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L'Chaim Adult Day Centre - a personal commentary
User:
sophiak
Date: 9/25/2006 5:59 am
Views: 907
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Delivered by Jack Beckow to the L'Chaim Adult Daycare Society Annual General Meeting 2005 I have been asked to say a few words about the difference L'Chaimhas made in my life. I've chosen to talk about that in four areas: nutrition, exercise, companionship and life changes. Before L'Chaim, I was not eating regularly or nutritiously, and I periodically ended up in the hospital with low blood sugar and low iron. I wasn't well and it cost money for prescriptions and Doctors to build me up again. Most other participants say that they no longer cook so they are in a similar position as I am with meals. Now, L'Chaim feeds me a hot, tasty, nutritious lunch, helping to keep me healthy and saving the province the expense for supporting me when I get sick. Before L'Chaim, I was unsteady on my legs and I didn't go out for much. When I went to the hospital, I found that I was no longer stable. I was in danger of falling and injuring myself. At L'Chaim, we exercise daily. Occasionally, we go on trips to White Rock, Sumas, or West Vancouver. The exercise program itself is designed for older people. The staff knows how to work with seniors, what we can do and what our limits are. They work with us with compassion and understanding, realizing that we are not able to do a lot of things we used to do. I always have someone to talk with me so I don't fall. I am under the observant eyes of a nurse, who sees that I don't lose my balance when I walk alone. The nurse checks my medical condition regularly. All these things mean a lot to me. Before L'Chaim, I wrestled with inactivity and boredom. Because I live alone, there was no one to share things with; it was like living in isolation. I found myself lapsing into lethargy and dullness. After a while, I was not responding even to the TV, because it became so boring. I found I was losing my ability to communicate easily with people. We all need someone to talk to. L'Chaim changed all that. When I go to L'Chaim, I am greeted warmly. The staff engages in conversation. I am recognized and accepted as a person, rather than being taken for granted. I find my friends there stimulating. There are Jews from many countries with widely differing experiences. I also enjoy hearing and speaking Yiddish for the first time in many years. First thing every morning, we go over the day's more interesting events in the newspaper. For instance, we talked about how we are able to keep close to our children, how to stay healthy, and other similar topics. We welcome all opinions, however divergent. I find our conversations enjoyable without being patronizing. It provides the feeling of family. Before L'Chaim, every day was the same. I had nothing to look forward to, no challenge in life, and no stimulus. I met and spoke to few people. As I aged, I had very little meaning and purpose in my life. Now, I have something to look forward to on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - and seeing the folks at L'Chaim. Hearing stories of people who defend Israel in the Arab wars and turned a desert into lush, green farms, or hearing how others lived in Lithuania, Romania, Hungary, and Russia. All of this brings meaning and purpose to my life. There are a few people who make L'Chaim as satisfying as it has been for me: Each time I visit, I look forward to the delicious meals prepared by cook Anka Katjic. Debbie Cossover and Rabbi Dina Hasida Mercy head up the caring staff and volunteers who provide the meaningful and stimulating activities to the 12 or 15 seniors that attend L'Chaim. To these people I am grateful. I hope that this has given you some idea of our appreciation for L'Chaim.
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