Magazine of the Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver senior line
Volume 19(2) – 2012
Information | Education | Advocacy | Peer Support Services Your experts in:
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JSA Wish List for Peer Support Services Our office is in need of: 1) A desktop computer – ($1,800) 2) 2 x laser printers – ($750 each) Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver 949 W. 49th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 2T1 TAble of contents 604.732.1555 | [email protected] | www.jsalliance.org Volume 19(2) – July 2012 CHARITABLE REGISTRATION #88362 1401 RR0001
Cover art by Bella Sherman (see page 9 for details) THE TEAM Photography of the cover art – Adele Lewin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Edith Shier wish list – Inside front cover PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 2–3 EDITORIAL COMMITTEE EDITOR’S MESSAGE 4 Dena Dawson Dr. Rubin Feldman Binny Goldman Serge Haber Letters to the editor 4 Shanie Levin Rita Roling membership 5 Marilyn Berger Helen Aqua Review: Brain Smart 6–7 Karon Shear (JSA Coordinator) article: Why Laughter? 8–9 CONTRIBUTORS our cover artist 9 Serge Haber Edith Shier honouring our seniors 10–11 Binny Goldman Jennie Virtue Review: JSA Snider Foundation 12–14 Allan O’Meara Bella Sherman Empowerment Series 2011-12 Joanne Wilson Debby Altow You & your money series Yuriy Rubin Shanie Levin Rob Wipond Faina Kagansky Pull-out useful resources 15–16 Sylvia Hill Cynthia Ross Cravit ongoing events – pull out 17–18 Micky Goldwein article: Forced drugging of seniors 19–20 still increasing LAYOUT & DESIGN Barbi Braude oak street farmers market 21 Russian Jewish Seniors Society 21 DISTRIBUTION celebration of the Victory Day The Mitzvah Makers, Serge Haber, Rita Roling, changes to registration disability 22 Rita Propp, John Cerny saving plan ADVERTISERS Words of Wisdom 23 Helping Hands article: The Stranger 23 Pharmasave, (Oak & W. 42nd Ave) inspiration: Petty ponderings 24 Temple Sholom Sisterhood Giftshop medical: GETTING YOUR DAY OFF TO AN 24 The Weinberg Residence ZLC Financial Group ALLERGY-FREE start Jewish National Fund medical: smart sleeping 25–26 Morley Shafron – Central Agencies JNF ADVERTORIAL 27 humour: Cyanide 27 jsa’s affiliated organizations, 28 advocacy partnership and with grateful thanks to our sponsors
Thank you to Jack Kowarsky, and the Lohn family. This issue has been made possible by a donation of funds by Mr. Jack Kowarsky in memory of the Lohn Family. an audience of 250. Although Housing Options; Your Healthcare we made some money, all of Options; Financial Frauds it went to cover expenses. We and Scams; Smart Budgeting; SERGE HABER gained lots of experience. It was Tzedakkah Wills and Estates; a wonderful social event and a were extraordinary titles and good opportunity to learn how to intended to empower many of our prepare for such an event for this seniors. Although the speakers year. This year’s event ‘A Nite of were excellent, apparently the Jewish Humour’ will take place concern of money possibly was on August 9th, at the premises too serious a subject and the of Congregation Beth Israel. attendance was moderately good. Thank you Michael Geller and I must say that the content of Alvin Wasserman for suggesting these Empowerment Series have the idea, carrying it through and been met with excellent approval PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE being fully involved in the project. from many organizations around the town. Dear friends Seniors Care in Crisis Senior Line As we approach the threshold of As part of our advocacy work, on our tenth anniversary in 2013, we Oct 30th 2011 with Dr. Rubin The Senior Line magazine that are gathered today to report on Feldman as chair we had our is now being published three this year’s Jewish Seniors Alliance Fall Symposium entitled ‘Seniors times a year is receiving excellent activities for the fiscal year of Care in Crises’. Wonderful reports, as one magazine that 2011-2012. As president I am subject, wonderful panel, must be read. Of course the representing a very successful very good attendance of 175, credit is due to Edith Shier and executive and board who have excellent job Rubin. her committee, as well as the worked tirelessly for this year’s able qualities of Karon Shear, our great success. And what a year! BrainSmart coordinator to have put the Senior Line in such a wonderful format. On July 1st, 2011 we took On April 22nd 2012, we held possession of our new premises our Spring Forum entitled jewish seniors Directory on 49th and Oak. To highlight ‘BrainSmart’ chaired by this change of location we had a Jennie Virtue. Attendance of The Vancouver Jewish Seniors housewarming gathering in our approximately 180 Jewish and Directory, which we edit was new location. Close to 100 people non-Jewish seniors of all ages distributed in the Greater gathered to place the mezuzot 55+ enjoyed a wonderful event. Vancouver area. This editorial on the entrance doors. We were Serious business, laughter, and committee was Co-chaired by graced with the attendance of social ambience was the net Edith Shier and Dena Dawson – Mordechai Wosk who placed the result of this forum. thank you. mezuzah and gave an explanation of the meaning of a mezuzah on Thank you Jennie. Website the door. We were also graced by the attendance of Federal Minister Empowerment Series As you may well know – or maybe Alice Wong, Provincial MLA you don’t know – we have a The JSA Snider Foundation website that has recently been Moira Stillwell, and Mayor Gregor Empowerment Series chaired by Robertson of Vancouver. updated professionally and Ken Levitt took place at various it promised to be a source of venues in Greater Vancouver. information for what is happening Nite of Jewish Humour Each event had its own volunteer with our organization, as well as On July 14th we undertook a organizers, moderator and panel a source of information for all new activity namely - Old Jews of speakers. The theme was seniors of Greater Vancouver and Telling Jokes. This was our first “You and Your Money”. Subjects their families. The success of this fundraising event, and attracted like Managing Your Money; Your website will depend on the quality
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 2 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 3 of upkeep that we put into it on far have the intent of outreach to an additional $50,000 for the a regular basis as well as your seniors, prevention and advocacy. purpose of Peer Support Services. help in looking at the website on JSA is concerned with forging a regular basis…very important. relationships, making people In my humble opinion, Jewish The more people that visit our feel as if they belong, promoting Seniors Alliance is on the website, the more we will have a self-esteem, being inclusive, and threshold of an extraordinary good reason for many advertisers alleviating loneliness. expansion. The importance of to pay for being part of our site. the organization in its ability to deliver services to our Jewish If successful it could be the only Peer Support Services source of funds that we may ever seniors will increase dramatically. need to run our JSA organization. A special opportunity has come our way and we are on the None of this would have been possible if we did not have a advocacy work threshold of a very crucial and serious initiative of developing wonderful, dedicated, Board and Executive, as well as the Our involvement and participation Peer Support Services. The exemplary support that we have in advocacy work with other first project is Peer Counselling Greater Vancouver organizations which is underway under the received from our staff, Karon and have created very positive links in able chairperson of Rita Roling Rita who work diligently with all the community. We must thank and Charles Liebovitch as their hearts and many extra hours Len Cohen for representing us coordinator. Money for this pilot in order to fulfill our dreams. Rita at the Vancouver Cross Cultural project has been advanced to and Karon, we thank you. Seniors Network and BC Health us by the Jewish Community We must not forget to mention and Coalition. I was honoured to Foundation. We are in the thank Marian Cohen who chaired represent us at COSCO – Council midst of developing additional the social part of our AGM. of Senior Citizens Organizations programs, namely friendly of British Columbia, and visitor support and friendly To our many volunteers who deserve BC Coalition of People with calling support. This will involve our thanks – thank you. Last but Disabilities. specially trained seniors to do not least, we must thank the both the calling and the visiting. Mitzvah Makers for their wonderful We have also kept in touch support work as volunteers in the verbally and personally with Information and Referral many tasks performed for the JSA various MLA’s and in fact a whenever needed. delegation represented by myself Information and Referral will be (Serge), Rita and Ben Roling, part of this new Peer Support and Marilyn Berger, visited with Project and as such our staff MLA Ron Cantelon, Parliamentary and volunteer seniors will be advisory to the Minister of Health trained to use the computerized in Victoria. We presented many information to provide this very concerns that seniors in general important service. Our website and Jewish seniors in particular will also play a very important role Serge Haber have to deal with. We were well in this information and referral (604) 271-1990 or received, and were introduced at program. email [email protected] a sitting legislation and generally we have done a good job. 40% of all seniors are using websites and this number will The future increase dramatically as new seniors join our ranks. Although I have taken a little bit of time to enumerate the We have received a grant of successes of this past year, I $25,000 from the Federal would like to deal with the future Government’s New Horizons for of our organization. All the events Seniors Program, and we have and undertakings mentioned so confirmation from the Diamond Foundation that we will receive
