JFCS Senior Services help clients maintain purpose and continue contributing to their communities
36th Annual Benefit Fund-a-Need will raise money for programs that serve the growing aging population
Seniors and older adults are unfortunately too often a part of society that is marginalized – not talked about and “hidden away.” One of the reasons for this is a fear of aging. Addressing the issues that older adults may face forces people to think about their own reality with aging, according to Jill Kozberg, JFCS Mental Health and Senior Services Director.
At JFCS Senior Services, we don’t “look away” – we know seniors are a huge asset to the community. We value seniors and feel privileged to support them and learn from them. Our service model for seniors is not, “What can we do for you?” but “What’s important to you and how can we help you achieve that?”
“People are looking for meaning, connection and to stay relevant as a person in the world,” Jill said. “That’s important, whatever our age.”
While Senior Service programs address basic needs – say a meal delivery or a ride to the doctor – they also help clients maintain their independence so they can continue contributing to the community in the ways they choose.
“While important, a good day is not taking your pills. A good day is when you feel a sense of meaning and purpose in your life, and you’ve contributed somehow,” said Roni Falck, Senior Services Program Manager. “People don’t want to just exist. They want to feel connected and part of something bigger. It’s what makes people thrive, knowing they’re needed and wanted.”
When people find they need more support than they did previously, they look to JFCS to help them understand their options. Case management provides resources to help these individuals access services and supports, while also maintaining their sense of self and priorities.
A source of wisdom
Our Senior Services case managers always talk about the wisdom they receive from working with clients. John, a shopper with the Shopping Services program, which provides rides and support for errands determined by the client, likened his position to that of a bartender with wheels – and without beverages. “We know our clients and greet them by name when we step into their homes or they step into our car,” he said. “In these familiar and safe places, we listen to them.”
As we age, he said, we have fewer people in our lives to discuss the news of the day, reminisce with, and talk about our family and friends. He and other Senior Services staff listen with interest and without judgement or argument and keep what is heard in confidence.
“Everyone who has lived a long number of years has lived an interesting life and has much to say,” he said. “They have much to teach us about our own lives – how to better face the days ahead with a greater sense of perspective and proportion, with gratitude, bravery, and resiliency.”
Supporting caregivers
A big part of JFCS Senior Services is supporting family caregivers. We do this through care planning consultations; our Memory Café gatherings for people with memory loss and their caregivers; Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes, which provide self-care tools and resources; and the “Keeping the Spirit Alive” Caregivers Conference.
Caregiving can take many forms – it can be anything from occasionally giving rides to an older adult to having elderly parents move in with you. “We know caregivers are a key component to keeping seniors independent and thriving,” Roni said. “We provide supports for the caregivers so they don’t lose themselves in the caregiving role. It’s another resource in helping people maintain health and independence.”
JFCS also partners with the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany and other funders to provide an array of supports for Holocaust Survivors. Services include housecleaning, personal care support, kosher Meals on Wheels, shopping, case management and more. Despite the Survivor population aging, the program continues to enroll new clients every year, as Survivors are living longer and reaching a point where they need services they didn’t need in the past.
Not keeping up with cost of living
Like the Survivor support program, demand for our highly individualized and personalized services grows every year. Much of our client base is on a fixed income, with the cost of living often exceeding available funds. Therefore, our services are offered on a sliding-fee scale. In order to maintain exceptional staff and services, the program relies on support from the community.
A client like Fran, 91, is a perfect example of why JFCS’ Senior Services is so important to the community. She lives independently, but as she has aged, it has become more difficult for her to get to and from medical appointments, as well as navigate large medical centers by herself. She receives both Accompanied Transportation and Shopping Services from JFCS.
Her Accompanied Transportation driver is Jeanne, who always drops Fran at the door of the clinic, parks, and then takes her by the arm as she accompanies her to her doctor’s office. While Fran meets with her doctor, Jeanne waits outside the office and then accompanies her back to the car.
Fran can’t say enough good things about Jeanne – her kindness, helpfulness and for being with her every step of the way. “I’m living longer than I ever expected I would,” she said. “I didn’t realize how necessary it is for seniors to get this help. To do these things for seniors – I can’t say enough good things about JFCS.”
JFCS Senior Services: 36th Annual Benefit Fund-a-Need
Many seniors face isolation, loneliness, and difficulty accessing basic needs like food, medical care, and social connections. JFCS Senior Services provides essential support through transportation, shopping assistance, kosher Meals on Wheels, personalized case management, and Holocaust Survivor support. We also offer programs like Memory Café and Powerful Tools for Caregivers to support caregivers.
By combatting the challenges of aging, our services have a transformative impact that extends far beyond mere assistance. These services empower seniors to live independently and with dignity. Community funding is crucial to continue this vital work, reflecting our values of respect, professionalism and compassion for our elders.
Case management and other senior services is offered on a sliding-fee scale. In order to maintain exceptional staff and individualized services, the program needs support from the community. To make a gift to JFCS Senior Services, reach out to Dana Rubin at drubin@jfcsmpls.org or 952-542-4803 or visit https://events.handbid.com/auctions/jfcs-36th-annual-benefit/donations