Los Angeles Jewish Health: Energizing Senior Life

by Rabbi Ronald Goldberg This story is a first-person account by Rabbi Ronald Goldberg, of our Eisenberg Village Campus of Los Angeles Jewish Health, regarding his recent trip to Israel. As has been the case for all of us, the devastating October 7th attack by Hamas on Israel, and the suffering and struggles of our brethren there, are heavy on my heart. From being a non-citizen volunteer in the Israel Defense Forces (צה”ל-TZHAL-IDF), to marrying a wonderful Israeli woman, to my year of rabbinic studies in Jerusalem, Israel has always been in my heart and thoughts and prayers. When the opportunity arose in early December 2023 to take part in a volunteer mission to Israel, I didn’t walk – I ran to sign up, with my wife’s blessing. We both knew the work would be hard and emotional. Going into the program, the IDF required a signed waiver stating that I knew I was entering a closed military zone with active conflict and that the army could not be responsible for my safety. Without hesitation, I signed on the dotted line. The mission took me to the region of Israel known as the Gaza Envelope, so called because it was in range of attack from Gaza. There I was blessed to do a variety of tasks. Some were mundane, like harvesting oranges on a kibbutz ravaged by the October 7th attack. Others were more emotional, such as working in an army rest camp just outside of Gaza and interacting as rabbi with soldiers fresh out of the territory. I gave them space to share their fears and hopes, I served them sandwiches and beverages, and I blessed them. At Sheba Hospital-Tel HaShomer, I did rotations with grievously wounded soldiers, hearing their stories, helping them face their fears, and blessing them and their loved ones. In programs at Fountainview, I’ve described all these things in detail. I’m also always happy to discuss them again in person. But a message I want to share today here is about a slogan you see all over Israel – on bus benches, on the sides of buildings, and on the lower corner of TV screens during broadcasts. The message is ביחד ננצח : Together we will triumph. This is the overwhelming feeling you get all over Israel. Not despair or defeat, but a sense of everyone being all together – a sense that, as one, the nation will succeed in its endeavor to keep its citizens safe. That, despite the efforts of those who murder young people at a music festival, Israel will live, Israel will prosper, and yes, Israel will dance and sing again. It’s not about triumph in battle, it’s about showing that evil will never drown out joy, never drown out love and caring, and that, just as we danced and sang on October 6th, so, too, we will dance and sing again today, tomorrow, and indeed עד עולם –forever. This was my takeaway from the trip: We should never ever forget that עם ישראל חי – the People Israel yet live. Rabbi Ronald Goldberg Volunteer Mission to Israel

Since the time of Purim last year, many disturbing worldwide events have occurred causing pain, anguish and heartache. We began the year in disbelief that a war continued to rage across Ukraine. While we prayed for a peaceful resolution, the unimaginable occurred as the entire world witnessed an innocent music festival in Israel turned into the site of a deadly and evil atrocity. During the following days, through the media we saw men, women and children ripped from the safety of their homes and thrust into a darkness that continues with no certain end ahead. During times that feel so dire, why do we insist on carrying on with a lighthearted festival where people dress up in silly costumes, sing funny songs, and act out the reading of the Megillah, often adapting it to the tune of more contemporary music? The answer is because it is more important than ever to carry out these customs, indeed to celebrate them! We must first understand that the meaning of Purim is to celebrate the fact that Jews overcame the possibility of being destroyed at the hands of an evil entity. That by being strong and resolute no matter what, by standing up for what they believed, together they conquered evil so that there could be peace for all. Then, we see that there has perhaps never been a year more important to pray, hope and speak up, but also to celebrate what it means to be Jewish and to stand together in the unwavering belief that once again, we can overcome for a brighter tomorrow. Resident Purim spiel at Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center Newman Building reads from the Book of Ester Goldenberg-Ziman resident dressed up for Purim Purim party at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village Purim reading at Fountainview Gonda Westside Annual staff Purim spiel performed for Grancell Village