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 2 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 3 letters to the editor A letter to Jane Dyson President of the B.C. Coalition of People Re: Federal Budget 2012 with Disabilities (BCCPD) re Taxi Saver Program Canadians are not well served by a federal government that shifts Dear Jane its costs onto the provinces, the environment, the unemployed and Re: Taxi Saver Program our most vulnerable seniors. Thank you very much for giving me The Conservative government will the opportunity to review the very edith shier balance its budget, but as a negative effect that abolishing the consequence, you won’t balance Taxi Saver Program will have on yours. the lives of our senior citizens and disabled individuals who use this Larry Kazdan, editor’S MESSAGE TransLink system every day. Vancouver I presented your concerns to a Welcome members to the coming recent meeting of our Board of warm days of summer at last! We AGM Thank yous Directors. There was an expression have just completed a wonderful of support for your efforts to year of successful events for our I want to thank my friends and restore this important service. Seniors. You may read the reviews family for being here with me this We know that there are some evening and I would especially in this issue of Senior Line. indications that TransLink may like to thank the Jewish Seniors reconsider the decision or make Our Annual General Meeting Alliance for this honour they have some changes so that disabled, and bestowed on me. happened on June 21st, 2012; seniors will not suffer. If there is any way that we could be of help to showcasing this year’s seniors Volunteering has always given me you in your endeavors to reverse honoured. A delicious dinner pleasure and has also given me a this TransLink decision, please let and musical entertainment were meaning and purpose to my life. me know. enjoyed by all. As a volunteer I have received Sincerely as much as I have given. I am We are also planning a mid- very touched by this gesture of Serge Haber, summer comedy event, in August; recognition and I thank you all. President Jewish Seniors Alliance so watch for news on it to come! Goldie Kassen Board of Directors Wishing everyone a healthy, happy >>>>>>>> and enjoyable summer. Dear Friends
I would like to again say thank you for honouring me for my volunteer work in the community and for doing so at a very pleasant evening. I was very pleased to meet Marian Cohen and Serge Haber. It was also great to reconnect with several old friends. Your Editor-in-Chief, Edith Shier Along with my personal thanks, I would like to thank you on behalf of National Council of Jewish Women of Vancouver – the organization very dear to me. Best wishes to the Jewish Seniors Don’t judge each day by the Alliance of Greater Vancouver for every future success. harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant. Esther Brauer
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 4 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 5 membership co-chairs Lyle Pullan & Binny goldman Keep in touch Help us keep our mailing list up to date. Please call us at the JSA office: 604.732.1555 or e-mail [email protected]
welcome to new members Arnold Abramson Sam & Ruth Allman Helen Alko Tammi Belfer we need numbers Barbara Eisinger In order to advocate to our government – WE NEED NUMBERS. Becky Fayerman In the event that they should heed to our needs with any speed – Ralph & Ruth Jackson WE NEED NUMBERS. This alliance to sustain and our credibility Fanny Lewis to maintain – WE NEED NUMBERS. So turn to all those you can Judy & David Mandleman and recruit friends ... women or men – WE NEED NUMBERS. Bella Sherman Our wish to all of us in 5772 is that we all strive to do even more Barrie & Ellen Yackness than we do!!
Return to: JSA of Greater Vancouver reminder: MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AND/OR APPLICATION FORM. 949 W 49 Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2T1 604 732 1555
Please print Name Email Address Postal Code Telephone ❏ I wish to become a member @ $18 a year ❏ We wish to become spousal members @ $36 a year ❏ We wish to make a further donation of $ ______For a donation of $180 you will be honoured as a Life Member Cheque enclosed for $ ______payable to Jewish Seniors Alliance Credit Card # Expiry Date / Signature
A tax receipt will be issued for a 1 year membership of $18 and up.
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 4 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 5 Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver Annual Spring Forum
Laughter Yoga Movement, telling us she didn’t know whether his socks were as mismatched as his shoes, which were enchantingly orange and green. Allan had us all spinning, twirling, singing, breathing, and doing laughter yoga, sharing thoughts and holding hands with our neighbours. Peals of laughter By Binny Goldman of the preventative measures rang out through the auditorium Edited by Jennie Virtue that can be employed to ward proving that feeling silly was FUN! off debilitating signs that may “ We don’t stop playing because accompany our senior years. In the reading material that we have grown old; we grow old Allan O’Meara left on each table, because we stop playing.” – There are sobering facts that are he stated that the purpose of George Bernard Shaw prevalent: 1 person out of 14 million will laughter is to make us feel good, That was the theme made obvious win Lotto 649 both in mind and body! Research has proven that laughter has if you were one of the more BUT than 185 people who attended a positive impact on various Brainsmart, the JSA annual 1 in 0.615 will develop a systems of our body and helps Spring Forum, on April 22 at Beth devastating and life-altering to remove the negative effects of disease, HOWEVER according to STRESS, which has the power the COCHRANE REVIEW, using to bring on more than 70% of mental stimulation, even when we illnesses, such as high blood already have mild dementia, and pressure, asthma, depression, by incorporating challenging and headaches, ulcers, etc. He multi-modal exercises using our advocated boosting our immune cognitive and physical abilities we system through laughter and can improve our mental health. added that laughing is internal jogging, helping us to maintain These methods can be geared internal good health. for us personally as long as we Israel synagogue. include a daily variety. We now know that social interaction plays Forum Chair Jennie Virtue, a key role in warding off dementia enthusiastically welcomed the and even is the ingredient to crowd, mentioning the many and lengthening the years we live. He varied accomplishments of JSA encouraged us all to tune into and extolled the qualities of its an easy-to-follow video by Mike president, Serge Haber. Evans, 23 1/2 hours, which will further ensure our good health in She then introduced our first future years. speaker, Dr. Jean-François Kozak, co-director of the Primary Care He left us with: “Running a red of the Elderly Research Group at light doesn’t count you still have Providence Health Centre and a to exercise.” research faculty member at the University of British Columbia. Jennie Virtue introduced our next Dr. Kozak guided us through some speaker, Allan O’Meara, a laughter coach and pioneer in the Worldwide
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 6 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 7 So, if we were to follow our first fruit, and cookies prepared by the two speakers’ regimes, we could Bagel Club. be laughing our way through our days happily and pretty much in Serge Haber thanked Jennie, control of our world. nostalgically reminding us that she was there at the birth of JSA Our last speaker, Franca Temolo- and had returned to chair the Jones, the Executive Director of Forum. Elder Therapy Design, concurred with Dr. Kozak that it is of We left laughing, feeling sated utmost importance to keep our physically and emotionally and minds sharp with challenging determined to incorporate more games, done competitively with laughter into our daily lives. friends, or alone, as in watching ‘Jeopardy’ or ‘Wheel of Fortune’. Her game of questions had us all loudly shouting our answers to questions about long ago: jingles; song titles; couples in the entertainment industry; famous lines attributed to actresses. We were eager to prove that our long term memory was intact!! Some participants received a mini Rubik’s cube for the correct answers. Satisfied smiles appeared on our faces as our self esteem soared. It seems that Franca was correct that seniors were the smartest people in the world because they have lived long and experienced much. Jennie thanked all the hard working team of volunteers who had brought this extremely successful forum to fruition, including the Mitzvah Makers and the BI staff. We were all treated to a delicious and healthy assortment of veggies and dip,
