Senior Bulletin

Shabbat comes to Savannah Court

Hank and Suzanne Lander have been sharing Shabbats with Arthur and Harriet Schott for almost four years. When the Schotts recently moved into Savannah Court in Maitland, the Landers wanted to continue this tradition. Hank and Suzanne, as well as other volunteers from Congregation Bet Chaim in Casselberry began their monthly visits and were warmly welcomed by the Jewish residents.

“All of the residents participated in the service, reading different parts, singing songs and reading many of the prayers along with us as a group. One thing I have learned through our visits to the different facilities is that the residents’ Judaism stays with the them, even if they are no longer able to participate as often as they used to — they still know many of the prayers and the songs and it is wonderful to be able to share this with them,” Suzanne said after her initial experience at Savannah Court.

Suzanne’s quote pretty much sums up the mission of the Jewish Pavilion: to have our Jewish elders always feel connected to their faith and community. The Jewish Pavilion promises the elderly that the community will not forget them when they leave their home for a long-term care facility. It is an outreach organization of more than 400 volunteers and a small staff that provides one-on-one visitation and Jewish holiday celebrations.

The Landers will be conducting monthly Shabbats at Savannah Court on the second Saturday of every month (June 9 this month) at 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call 407-678-9363.

Health fair discusses helping people with disabilities

The Center for Independent Living recently held its first “Spring into Health” fair. During the event — which served to increase disability awareness and sensitivity — attendees learned about resources to help people with disabilities live independently in their own homes.

Seniors First Inc. dedicates new building to the elderly

Seniors First Inc. recently hosted a ribbon cutting at its redesigned office building. The remodel was funded by a $375,000 grant from Dr. Phillips Charities and allowed the nonprofit to consolidate its east and west offices into one location. Seniors First, which helps senior citizens live independently through a variety of programs and services (like Meals On Wheels), dedicated its new facility to the elderly in celebration of Older Americans Month in May. Since 1963, communities across the nation have come together to celebrate Older Americans Month — a tradition that shows the nation’s commitment to recognizing the contributions and achievements of seniors.

How to treat someone with dementia

“Tell me more about that” is what one should say to someone with dementia who is fabricating information, said Brenda Nieman, memory care consultant. She added, “Rather than correct comments that do not make sense, you need to go on the journey with them.” Brenda addressed Jewish Pavilion volunteers and members of the community at a workshop at Serenades by Sonata on May 10. Fifty participants at the Jewish Pavilion workshop learned how to improve their own brains by focusing on mind, body and spirit. Brenda explained that it takes a moment for a resident with dementia to focus, so it is important to say hello while six feet away and then slowly approach, grasp his thumb with one hand and take your opposite hand and place it on top of his hand. Then sit down beside the person where you can best communicate. Visit jewishpavilion.org for more information.

Local chapter’s organization honors members

The Central Florida Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution conducted its Annual Chapter Recognition program at the Mayflower Community Center on May 12 to pay homage to a number of its members for their outstanding service during the past year. Compatriots Dabney Carr Terrell Davis Jr. and Douglas Robert Copeland were presented with Special Service Plaques in recognition of their 30-plus and 35-plus years, respectively, of outstanding leadership and special services to the chapter and the community. In addition to these two members, 13 members were recognized: The Liberty Bell Award, the highest award, was presented to Frederic F. Gaines Jr., Renaldo J. Hamilton and Norman L. Myers; The Martha Washington Medal to Janet May; the SAR Ladies Appreciation Medal to Joy Sizemore; the Bronze Good Citizenship Medal to Anne Andrews, Vivian McElroy and Daniel Stebbins; the Meritorious Service Medal to Richard A. Brownell, Timothy J. McElroy and Cecil N. Thompson; the Distinguished Service Certificate to Michael R. Danforth and Paul S. May; and the Certificate of Appreciation to Daniel R. Dall and David A. Hoover.

Social Security announces new allowances

In April, Social Security announced 52 new Compassionate Allowances conditions to the growing list of severe medical conditions that qualify for expedited medical decisions. The new conditions include many neurological disorders, cancers and rare diseases. The Compassionate Allowances initiative is a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify as “disabled” based on minimal medical information. Visit socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances