Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Transitioning to an independent, assisted or skilled nursing facility can be challenging for many seniors, as it is never easy to lose a lifetime of independence. However, Jewish seniors face a host of additional challenges. Like their neighbors, they lose their independence, their homes, and access to friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage, their community, and their faith, just when they need them the most.

Imagine a lifetime of Jewish living heritage erased in a "home" where no one understands your culture. Like many American institutions, the bulk of senior facilities follow a "Christmas and Easter" calendar. While caregivers may receive training on the physical needs of their residents, few have been schooled in meeting the cultural and emotional needs of a diverse and growing senior population.

This is where the Jewish Pavilion steps in as a "mobile community center on wheels." We have been bringing community, culture and companionship to the doorsteps of senior living communities since 2001, serving as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, intergenerational and memorial programs to 400 Jewish residents in more than 70 facilities for seniors in long-term care. We also offer cultural diversity awareness education to their staff through training programs, which highlight the need to accommodate the elderly from many backgrounds. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion as loneliness knows no cultural borders, and thousands of seniors of all faiths attend and are welcomed into our programs each year.

Paul Stenzler, President, with his mother, Roz

Our Senior Help Desk has been an additional resource since 2012. The "Help Desk's" Senior Resource Specialist has helped hundreds of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues.

On Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m., the Jewish Pavilion is hosting its annual fall festival, "Sunday in the Park," at Crane's Roost in Altamonte Springs. The event will feature The British Invasion; a Beatles tribute band. You and your family will have the opportunity to socialize, enjoy free food, visit over 100 vendors and receive prizes galore. Please make every effort to support the Pavilion by attending. Please visit our website to register at http://www.jewishpavilion.org

The Jewish Pavilion wishes everyone a happy and healthy New Year!

Paul Stenzler, President

Nancy Ludin, Executive Director