The "Gideon" Day Center for the Physically Frail Elderly
The Day Center is open five days a week for six hours a day.
Every member is bussed in each morning from their homes and returned in the early afternoon. Those with ambulatory difficulties are helped to and from the bus where either the electric step-on lift or the accessibility of the electric wheelchair platform makes transport less of a major obstacle. Participation in the Center is open to a wide population of physically Frail Elderly. Two meals a day, breakfast and lunch and a mid-morning snack are freshly prepared daily by an experienced cook according to a varied menu and the special needs of this group. For those who request, a shower is available on the premises.
Activities in the "Gideon Center" include:
One. The choice to participate with the independent Elderly in the daily religious studies for men conducted in the synagogue. In addition twice a week religious instruction for men and women together and once a week for women only.
Two. Handwork in copper engraving, ceramics, sewing, embroidery, knitting, painting, cutting, glueing, drawing etc.
Three. Physical therapy, daily exercises and music therapy twice a week.
Four. Animal Therapy meetings twice a month
Five. Physiotherapy three times a week with a qualified doctor. The physiotherapy room has space for three patients who are given individual treatment, but where circumstances deem it preferable, only one may be treated at a session.
Six. Discussions on current affairs after readings from the daily papers.
Seven. Experienced chiropodist (also available to other members of Beit Frankforter
Eight. Cosmetician
Nine. Individual acting performance, once a month, by experienced actress who works with the Elderly.
Ten. Concerts
Eleven. Lectures on various subjects: history, psychology, medicine, memory-loss etc. by professionals: doctors, historians, rabbis, psychologists.
Every member is bussed in each morning from their homes and returned in the early afternoon. Those with ambulatory difficulties are helped to and from the bus where either the electric step-on lift or the accessibility of the electric wheelchair platform makes transport less of a major obstacle. Participation in the Center is open to a wide population of physically Frail Elderly. Two meals a day, breakfast and lunch and a mid-morning snack are freshly prepared daily by an experienced cook according to a varied menu and the special needs of this group. For those who request, a shower is available on the premises.
Activities in the "Gideon Center" include:
One. The choice to participate with the independent Elderly in the daily religious studies for men conducted in the synagogue. In addition twice a week religious instruction for men and women together and once a week for women only.
Two. Handwork in copper engraving, ceramics, sewing, embroidery, knitting, painting, cutting, glueing, drawing etc.
Three. Physical therapy, daily exercises and music therapy twice a week.
Four. Animal Therapy meetings twice a month
Five. Physiotherapy three times a week with a qualified doctor. The physiotherapy room has space for three patients who are given individual treatment, but where circumstances deem it preferable, only one may be treated at a session.
Six. Discussions on current affairs after readings from the daily papers.
Seven. Experienced chiropodist (also available to other members of Beit Frankforter
Eight. Cosmetician
Nine. Individual acting performance, once a month, by experienced actress who works with the Elderly.
Ten. Concerts
Eleven. Lectures on various subjects: history, psychology, medicine, memory-loss etc. by professionals: doctors, historians, rabbis, psychologists.
Activities are divided into two main categories, those that are specific to the frail elderly and those where it is possible to join together with the independent Elderly. Occasions such as birthdays and festivals are celebrated with special programs and often with the participation of student volunteers or schoolchildren who prepare handwork and decorations for the room and for the house.
Copyright 2005 Jean KAUFFMANN