Rancho Mirage, CA (March 22, 2024) — Made possible through generous philanthropic support, Eisenhower Health has purchased the Neuro Vitality Center (formerly the Stroke Recovery Center). In partnership with Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJHealth), Eisenhower will provide a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) at the former Neuro Vitality Center location. After a renovation, the site is expected to open with a new name and focus in the next 12 to 18 months. “Eisenhower Health is committed to addressing the long-term health care needs for low-income seniors through this new Center and PACE program,” says Martin Massiello, President and Chief Executive Officer, Eisenhower Health. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our generous donors which will aid in serving the area’s most vulnerable residents.” “Having served neurologically challenged and chronically ill members of the community for over 46 years, the Neuro Vitality Center (Stroke Recovery Center) is pleased to turn the reins over to Eisenhower to expand treatment to this vulnerable population in need,” says Beverly Greer, Chief Executive Officer, Neuro Vitality Center. “Increased access and more services will only serve to enhance the quality of life and health for patients well into the future.” “Los Angeles Jewish Health is delighted to partner with Eisenhower Health in bringing our world-class PACE program, entitled the Brandman Centers for Senior Care, to residents of the Coachella Valley,” remarks Dale Surowitz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles Jewish Health. “We look forward to working with the organization to meet the needs of the community’s high-risk seniors, while helping to improve the health of the broader community.” PACE provides not only medical care and nutritious meals but also fun activities, exercise, parties, and the opportunity to socialize and make friends, erasing the isolation so common among many of today’s seniors. LAJHealth’s PACE receives approval and oversight from both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the California Department of Health Care Services’ (CDHCS) Integrated Systems of Care Division. Los Angeles Jewish Health’s PACE is a member of the National PACE Association and CalPACE. Founded in 1912, Los Angeles Jewish Health is the largest non-profit, single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare services in the Los Angeles area, serving nearly 4,000 people each year. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, thousands of seniors benefit from community-based and in-residence care and services. Programs include independent living; assisted living; senior behavioral health; short-term rehabilitation; skilled nursing; PACE; hospice and palliative care; and geriatric health and memory care. Los Angeles Jewish Health is also home to the Annenberg School of Nursing. Eisenhower Health is a not-for-profit, comprehensive health care institution that includes the 437-bed Eisenhower Hospital, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower and the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at Eisenhower. Eisenhower is renowned for its Centers of Excellence in Orthopedics, Cardiovascular, Neuroscience and Oncology. Situated on 106 acres in Rancho Mirage, and with outpatient clinics across the valley, Eisenhower Health has provided a full range of quality medical and educational services for more than 50 years for residents and visitors to the greater Coachella Valley. Eisenhower has twice earned ANCC Magnet Recognition® for professionalism in nursing and excellence in patient care. The first accredited teaching hospital in the valley, Eisenhower trains physician residents in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine and offers several fellowships. For more information, visit EisenhowerHealth.org or follow Eisenhower Health on social media.

New program at Los Angeles Jewish Health helps seniors achieve their dreams (RESEDA, CA – March 20, 2024) Los Angeles Jewish Health has been honored by the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS) with its coveted Programming Award. The award recognizes LAJHealth’s innovative Achieve a Dream program, which gives seniors in assisted living an opportunity to find happiness and fulfillment. Through Achieve a Dream, Los Angeles Jewish Health staff help residents look forward to a future-oriented goal, inspiring a sense of growth and enabling them to reach for something beautiful. Staffers identify a specific desire of the resident—something they are longing for—and help them make it happen. The program, envisioned by Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender and Ilana Springer, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s CEO/administrator, was piloted in the Joyce Eisenberg Keefer (JEK) Medical Center, LAJHealth’s 239-bed skilled nursing facility, where the average resident age is 91. “When we created the program, we asked ourselves, ‘What would we want for our residents if they were our own mothers and fathers?’” Springer recalled. “The idea was to create experiences that would bring them joy.” The first resident to benefit from Achieve a Dream was Elaine. When Rabbi Bender visited her room and asked whether there was anything she dreamed of doing, Elaine pointed to the photographs of horses hanging on her bedroom wall. “She said, ‘Every single day of my life I was with horses, until 10 years ago. I haven’t even seen a horse since. I know I can’t ride, but I just want to spend quiet time with a horse.’” Rabbi Bender said. “So, we arranged to have a horse brought to one of the beautiful courtyards at Los Angeles Jewish Health, and Elaine enjoyed 90 minutes of one-on-one time. For an hour and a half, this was her horse; she had space to have a beautiful moment with an animal that meant the world to her.” Andy, a stroke survivor, was another Achieve a Dream participant. During his younger years, he had been in a rock band, and he was eager to jam on a bass guitar once again, but his medical condition made that seem impossible. Working with the Los Angeles Jewish Health care team, Rabbi Bender and Springer arranged for a college student who was a music major to bring several electric instruments and help Andy experience “playing” them. Andy’s wife, who witnessed the jam session, said it was one of the most meaningful experiences of their marriage. The Programming Award was handed out at AJAS’ national conference, which took place in late February in San Diego. Rabbi Bender and Springer were on-hand to accept the award in person. “We are proud of this award but even prouder that Los Angeles Jewish Health is empowering seniors to come here and live with as much – if not more – fullness and purpose as they had before,” Rabbi Bender says. “This is a place where dreams really can come true.”Los Angeles Jewish Health Wins Prestigious AJAS Award

