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

"I live in California and my mother lives in Orlando. I need to help her find independent or assisted living. What senior community do you recommend where my mother can be with other Jewish people?" This is one of the most common questions we receive at the Orlando Senior Help desk says Nancy Ludin, CEO of the Jewish Pavilion. In fact, it is this question that led to the formation of the Orlando Senior Help Desk. Sometime before 2012, Lee Cutler called the Jewish Pavilion to inquire about a place for his parents. He wanted them to be in a good community where they would feel comfortable and have two of their favorite things, card games and a movie theatre. Even though they came from a very assimilated community in Woodbury, NJ, it was important to them that they reside with a significant number of Jewish people. At that time, Ludin assisted Lee and helped his parents' transition to Oakmonte Village in Lake Mary. Years later, Lee also called about his in-laws and they too moved to Oakmonte Village. Today, there are close to 100 Jewish people living in one of the three buildings at Oakmont village.

Cutler felt that it was important to provide information and referrals to the entire community, regardless of denomination. He founded, funded and helped design the Orlando Senior Help Desk website which contains close to 100 pages of information pertinent to seniors and their loved ones http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org

Today, the Orlando Senior Help Desk receives calls every day from the entire community. Senior Resource Specialists help older adults and those who love them to find appropriate facilities and providers to meet their needs. The Jewish Pavilion and Orlando Senior Help Desk has served over 150,000 retirees in Central Florida and receives calls from all over the country! Contact 407-678-9363.