therapeutic effect and the power to unlock memories”.
Ms Franks, who accompanies her father to the group, said that as he served in the RAF, songs such as We’ll Meet Again had particular resonance.
“He knows all the words and he recognises friends from the group he sees each week. He’s so much happier now and it’s brought us closer together.”
Jewish Care’s Ellisa Estrin said the appeal had a target of £200,000.
The charity needed the support of the community to continue providing services that touch the lives of 10,000 people weekly.