Seniors move to Los Angeles Jewish Health for a wide variety of reasons. Many have specific medical needs; some are isolated and seeking community; others require skilled nursing care. Whatever the reason, members of the compassionate Los Angeles Jewish Health team are dedicated to fostering an environment where older adults don’t simply survive – they thrive. “Someone might arrive at Los Angeles Jewish Health thinking, ‘I have come here to die,’ but we believe just the opposite: They have come here to live!” says Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender. “We challenge residents to think that it’s entirely possible that the most meaningful moment of their life has not yet happened, and, that it’s going to happen here at LAJH. They might also touch someone else’s life, get to know them, and build the closest friendships and relationships they’ve ever had. Los Angeles Jewish Health is a place to find fulfillment and make new memories.” To that end, last year Rabbi Bender and Ilana Springer, CEO/administrator at Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Joyce Eisenberg Keefer (JEK) Medical Center, launched Achieve a Dream, a pilot program focused on helping residents look forward to a future-oriented goal, inspiring a sense of growth, and enabling them to reach for something beautiful. “We asked ourselves, ‘What would we want for our residents if they were our own mothers and fathers?’” Ilana says. “The idea was to create experiences that would bring them joy.” In partnership with an with interdisciplinary staff including Susan Leitch, Claudia Crespo, Katie Abelson, Stacy Orbach, and Julie Lockman-Gold, the two piloted the program in the Joyce Eisenberg Keefer Medical Center, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s 239-bed skilled nursing facility, where the average resident age is 91. “We felt the greatest need was with residents who require the highest level of care because they may be the least able to make dreams come true for themselves,” Ilana says. First on the list was Elaine. One morning, Rabbi Bender visited her room and asked whether there was anything she dreamed about doing. Elaine immediately pointed to the photographs of horses hanging on her bedroom wall. “She said, ‘Every single day of my life I was with horses, until 10 years ago. I haven’t even seen a horse since. I know I can’t ride, but I just want to spend quiet time with a horse.’” Rabbi Bender recalls. “So, we arranged to have a horse brought to one of the beautiful courtyards at Los Angeles Jewish Health, and Elaine enjoyed 90 minutes of one-on-one time. For an hour and a half, this was her horse; she had space to have a beautiful moment with an animal that meant the world to her.” Since then, many more dreams have come to fruition: Efraim, a rabbi living in the JEK Medical Center, had a dream of leading one last service. He was able to do so while also providing amazing musical accompaniment. Toward the end of the service, he poignantly said to his congregation of peers, “Look, I’m just like you. I can no longer walk or sing or do many important things I was once able to do, but we make do! And I couldn’t have done it without the encouragement of my best friends Joe and Richard” – friends he made at Los Angeles Jewish Health. Andy had been in a rock band back when he attended an Ivy League college. He wanted nothing more than to jam on a bass guitar like he once did, though as a stroke survivor he couldn’t fully play anymore. Working with the care team, Rabbi Bender and Ilana found a college student who was a music major. The young man brought several electric instruments and electronic equipment and enabled Andy to experience “playing” the bass while his wife looked on adoringly. She later said it was one of the most meaningful experiences of their marriage. Harriet, who had a love for chocolate, requested a chocolate tasting for the campus community. The Office of Volunteers went above and beyond arranging for a personal visit by three renowned chocolatiers, including a former White House chef, followed by a demonstration and tasting where the rest of the skilled nursing community was invited to enjoy the sweet treats. In recognition of the program’s success, the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS) announced Achieve a Dream as this year’s recipient of its prestigious Programming Award. Rabbi Bender and Ilana accepted the honor in person at AJAS’ national conference, which took place in late February in San Diego. Los Angeles Jewish Health Chief Executive Officer and President, Dale Surowitz, Board Member, Judy Friedman-Rudzki and Board Chair, Andrew Berman joined in the celebration. “We are proud of this award but even more proud that Los Angeles Jewish Health is empowering seniors to come here and live with as much – if not more – fullness and purpose as they had before,” Rabbi Bender says. “This is a place where dreams really can come true.” The Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS) awards Los Angeles Jewish Health's Achieve a Dream initiative as this year’s recipient of its prestigious Programming Award.