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 6 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 7 the body’s metabolism to work. To get more oxygen the respiratory system must be in perfect order. The act of breathing is a natural form of massage/ exercise for the major digestive organs. The abdominal muscles need to be exercised regularly for this massage to be effective. The act of Why laughing, e.g. belly laughs and the act of raising ones arms up and taking a deep breath, is what the scientists call ‘internal jogging’. Regular laughing Laughter? not only strengthens the abdominal muscles and gives a constant massage it holds the abdominal organs in their proper place to ensure digestion Allan O’Meara and absorption. www.laughteryoga.ca or laughteryoga.org Benefits of Laughter: [email protected] • Anti– Stress Laughter is the most economical and easy Scientists say that laughter is anti–stress measure. It is a muscle relaxant, expands the blood vessels, and reduces the stress good for body and mind: hormones in the body such as epinephrine and Over the past two decades, extensive research has cortisol. To reduce stress via other methods takes been conducted all over the world and it has been a lot of mental effort to detach oneself from the proved that laughter has a positive impact on various physical world. To laugh is a natural process and systems of the body. Laughter helps to remove the all the senses naturally and effortlessly combine in negative effects of STRESS, which is the number a moment of harmony. one killer today. More than 70% of illnesses like high • Best Aerobic Exercise blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, depression, Laughing drives a sense of well being. 15 minutes frequent coughs and colds, peptic ulcer, insomnia, laughing in the morning sets you up for the day. allergies, asthma, menstrual difficulties, tension Dr William Fry (Stanford University) reckons 1 headaches, stomach upsets and even cancer have minute laughing is worth 10 minutes on a rowing some relations to stress. Also, it has been proved machine. This will help sedentary people most of beyond a shadow of doubt that laughter helps to all. e.g. those disabled or in a wheelchair. boost our immune system, which is the master key for maintaining good health. • Depression and Anxiety Modern living is taking a heavy toll on the mind. • S cientific Rationale of Yoga and Laughter Depression, anxiety, nervous breakdowns and All organs are made of tissue. To keep the organs sleeping difficulties are said to be on the increase. in good health they need a constant supply of Laughing has helped reduce reliance on drugs and nourishment like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, people in India are getting better sleep. salts, minerals and vitamins. These come from the food we eat. The supply depends on their quality, • High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease the power of the digestion and the absorption of 10 minutes laughing will drop blood pressure the digestive system. The circulatory and digestive by 10–20mm. It is not recommended to replace systems must vitamins. These come from the food modern medication but it helps. Perhaps the we eat. The supply depends on their quality, the medication can be reduced. Laughter helps the power of the digestion and the absorption of the blood circulation and oxygen supply to muscles. digestive system. The circulatory and digestive systems must be efficient for the nutrients to reach all parts of the body. Then oxygen is required for
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 8 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 9 • Natural Pain Killer Laughter increases the levels of endorphins in our bodies which are natural pain killers. Our Cover Artist • Internal Jogging Laughing provides a massage for the internal organs. It enhances blood supply and increases their efficiency.T he best effect is to the intestines, it improves blood supply and helps the bowels to move properly. • Makes you look younger – Exercise for the Face Laughing is excellent for the facial muscles. When you laugh the face becomes red due to the increase in blood supply nourishing the skin and makes the face glow. It squeezes the tear glands and makes the eyes sparkle. Bella Sherman is a Vancouver artist who found her voice through painting later in life. It Laughter activities and materials are not designed started as a hobby and slowly became a passion. to take you away from whatever healing or health She attended the Arizona Art School, various programmes you are on – whether orthodox or workshops in Scottsdale, Art School classes at alternative. Instead it is meant to enhance and Emily Carr and the Vancouver Academy of Art. support your own chosen process and growth. In She is constantly learning and exploring new the field of healing there are no guarantees, and horizons and at present is a student under the there are as many routes to healing and health tutorship of local artist Paul Chizik. as there are people. Hopefully, the Laughter activities and materials will inspire and support Her works hang in private homes in Canada, the you in whatever path you choose. US and the UK. Her approach is mostly classical. This painting, a rendering and study of a painting (original artist unknown), attracted her because of THE Weinberg Residence the magnificent colors, the lush clusters of shrubs and trees, and the reflection of the light in the As part of the Dr. Irving and Phyliss Snider pond. This gives a sense of peace and harmony, Campus, The Weinberg Residence offers Assisted Living and Multi-Level Care for which reflects her love of nature. seniors within a Jewish community. ASSISTED LIVING A vibrant place where you can live with Painting is poetry that is seen independence and choice in a safe, home-like environment. Kosher meals, personal care, emergency response and interesting leisure rather than felt, and poetry activities will complement your experience while enhancing your quality of life. MULTI-LEVEL CARE is painting that is felt rather Sometimes you need extra help. COME FOR A • Long Term Stay • Convalescent Care TOUR! • Respite Care • Out of Town Stay than seen. Open 9 am to • Palliative Support 5 pm weekdays. Let us make a difference! Phone Vanessa by Leonardo da Vinci Trester at The harry and JeaneTTe Weinberg 604.267.4722. (of balTimore) residence 5650 Osler Street, Vancouver [email protected] www.weinbergresidence.com
The Dr. Irving and Phyliss Snider Campus for Jewish Seniors, site of the Louis Brier Home & Hospital and the Weinberg Residence
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PROOF 2 Jewish Seniors Alliance – Senior Line 1/4 page: 3.6” w x 4.5” ht, b/w Karon Shear | [email protected] Prepared: September 2011 Honouring our seniors
These inspiring volunteers keep on enriching our community and were honoured at the JSA Annual General Meeting held June 21.
“ Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another.” Erma Bombeck
GOLDIE KASSEN (JIAS), welcoming Russian interviewed by Joanne Wilson Jewish families to Saskatoon and ESTHER BRAUER Goldie learned about community helping them get settled into the interviewed by Debby Altow service early in life. She was born community. in rural Saskatchewan to Russian Esther Brauer’s volunteer After her husband passed away, immigrant parents who fled the activities are so many that one Goldie moved to Vancouver, in pogroms in Russia. They were wonders when she finds time 1988 to be near her children the only Jewish family in the to be with her husband, Fred, and grandchildren. She became community and both parents were children and grandchildren who an active member of the JSA, proactive contributors to the rural have been blessed to have her in as secretary. She enjoys playing community life. their midst. Bridge at various levels, but Goldie met her future husband now that managing the gift shop From her earliest studies in while volunteering in the Air Force at Louis Brier, and being the Montreal at Concordia through Reserve during the war and they buyer as well as putting hours in her MA in Social Work, obtained were married in 1945 and moved behind the counter, has cut into from the school of Social Studies to Saskatoon. It was a close-knit her free time somewhat, but still Administration, University of community that worked together continues the game. Chicago, through a dedicated in all aspects of Jewish life. career of continuing education Her friends and colleagues in Cognitive Learning as well Goldie was active in Hadassah describe her as one of the most as in area of team approaches and served on the board giving people, always ready to to developmental disabilities, of directors of the Jewish lend a hand or a sympathetic ear, Esther’s commitment to soc ial Community in the late1970’s continually thinking of others first. action has been unparalleled. becoming their representative to We of the JSA are truly honoured the Jewish Immigrant Aid Society to honour you Goldie!
