This Rosh Hashanah, Jewish Care is appealing to the community to support its vital services supporting the increasing numbers of people living with dementia* in the community, as well as their family carers. The charity relies on the generosity of the community for donations to keep the services running.
Last Rosh Hashanah, Leon and his son, Michael, had no idea what the coming year would bring. Just after Rosh Hashanah last year Michael could see that Leon was forgetting things and losing weight rapidly. He was diagnosed with dementia and by December, there were, as Michael says, ‘heart-breaking moments when dad forgot who I was.’
Leon and Michael always had a close relationship and he moved in with his dad and became his carer, reversing roles and returning the love and care that Leon had always showered on him, as the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Michael contacted the Jewish Care Direct helpline to find out more about advice and services for people living with dementia. Jewish Care’s Social Work and Community Support Team offered support to both Leon and Michael. Leon began attending Jewish Care’s centre for people living with dementia where he is supported by specialist staff and volunteers in a nurturing environment. Leon says, ‘I love it, I love to schmooze and going there is like walking on sunshine.’
Michael says, “I have peace of mind whilst dad is at the Centre” and he knows he is not alone. He has support from Tracy, one of the dedicated Family Carers Team, who is there to listen to him and give guidance and advice whenever he needs it, helping him navigate the best support and care for Leon. Michael also joins Jewish Care’s Dementia Carer’s Tea, where he can meet with other people in the community in similar situations and seek confidential advice and guidance from professionals facilitating the groups.
The three centres for people living with dementia provide a safe and nurturing environment with a range of exciting and meaningful activities for people living with dementia. These promote independence and have benefits to physical and cognitive wellbeing with person-centred programming in a sociable environment, which also offers respite for family carers, who receive support whilst knowing that their family member is being supported in an understanding and stimulating environment. There is also a hot Kosher meal and warmth from the staff who support the members as well as from the Social Work and Family Carers Team who are there to support the family carers on their journey each step of the way.
Adam Overlander-Kaye, Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising & Community Engagement, says, “As a community we take pride in how we look after those in need. When it comes to care Jewish Care is caring for hundreds of people in our community living with dementia, along with their family, friends and carers. This is a source of great pride for us all.
“Each week, the cost to provide these services which receive no Government funding, is £300,00, but we cannot maintain this level of care, let alone meet the increased demand, without the generous support of the community.”
Across Jewish Care community centre members and care home residents are celebrating with apple and honey, hearing the Shofar and looking forward to special meals. Meals on Wheels clients are receiving honey cake delivered by dedicated volunteers and older, isolated people will have chats with their befrienders wishing them a Shana Tova.
To donate to Jewish Care’s Rosh Hashanah appeal and support services for people living with dementia and their family carers, please you can call 020 8922 2600 or visit jewishcare.org/donate