For more than a century, Los Angeles Jewish Health (formerly Los Angeles Jewish Home) has cared for older adults with compassion, respect, and high-quality programs, services, and senior living options. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, the art and science of caring for older adults has been cultivated over 100 years of service, earning the organization a second-to-none reputation in the region. “One of the many things that stands out about our organization is our collaborative approach,” says Noah Marco, M.D., chief medical officer. “Throughout our history, we have emphasized the importance of bringing various professionals and specialists together to collaborate, communicate, and cooperate on behalf of each patient. We also maintain excellent relationships with the area’s leading hospitals and medical centers.” Founded in 1912, Los Angeles Jewish Health has grown from a group of caring neighbors to a leading nonprofit organization, open to all, built on the Jewish values of charity, quality, dignity, and fiscal responsibility. Compassion is at the core of every interaction, and a family approach permeates the culture. “We treat residents like family, and we also consider our staff one big family. Together, we work for the safety, health, and well-being of the individuals in our care,” says Dr. Marco. “Every member of our team—from medical providers, pharmacists, and social workers to drivers, housekeepers, and maintenance staff—is enthusiastically dedicated to living our organization’s mission of serving and honoring older adults.” With multiple locations and several levels of care within the Los Angeles Jewish Health network, head-to-toe services are provided—from primary care to physical therapy, dental, ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology, podiatry, and more. Working as coordinated care teams ensures the best care is provided to the whole patient—mind, body, and spirit. This patient-centered model also mitigates the challenges of visiting several providers at multiple locations over weeks—a mental and logistical burden that often falls to a patient’s children or grandchildren. The Grancell Village Campus of Los Angeles Jewish Health includes assisted living, PACE program, short term rehab, skilled nursing, senior behavioral health, a school of nursing and more Levels of Care To support seniors in maintaining healthy outcomes throughout their aging journey, Los Angeles Jewish Health offers a broad array of programs and services, including independent living, assisted living, senior behavioral health, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, memory services, and hospice and palliative care. The Brandman Centers for Senior Care offers comprehensive adult day services through their PACE program (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). This award-winning program allows more frail seniors to remain independent in their homes while receiving vital care and social services at their neighborhood location and offers transportation, home care, engaging activities, and medical care. “PACE is designed to care for historically underserved populations who have complex medical and psychosocial conditions,” says Dr. Marco. “Our participant feedback shows high scores of satisfaction, particularly in the clinical services and the delicious meals we provide. Recognized as a top performer in this space, we are continually focused on expanding these services to more seniors in need.” Caring Choices in Independent and Assisted Living For active older adults interested in a continuing care retirement community, Los Angeles Jewish Health offers independent living accommodations. For residents in the San Fernando Valley, Fountainview at Eisenberg Village in Reseda, California, features resort-style living with gourmet dining, an on-site movie theater, a bar/lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, and a creative arts studio. A full-service staff provides expert care and attention to 108 independent living options, with optional nursing and care available. Patient-Centered Telemedicine With support from a grant from the Federal Communications Commission and generous donors, Los Angeles Jewish Health has invested heavily in state-of-the-art technology, including telemedicine, to expand its mission of patient-centered care. Dr. Marco explains that standard healthcare has predominately been a physician-centered model, wherein patients must travel to the physician at the physician’s convenience. But in a patient-centered telemedicine approach, patients are seen in the comfort of their own home. “When done correctly, telemedicine has incredibly high satisfaction rates. Providers can instantly look at and listen to a patient, and if a nurse is present with the patient, even use a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs. The data clearly shows that physicians are able to make diagnoses quickly and more accurately,” Dr. Marco says. Effective telemedicine also reduces instances of unnecessary ambulance calls, which are costly and disruptive for patients, families, and caretakers alike. Personalized Approach With the benefit of expert gerontologists at the helm, Los Angeles Jewish Health focuses on the five M’s of geriatric care: mind, mobility, medications, multiple complexities, and what matters most to you. “These five M’s are the difference between our tailored geriatric practice and a standard, fractionated approach to care,” says Dr. Marco. “We hyperfocus on learning each patient’s goals and needs so that their care can be as personal and effective as possible. This article first appeared in Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day magazines in their January/February 2024 issue. Dr. Noah S. Marco - Chief Medical Officer at Los Angeles Jewish Health