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Her entire work history children. Ida proudly informed demonstrates her enormous me that he is a programming range: case work with seniors and Engineer. Ida also has a daughter adolescents; innovations with who lives in Burnaby with her family day care systems; serving husband and son. Her daughter as a psychotherapist/clinician and works at Willingdon Park Hospital field supervisor, Esther modelled as an office manager. the kind of professional her students aspired to become. Being a widow, Ida devotes much of her time and energy to She was inducted into the “Most-Bridge” Society where she Children’s Advocate Hall of Fame. became a member in 2006 and was subsequently elected to the This continued in Vancouver board in 2008 and appointed as where for the past 10 years, she IDA GITLINA interviewed by Yuriy Rubin and a member of the Editorial Council has worked with children at inner of the Society’s Bulletin. schools, concentrating recently Binny Goldman on children needing one to one IDA GITLINA, our third honouree Her responsibilities include: assistance. is part of the board of the JSA Representing Most-Bridge Society in the JSA and She has also served with a Jewish and I have been privileged to have become acquainted with participating in the Bulletin Federation group examining productions. Yuriy states that Ida poverty and homelessness in the her...just a little, as we somehow manage to sit next to one another fulfills her duties at the highest Jewish Community of Vancouver. level possible She effectively For the National Council of Jewish at our board meetings. Ida has gained my admiration and interacts with the JSA; she is the Women of Canada ‘s Vancouver author and the translator of many section, she has served as Social that of our board as attending meetings which consist of many articles published in the Bulletin, Action Chair, working to provide a English language newspaper city-wide post partum depression discussions in a language not your own, certainly cannot be easy ... Jewish Independent” and the forum, establishing a process JSA Senior Line. for agencies and family friendly but never the less, Ida strives to initiatives to apply for youth at be an active contributing member Ida actively participates in risk and serving on the Board of of the JSA board. preparation of holiday parties and Directors. Ida was born in Kiev, Ukraine and events. She is a disciplined and was forced to escape to Uzbekistan responsible person, understanding The JSA is privileged to honour the importance and meaning of you, Esther. when she was only aged two, never to return to her place of birth the tasks she is accountable for. because of World War Two. She As you can see, Ida too is well arrived in Canada in 1996. deserved of the honour we of the Ida has a son, living in Seattle, JSA are bestowing on her. who is married and had two
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 10 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 11 reviewed by Shanie Levin Empowerment Series 2011–12
The theme of this year’s Empowerment Series was “You and Your Money”. Considering the economic situation today and the difficulties this poses for seniors, this was a very topical choice. For those who were unable to attend these sessions they have been filmed and are available on the www.jsalliance.org for your viewing.
Managing your money in uncertain times your housing options Estimating your retirement needs; maximizing your retirement Range of options and associated costs. INFORMATION: assets; and what pitfalls are. The continuum of housing options; subsidised housing; reverse mortgage, deferring property taxes Manulife One – the “What If” account: www.manulifeone.ca The theme of the first session The second session “Your Vancouver Coastal Health on of the JSA-Snider Foundation Housing Options” took place Home Support, Assisted Living, Empowerment Series 2011-12 on Feb. 1st at the Jewish and Residential Care was “Managing your Money in Community Centre. It was co- Uncertain Times” was held at ordinated by Donna Kantor of the www.vch.ca Congragation Schara Tzedeck Jewish Family Service Agency. www.seniorshousing.bc.ca The speakers at this meeting www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca were Kelly Therrien, Banking Consultant Manulife, Mavis Friesen, Manager Supportive Living VCH, Paulona Ho, RN your healthcare options Central Intake VCH, Michelle Options available – public and private health care Cunnington, GM Cavell Gardens. All options from living in ones own home to independent Nov. 2011. The panel consisted supportive living, to the various of three financial advisors, Mike levels of residential care available Bensimhon, Philip Levinson and were described. Bonnie Rapaport. The panel was moderated by another expert in the The extra safety net that has been field,S am Shamash. Each speaker created by the JFSA for support The third session “Your focused on a different aspect of services offered on a sliding scale Health Care Options”, coordinated the theme. was presented. Mention was also by the Kehila Richmond Jewish made of the advocacy work of JSA Seniors, took place at Beth Tikvah and the seniors programming of synagogue on Feb. 13th. The the JCC as further contributing to event was chaired by Marilyn the well being of seniors. Berger of the JSA.
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 12 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 13 Peter Silen, of Diamond Geriatrics, Session four, “Financial Frauds @ConsumerProBC www.facebook. described the passage from and Scams”, was co-sponsored com/ ConsumerProtectionBC independence to dependence, with the Sholom Aleichem Seniors giving details of the transitioning of the Vancouver Peretz Centre and BC Crime Prevention Association process and the health indicators was held on Mar. 16th. The panel 120-12414 82nd Ave Surrey BC. pointing to the move. of three was made up of: V3W 3E9 Tel. 604 501 9222 Toll Free: 1 (888) 405 2288 Email: Joanne Haramia, Director of Lynda Pasacreta, President & [email protected] www.bccpa.org Seniors Services for JFSA, spoke CEO Better Business Bureau, of the importance of life planning Jeff Bowser, Investigator B.C. for care and retirement. She Securities Commission, Lynda emphasized that aging in place Grange, Det/Cst Financial Crime the need for care-years planning is always the preferred option Unit, Vancouver Police Dept, and in todays canada where possible. The home care was chaired by Al Stein. Aging successfully with passion and purpose programme, that was developed by JFSA in response to provincial Many of the scams being cuts and was mentioned in the perpetrated today were described session on housing was again with an emphasis on those discussed. Another type of specifically targeting seniors. programme in which neighbours They mentioned Ponzi schemes, help neighbours that is developing grandparent scams, telemarketing in the USA was also mentioned. frauds and fake charity representations. We were cautioned INFORMATION: to be aware—if it sounds too good Session five, “Planning Counselling and consulting on to be true don’t trust it. Contact Successfully for the Later Years”, eldercare: police if you feel you are being was held at Harel synagogue on victimized and you may help others Apr. 17th. The speaker was Patty Diamond Geriatrics: from falling for a scam. Randall, who has written several www.diamondgeriatrics.com books on the subject. There is tel: 604.874.7764 INFORMATION: a longevity revolution going on Invest Right is a program of the BC due to changes in life expectancy ElderPost.com contains free Securities Commission: because of medical advances. The classifieds for Seniors, Caregivers, tel: 604.899.6854 or term “middle-essence”, refers to Products, Services 1.800.373.6393 (toll free) the one-third of our lives that now occurs in our later years. JFSA Seniors Department: or check the website at www.jfsa.ca InvestRight.org OR Email Planning is crucial. The speaker tel: 604.257.5151 [email protected] listed the following criteria, which if followed would reduce the risks Better Business Bureau of of problems of aging. Mainland British Columbia Suite 404, 788 Beatty Street Vancouver, step one: gaining awareness financial fraud & scams BC V6B 2M1 Tel. 604 682 2711 and understanding – education is Protect yourself from making uninformed decisions Toll Free: 1 (888) 803 1222 the key Email: [email protected] www.mbc.bbb.org step two: organizing documents and information @BBB_BC www.facebook.com/ BBBmainlandBC step three: becoming informed as to our governments’ programs Consumer Protection BC PO Box and their benefits 9244 Victoria, BC V8W 9J2 Toll Free in BC: 1 (888) 564 9963 step four: gaining an [email protected] awareness of the ‘real costs’ of www.consumerprotectionbc.ca care and an understanding of how
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 12 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 13 these care needs are going to be paid for when the them at [email protected] time comes Do You Have a Will?: step five: talking with your family members If you wish to discuss whether it would be step six: asking questions--always appropriate to name the Public Guardian and Trustee as your executor, please call 604.660.4444 INFORMATION: and ask to speak to an Estate Administrator, or www.longtermcarecanada.com email [email protected]. Patty Randall’s most informative website with The Public Guardian and Trustee can also be many interesting videos on the topic is highly reached through Service BC: 604.660.2421 recommended. Medication Tzedakah, Wills & Estates Options available – public and private health care do you know what you’re taking? why you are taking it? when to take it? what not to take with it?
You should know the names and doses of your medications. This may be important in an emergency or if you go to a walk in clinic. Knowing what your medications are for will make you a more educated patient and will help you make better health decisions. The sixth and final event T“ zedaka, Wills and Some medications must be taken at certain times of the Estates”, took place at Temple Sholom on May 10th. day, some with or without food and some apart from other Rabbi Bregman explained the Jewish concept of one medications. Some non-prescription medications and generation taking care of the next, and how this is supplements will interact with your prescription medication. becoming more difficult in present circumstances. It’s never a bad idea to double check with your doctor or At the same time, we must continue to teach our pharmacist when the best time is to take your medication, and children, by example, the mitzvah of Tzedaka. whether a non-prescription medication or supplement is safe Jack Micner, an estate lawyer, spoke of the to take with your medication. Do not stop taking a prescription importance of a clearly outlined will, that would medication without first consulting your doctor. ease the passing of a loved one for the heirs. The We invite you to come in for a medication review and address your executor must be a person trusted by all involved. medication questions and concerns. Minimizing the need for probate can also simplify We’re here for you seven days a week. things both financially and time wise. Monday to Friday 9:30am – 7pm Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm Robert Magnusson of the Public Guardian and Trustee, explained the difficulties resulting from dying intestate. This year’s Empowerment Series was ably chaired by Ken Levitt and an active committee of JSA. Those who attended the sessions indicated they found them to be useful and informative. The Pharmasave team from left: Allan, Rudy (Pharmacist Estate Administration Services: and Owner), Heather, Willis and Annie If you would like more information about the Estate Oak & W 42nd Avenue Administration Services offered by the Public Tel 604 269 3617 Fax 604 269 3761 We always greet you with a smile. Guardian and Trustee, please call 604.660.4444 and ask to speak to an Estate Administrator or email
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 14 Useful resources section to keep for reference
general information services Alcohol and Drug Info & Referral – education, prevention and treatment services, and regulatory 604-660-9382 agencies related to any kind of substance abuse. Ambulance Billing Service 1-800-665-7199 BC 211 Information and Referral–General information line accessible 24 hrs, 7 days a week 211 Health and Seniors Information Line www.health.gov.bc.ca 1-800-465-9411 “One stop” for information on both health and non-health related federal and provincial government programs and services. Accessible 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Translation services are available in 130 languages. Jewish Family Services Agency, Senior Services 604-257-5151 Provides information to seniors and their families in all aspects of the aging journey. Accessible local 217 / 218 / 219 Mon to Fri 8:30am–5pm excluding statutory and Jewish holidays. Jewish Seniors Alliance Information and Referral Services www.jsalliance.org 604-732-1555 Provides information regarding services of interest to Jewish seniors and their primary/ secondary care-givers. Accessible 9:00 am–5:00 pm. Monday to Thursday excluding statutory and Jewish holidays. Medical Services Plan Subscriber Information www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp 1-800-663-7100 Vancouver 604-683-7151 Automated service providing enrolment and premium information and answers to frequently asked questions. 24 hour service PharmaCare (including the Fair Pharmacare Plan) 604-683-7151 Poison Control Centre www.dpic.org 1-800-567-8911 Police/ ambulance /fire emergencies 911 SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Residents) Provides monthly payments to subsidize rents for 604-433-2218 press “1” eligible BC seniors 55+ or over and who pay rent. SAIL (Seniors Advocacy & Information Line) 604-437-1940 Mon to Fri, 9:00 am–1:00 pm. Hotline for older adults re elder abuse or rights violations. Offers legal information, victim services support, referrals to a lawyer and advocacy. Seniors must be 55+ and meet eligibility criteria for lawyer referral. Program operated by BC Centre for Elder Advocacy. SHIP (Seniors Housing Information Program) 604-520-6621 Operated by the Seniors Services Society, the directory provides a comprehensive list of housing available for seniors living in or wishing to live in the Lower Mainland of BC. INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES 1-800-Banting – The Canadian Diabetes Association www.diabetes.ca 1-800-226-8464 For those living with diabetes, family, friends, and caregivers – with information on the prevention and management of diabetes and referral to various community resources. Canada offers disease information, programs. Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service www.cancer.ca 1-888-939-3333 Up-to-date information on a variety of cancer related topics, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. Can help find cancer-related services and programs in local communities, and interpreter service. Heart & Stroke Foundation of B.C. www.heartandstroke.ca 1-888-473-4636 Dedicated to the prevention and relief of heart disease and stroke in B.C. and the Yukon. 604-736-4404 Provides information on research and support groups. Kidney Foundation of Canada www.kidney.ca 1-800-361-7494 Dedicated to Research into kidney disease and related disorders, as well as public education 604-736-9775 and patient services.
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 14 COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT SERVICES Alzheimer Society of B.C. www.alzheimerbc.org 604-681-6530 Resources and Information. Alzheimer resource centres located throughout the province offer: information, educational opportunities, support groups and the ability to talk directly with a knowledgeable team member. Services help those concerned with or facing dementia. BC Bereavement Helpline www.bcbereavementhelpline.com 1-877-779-2223 Lower Mainland. 604-738-9950 BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support (BCCEAS) www.bcceas.ca 604-437-1940 Elder law clinic. Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (24 hrs.) www.crisiscentre.bc.ca 604-872-3311 Provides confidential supportive telephone lay counselling services. TTY at the Vancouver Crises Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre 604-872-0113 The Dementia Helpline www.alzheimerbc.org 604-681-8651 The Dementia Helpline is a service for people with dementia, their care-givers, family and friends. Assists individuals in building the confidence to maintain quality of life. All calls are confidential. Family Services of Greater Vancouver www.fsgv.ca/ 604-731-4951 Provides counselling and supportive services to individuals and families. Jewish Family Service Agency www.jfsa.ca/ 604-257-5151 Provides counselling, supportive, and information/referral services to individuals and families. L’Chaim Adult Day Centre www.adultdaycentres.org/l’chaim 604-257-5111 ext. 400 L’Chaim provides a social, therapeutic & recreational service to frail or disabled older adults in a safe, supportive environment. Contact Annica Carlsson. MEDICAL information AND REFERRAL services Vancouver Coastal Health Authority www.vch.ca 604-736-2033 Serves Vancouver, Richmond, North and West Vancouver, Sea to Sky Highway areas, Sunshine Coast and B.C. Central coast. Fraser Health Authority www.fraserhealth.ca 604-587-4600 Serves Fraser North, Fraser South and Fraser East. Healthlink BC www.healthlinkbc.ca 8-1-1
TTY (special Telus relay service for deaf and hearing impaired) 7-1-1 Louis Brier Home and Hospital www.louisbrier.com 604-261-9376 Provides complex residential and extended hospital care. NUTRITION Dial-A-Dietitian www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian 604-732-9191 Specializes in easy-to-use nutrition information for self-care. Registered dietitians can provide brief nutrition consultation by phone. Meals on Wheels Burnaby ...... 604-299-5754 Surrey/Delta ...... 604-588-0325 Coquitlam ...... 604-942-7506 Vancouver ...... 604-684-8171 New Westminster ...... 604-520-6621 White Rock ...... 604-536-3866 Richmond ...... 604-292-7200 For kosher meals contact Jewish Family Service Agency 604-257-5151 local 218
Kosher food bank 604-257-5151 local 230 SAVE THE DATE chabad richmond ongoing events 200-4775 Blundell Road. Jewish Seniors Alliance fall (Accessible by chairlift) JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE symposium will be held on Sunday, CONTACT:Rabbi Baitelman SENIORS (JCC) October 21st 2 to 4:30 p.m., at the [email protected] 950 W 41st Avenue Unitarian Centre, 49th and Oak. 604.277.6427 CONTACT: Leah DesLauriers The topic of this year’s symposium is TUESDAYS – EVERY OTHER TUESDAY [email protected] 604.257.5111 ext. 208 – TORAH CLASS FOR SENIORS www.jccgv.com/contest/seniors AGING FOR DUMMIES” 11 – 12 noon Torah Class for Seniors SUNDAY the J “oys and Vays” of Aging. bi-weekly 1 – 4 pm Poker The keynote speaker is Dr. Larry July 24, Aug 7, 21, Sept 4, Oct 16 and 30 monday Dian. Dr. Dian is a Specialist in 3rd Tuesday of every month – 1 – 4 pm Poker Geriatric Medicine and is a Clinical COMMUNITY KITCHEN Professor of the UBC Dept. of 7 pm Duplicate Bridge 12:30 – 2:30 pm Community Kitchen Medicine. Dr. Dian will address 11.45 am bi-weekly Lunch & Learn the different stages of the aging July 24, Aug 28, Sept 25 & Oct 23 Mar. 5 Purim Party at noon process. His talk will be followed by wednesday a panel of seniors who will address Tuesday 10 – 11 am Beginners ESL – resuming the various topics related to aging Sept 5th, 2012 9:30 – 10:30 am Chair Yoga sucessfully. 11 – 2 pm Arts Club for women – 11 – 2:30 pm Duplicate Bridge Every Wednesday July, Aug, Sept, Oct WEDnesday thursday 10:30 am In The News 10 – 11 am Intermediate ESL – 1 pm Poker & Mah Jongg resuming September 6th, 3 pm Drawing & Painting 2012 Mark the date thursday 11 – 12 pm Advanced ESL – resuming on your calendar. September 6th, 2012 11 – 2:30 pm Duplicate Bridge More information chabad richmond – 1 pm Tai Ji will follow. “smile on seniors” Friday CONTACT: Pat Hoffman 604.273.0526 9:30 – 10:30 am Shabbat Chair Yoga Kehila Richmond Jewish Seniors www.chabadrichmond.com/Seniors 11 am Social Bridge Program Held at: BETH TIKVAH SYNAGOGUE, 9711 Geal Road, thursdays 11 – 2 pm – Bi Weekly Richmond, BC V7E 1R4 Hot, Kosher lunch $7 followed by various, CONTACT: Kay Abelson, Exec. Director interesting programs, speakers, arts and music. 604.241.9270 Smile on Seniors – No program during summer. [email protected] Resumes Sept 6, 20 www.kehilasociety.org October 4, 18 Playing BridgeDining monday – 9:30 – 2 pm & socializing 9:30 – 10:30 am Beginners ESL 10:45 – 11:45 am Advanced ESL JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY CONTACT: Queenie Hamovich L’Chaim adult day centre 10:45 – 11:45 am Low impact Exercise 950 W 41st Avenue class [email protected] 604.257.5151 CONTACT: Annica Carlsson 10:45 – 11:45 am Discussion group 604.257.5111 ext. 400 a weekly hot kosher lunch & program of 12 – 1 pm Kosher lunch [email protected] interest every Tuesday at Temple Sholom. www.adultdaycentres.org/lchaim 1 – 2 pm Speaker / entertainment 7190 Oak Street, Vancouver monday and wednesdays Every 3rd Monday of the month Cost $11. Subsidies available. The luncheon helps Wellness clinic from 9:00 – 12:00 pm Massage in two of the most important areas of seniors 9:30 – 3 pm therapy, Therapeutic touch, Reflexology, Blood aging:- good nutrition and socialization. Volunteer friday Pressure checks, manicure/pedicure. Booking drivers bring the seniors to the lunch and back 9:30 – 2 pm essential. home again if needed. ongoing events JEWISH MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES OF BC peretz centre for secular jewish culture 6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9 6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9 CONTACT: Kara Mintzberg, Education Coordinator CONTACT: Donna Modlin Becker 604.257.5199 www.jewishmuseum.ca 604.325.1812 [email protected] [email protected] July18, Aug 15, Sept 19, Oct 17 Fraytik tsu Nakht secular Shabbes observance: 7 – 9 pm Philosophers’ Café – see our website for more details September 23 Sheila Delayney: Jews and the French Revolution July 22, Aug 12, 19, 26 October 28 Neil Ritchie on Irving Berlin 10:00am – 12:00pm Historic Jewish Walking Tour Of Strathcona & Gastown November 18 Richard Berwick: Miscommunicating Meet at 700 E. Pender. 2km WALK, 2hour DISCOVERY $10 interculturally and a few historical (cash only) at start of tour. Historical walking tours of Jewish humdingers Strathcona and Gastown are back for a 6th season! December 16 Khanike Party September 1, 2012 – January 4, 2013 Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir SFU Gallery | Academic EXHIBIT: “LEONARD FRANK: Rehearses every Tuesday 7:30 pm Quadrangle (3000 level) BEAUTIFUL BC | Circulated by the Jewish Museum & Archives of BC Yiddish Reading Circle First and third Wednesday of the month 3:00 – 4:30 pm Jewish Genealogical Institute of bc Sunday Discussion Group: Temple Sholom, 7190 Oak Street, Vancouver Last Sunday of each month 10:30 am CONTACT: Cissie Eppel, Founder 604.321.9870 SHOLEM ALEICHEM SENIORS tuesday CONTACT: Lorraine Isaacson 604.873.1777 7:30 pm 1st Tuesday Guest lecturers, workshops, roundtable MOST BRIDGE RUSSIAN JEWISH SENIORS of the month at Temple discussions or DVD presentations are peretz centre Sholom featured. Visitors are welcome. 6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9 CONTACT: Ida Gitlina Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library 950 W 41st Avenue CONTACT: Karen Corrin, Librarian 604.434.2191 [email protected] [email protected] www.jccgv.com/content/library-main summer break (604) 257-5111 ext. 249 July – August 2012 mondays Sept 16,2012 Rosh Hashanah Celebration 12:00 - 12:25 pm a taste of talmud An introduction to the October 21, 2012 Meeting held to hear reports and elect world of Talmud by renowned Jewish new officials Scholar Rabbi Dubrawsky. No prior knowledge required. All welcome. The Jewish Historical Society of BC Starting Sept Yiddish classics stories for adults read in 3rd Monday of English by Shanie Levin You: Yes, YOU! month at 2pm The Jewish Historical Society of BC desperately needs your tuesdays help to wheedle down our massive waiting list of 100 Jewish 10:30 am HEBREW CONVERSATION CIRCLE - a fun way to BC-ers waiting to be interviewed. To date we have collected practice speaking Hebrew and improve approximately 700 oral history interviews – all of which build on our activities to collect and preserve the history of BC’s Jewish your conversation skills community.
WEDNesdays To make this program successful so we can record our important 10:30am – In the news – This is a discussion group for stories, we need volunteers to conduct and/or transcribe Oral History interviews – volunteers like you! We are proud to provide 12:30 pm people interested in current affairs and all our volunteers with training and staff support to make you feel global politics. Discussion chair: Ralph Levy extremely comfortable and confident with our digital recording equipment and interviewing skills. Please email/call anytime. We thursdays look forward to hearing from you soon!
2:15–3:15 pm ESL CONVERSATION CIRCLE Do you want tp Contact: Jennifer Yuhasz, Archivist (604) 257-5199 practise speaking english? All welcome. [email protected]. Free. Led by Paulette & Ludmila
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 19 Forced drugging of seniors still increasing peretz centre for secular jewish culture BY ROB WIPOND, APRIL 2012 6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9 CONTACT: Donna Modlin Becker Ombudsperson, BCCLA and Greens criticize BC’s draconian laws 604.325.1812 [email protected] Fraytik tsu Nakht secular Shabbes observance: I WAS READING THE In February, BC Ombudsperson Kim Carter released September 23 Sheila Delayney: Jews and the French CORONER’S REPORT on a report showing that much of this is occurring Revolution Kathleen Palamarek and with perilous disregard for safety and without October 28 Neil Ritchie on Irving Berlin something didn’t seem right. residents’ consent. Carter found that antipsychotics I’d been following her story are routinely doled out by facilities’ staff on November 18 Richard Berwick: Miscommunicating since 2006. This was a an ad hoc “PRN” (“as needed”) basis, with no interculturally and a few historical diminutive, timid, 88-year- policy guidelines or controls. “Having procedural humdingers old nursing home resident safeguards in place is especially important where December 16 Khanike Party with dementia and a heart the PRN medication is an antipsychotic, because Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir condition, who’d been somewhat controversially of the potential risks associated with the use of Rehearses every Tuesday 7:30 pm diagnosed with dementia-related psychosis. She’d these medications,” Carter wrote. Further, it’s often Yiddish Reading Circle died of a heart attack. The coroner had found the done without the consent, or even the knowledge, of First and third Wednesday of the month 3:00 – 4:30 pm antipsychotic olanzapine in her body. residents or family members. “[T]here is currently Sunday Discussion Group: no legal requirement to Last Sunday of each month 10:30 am Palamarek hadn’t been taking document that a person in care’s SHOLEM ALEICHEM SENIORS olanzapine willingly; she’d capacity to give consent has CONTACT: Lorraine Isaacson 604.873.1777 frequently complained about been considered or assessed, or feeling woozy and “drugged MOST BRIDGE RUSSIAN JEWISH SENIORS that informed consent has been up.” She couldn’t refuse the obtained from a person in care peretz centre drug, though, because her 6184 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9 or a substitute decision-maker,” CONTACT: Ida Gitlina doctors had declared her Carter wrote. 604.434.2191 incapable and, when she’d [email protected] protested, they’d certified her Meanwhile, when seniors or summer break under BC’s Mental Health Act families resist, care home (MHA). Antipsychotics are staff and psychiatric hospital July – August 2012 being used increasingly in directors sometimes override Sept 16,2012 Rosh Hashanah Celebration seniors’ homes as chemical their wishes by using involuntary October 21, 2012 Meeting held to hear reports and elect restraints to pacify and committal laws in ways for new officials control people. But Health which the Mental Health Act Canada has issued the (the Act) was never designed. highest possible warnings to Carter uncovered that this, too, doctors that antipsychotics is being done in an improvised, are “not approved for the autocratic manner, commenting treatment of patients with that “we expected that the dementia-related psychosis” and that these powerful Ministry of Health and the health authorities would tranquillizers have been linked to a near-doubling of have created procedures to guide directors of mental death rates in the elderly, mostly from heart attacks. health facilities in their use of section 22 of the Act. We found that this is not the case.” Focus last year uncovered that 47.3 percent of BC seniors’ home residents were being given Astonishingly, Carter also found, in all 100 cases antipsychotics, above the US and Canadian average she examined, that these incarcerated seniors were of 26 percent, and four times the rate in Hong actually being profited from—charged up to 80 Kong. A December, 2011 BC Health Ministry report per cent of their after-tax income monthly. “In my showed rates still climbing: 50.3 percent are now view,” wrote Carter, “it is unfair for a government being given antipsychotics. Vancouver Island is to involuntarily detain seniors, subject them to highest at 51.5 percent. treatment and then charge them fees for that
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 19 detention. This is especially true when there is no directives by seniors. We’re already seeing Mental clear legislative authority for doing so.” Health Act use increase as media coverage has made the public more aware of dangers with In January, the BC Civil Liberties Association issued antipsychotics. BC Ministry of Health statistics a position paper cogently encapsulating the Act’s show that, from 2002 to 2011, there’s been a extraordinary powers. The paper states that BC’s 50 percent increase in involuntary committals of Mental Health Act “abrogates fundamental patient British Columbians aged 65 or older. On Vancouver rights” more than any similar legislation in Canada. Island, it’s doubled, from 129 to 267 people. This The BCCLA notes that in BC a doctor can certify is because the Act is like carrying a loaded gun; someone “without… even it’s so easy for doctors to fill out the personally examining or one-page form to certify someone, observing the person.” And, they usually need only wave it the paper describes, the Act around, not actually shoot it, to win trumps many other laws. If compliance. you’re still legally competent to make decisions, or you’ve And we shouldn’t dismiss the appointed a substitute dangers. While Inman points to a decision maker—too bad. miniscule percentage of people If you want to appeal, you’ll with schizophrenia who have violent have to wait a month while tendencies, BC laws allowing you’re forcibly treated first. doctors to circumvent consent are And you’ll be on your own at killing more people than an army of your appeal, because legal aid “is limited and the serial murderers, psychotic or otherwise, could ever number of advocates is insufficient.” If you decide do. to sue? The Act includes a broad “immunity from liability” that, according to the BCCLA, protects even Meanwhile, Kathleen Palamarek was “clearly” “substandard” care and “disastrous” treatments. and “unequivocally” not one of them? I contacted the coroner’s office, and they punted general How did our Mental Health Act get this way? responsibilities for identifying adverse drug Basically, politicians have been lobbied by doctors, reactions back to treating physicians. But doctors pharmaceutical companies and pharma-backed obviously have a stake in absolving themselves and non-profits, and people like Susan Inman, past their treatments. president of the BC Schizophrenia Society, mother of a daughter diagnosed with schizophrenia, and Recently, I worked with several academics, dogged campaigner against civil rights. They’ve activists and people who’ve experienced forced influenced public opinion in BC so effectively that psychiatric treatment, to draw up proposals for even the otherwise human rights-defending Tyee.ca change. Our document garnered the support of has published articles by Inman in which she has, Jane Sterk and, this February, became the official for example, called it a “major problem” that the “Mental Health and Social Justice Policy” of the Canadian Mental Health Commission might provide BC Green Party. The platform could be especially “funds for court challenges to human rights abuses.” transformative for seniors’ care. So I want to thank the BC Green Party for taking a strong stand, The impacts on seniors of these paternalistic unprecedented amongst BC political parties, in attitudes have been far-reaching. For example, since defense of the human rights of our elderly. Why new legislation in September, BC citizens can now don’t you thank them, too? You may need those write legally binding “advance directives” to guide rights someday. decisions about our care when we’re old and infirm, or fall into a coma. Except there’s one situation where Rob Wipond has been researching and writing on your advance directive can be ignored: When you get mental health issues since 1998. He’s posted links certified under BC’s Mental Health Act. to references at www.robwipond.com. And of course, all other factors remaining the same, we’ll expect use of the Act by doctors to simply increase in proportion to the use of advance
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 20 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 21 Ongoing Acitivities Russian Jewish Seniors Society at 49th and Oak celebration of Victory Day
May 6 was a beautiful sunny day. 120 members of the Society Most-Bridge gathered in Peretz Centre to celebrate the 67th anniversary of victory over Nazism. The anthems of Canada and Russia were played. The President of the Society, Adolf Zilbershteyn congratulated all who attended on this great holiday. He said that for most of us it’s our second birthday, because without this victory, Nazism would have destroyed us.
Oak Street Farmers’Market Wednesdays, 3 – 7 pm, June until January Venue: Unitarian Centre of Vancouver parking lot Local organic farmers and other local producers sell a variety of products including produce, meat, fish, bread, eggs, flowers and prepared food. The rents collected from the farmers pay for advertising and for a part-time market manager. Surplus funds are donated to the church to support its ongoing community services. Special thanks went out to veterans of the Second World War: Leon Broitman, Yakov Chudnovsky, The Oak Street Farmers’ Market Committee Anatoli Jarov, Zachar Josfin, Yuri Jakren, Vladimir oversees the Oak Street Farmers’ Market on behalf Pildish. They gave their health and life for victory. of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver. The Market All the veterans were presented with flowers and Committee members are dynamic and passionate gifts. about helping to build sustainable local food systems in Vancouver. A moment of silence honored the memory of all who perished on the battlefields and those who were For more information, or to become a volunteer at tortured in concentration camps and ghettos. the market, please visit our website: www.oakstreetmarket.ca. After the official part, a video from Moscow, dedicated to Victory Day, was shown of the concert. Military songs, performed by famous Russian actors were played in the hall. Gala dinner by Boris Shteinberg, and dances led by Lev Shapiro, finished this wonderful event, which continued about 4,5 hours. The President thanked the organizers for the excellent day and the participants went home tired and satisfied.
Written by Yuriy Rubin | Translated by Faina Kagansky
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 20 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 21 BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) Changes to the Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP) and Our Updated RDSP Guide
• The annual maximum RDSP Thanks to funding from the withdrawal limit will increase Legal Services Society we have to up to 10% of the Plan’s updated our RDSP Guide, The savings, as determined by the RDSP and People Receiving Plan’s value at the beginning of Social Assistance to include that given year. these changes. The updated guide is available on the BCCPD • The period an RDSP may website at http://www.bccpd. remain open after the bc.calrdspgd1.htm. beneficiary ceases to qualify for the Disability Tax Credit will be In order for us to continue our extended to 4 years in length work it’s imperative that we gather with certification from a medical feedback to show our funders how practitioner. we help the community. If you In the March 2012 Federal access our RDSP Guide online, budget, the government • The definition of who can be an please take a minute to complete announced a number of adult beneficiary’s plan holder our short on-line survey at http:// amendments to the Registered has been temporarily expanded tiny.cc/eyc8ew Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) until 2016 to include a parent, which will be implemented over spouse/common-law partner. If you would like hard copies of the next year. Plans already opened by a the updated Guide please contact family member before 2016 Val at 604875-0188 or at We believe these changes work continue as is . [email protected] to place to improve the RDSP. They will your order. make the Plan generally more • Investment income earned accessible and flexible. The in a Registered Education If you have any questions about changes in brief are as follows: Savings Plan (RESP) will be the RDSP, please contact our transferrable tax-free to an Advocacy Access Program at 604- • The RDSP 10- Year Rule RESP beneficiary’s RDSP. This 872-1278 or 1-800-663-1278 will be replaced with a new will apply to rollovers of RESP and ask to speak to Lillian Wong Proportional Repayment investment income made after or Robin Loxton. Rule. The change means that 2013. (Referenced from PLAN’s instead of all grant and bond RDSP Slog) money having to be repaid if withdrawals are made in the 1 O-year period after a government contribution, only $3 of grants or bonds paid into the plan need to be repaid for What do each $1 withdrawn (up to a maximum of the assistance you think? holdback amount). Send your comments to [email protected]
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 22 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 23 Words of Wisdom The Stranger Sylvia Hill – February 23, 2012 A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was Family Night Open House at the Louis Brier new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger... he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the The Louis Brier is unique! This is a present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my Jewish Home and we as Jews have 613 family to the first major league ball game.H e made me laugh, commandments to guide us in our way of life. and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but We are called the People of the Book and Dad didn’t seem to mind. we are also called G-d’s chosen people. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were We gave the world the 10 commandments, shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she two of which apply explicitly to our would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if home. Honour Thy Father and Mother she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.) and love Thy Neighbour as Thyself. The Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the Bible also tells us exactly how a home stranger never felt obligated to honor them. should be. Proverb 24, Verses 3-4 and I Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home - not from quote, “By wisdom a house is built and us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor, however, got by understanding it is established, and away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my by knowledge the rooms are filled with dad squirm and my mother blush. precious and pleasant riches.” If we just observe these laws, this Home will be My Dad didn’t permit the liberal use of alcohol but the stranger a shining example to every other senior encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes home in Vancouver. look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments And now were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally This is a Time of Endings embarrassing. I now know that my early concepts about But of Beginnings, too relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger.T ime G-d sends us another year after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was To make all things new. seldom rebuked ... And NEVER asked to leave. Another hope, another chance, More than fifty years have passed since the stranger Another road to take moved in with our family. He has blended right in and Another star to follow is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first.S till, if And another start to make. you could walk into my parents’ den today, you would New beginnings, new adventures, still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting New heights to attain for someone to listen to him talk and watch Golden opportunities him draw his pictures. What do To work and build again His name? ... We just call him ‘TV.’ New and higher aspirations He has a wife now....we call her ‘Computer.’ you think? For future days. Their first child is C“ ell Phone”.Second child “I Pod” “And JUST BORN THIS YEAR WAS a Seeking, dreaming, moving on Grandchild: IPAD Send your comments to Down bright and better days. [email protected] (Note: This should be required reading for every household!)
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 22 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 23 Petty ponderings ... GETTING YOUR DAY Isn’t it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do “practice”? OFF TO AN ALLERGY-FREE SOURCE: © McNeil Consumer Healthcare, It is hard to understand how a cemetery raised its START division of Johnson & Johnson Inc. 2010 burial cost and blamed it on the cost of living. Here are a few tips to help you start We are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then things your day the allergy-free way. get worse. HAVE ALLERGY RELIEF MEDICATION ON HAND The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there’s a 90% Take some at the first sign of an allergy symptom. probability you’ll get it wrong. KEEP ALLERGENS OUT OF THE AIR IN YOUR HOME It is said that if you line up all the cars in the The fresh morning air can be loaded with pollen, world end to end, someone would be stupid so keep your windows closed. If it’s hot, use the air enough to try and pass them. conditioner. Consider installing a HEPA filter on your Laughing stock - cattle with a sense of humor. heating and ventilation system. You can’t have everything, where would you put it? CLEAN BEDDING AND CLOTHING REGULARLY When allergens get on your skin, they can also get on Latest survey shows that 3 out of 4 people make your bedding. Allergens can also get on your bedding up 75% of the world’s population. from the air – and from pets and partners. Make sure If the shoe fits, get another one just like it. to wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Wash your clothes after one outside wearing if it’s allergy season. Dry them in a dryer or inside clothesline rather than outside. CLEAN AND DUST YOUR HOUSE REGULARLY Allergens can be on any surface in your house, not just flat ones that collect dust but also ones that get touched often, like doors. Wear a dust mask while dusting and cleaning. ALLERGY-PROOF YOUR CAR Use these tips to reduce your exposure to allergens: • Keep your car windows rolled up. • Use the recirculating air option in your vehicle to avoid pulling in fresh pollen into your vehicle. • Use sunglasses or eyeglasses to keep pollen grains from getting into your eyes. Wraparound styles are the most protective. • If you wear contact lenses, consider wearing your glasses instead on days with high pollen counts – you don’t want to get pollen trapped under your contacts.
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 24 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 25 ARTICLE BY: CYNTHIA ROSS CRAVIT – MAY 24, 2012 50PLUS.com FOR THE ZOOMER IN YOU Smart Sleeping
Sleeping too little -- or too much? “The whole work/life balance Sleeping smart: Getting the right amount of sleep struggle is causing people to each night can keep your brain trade in precious sleeping time to The magic number years younger, a study finds. ensure they complete everything Women who slept 7 hours per they feel is expected of them. Our night had the highest score for Are you getting enough sleep — or study suggests that this may have maybe too much? How long you every cognitive measure, followed adverse effects on their cognitive by those who got 6 hours of snooze sleep each night could determine function,” she said. how quickly your brain ages. time, the study found. For men, For the study, which was published the findings were slightly different: Researchers from Great Britain in Sleep, researchers looked at the those who reported sleeping six, found that middle-aged adults data of 5,431 men and women, seven or eight hours had a similar who slept less than six hours aged 45–69, who had taken place cognitive function. each night — and more than in long-term study known as the For both men and women, eight hours — are more likely to Whitehall II study. Participants experience cognitive decline. And however, getting less than 6 hours were asked how many hours on or more than 8 hours of sleep each this decline in brain function is average they slept each night equal to being four to seven years night were associated with lower and if these sleep patterns had mental performance. older, researchers said. changed over a five-year period. “There is an expectation in today’s They were also given a battery of While it is widely acknowledged 24-hour-a-day society that people standard tests to evaluate memory, that sleep is important for the should be able to fit more into reasoning, vocabulary, global brain to restore and revitalize their lives,” study author Jane cognitive status and verbal fluency. itself, it is still not understood why Ferrie, from University College seven hours of sleep is optimal London Medical School, told for most people, or why longer HealthDay News. sleeping seems to be detrimental, Ferrie said.
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 24 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 25 sleep, robbing Other risks of a sleep- them of deep and fall asleep. If you still can’t get to REM sleep. sleep, don’t just lie in bed. Instead deprived lifestyle try reading, watching television, Better brain health is not the only Get regular or listening to calming music until reason to get a good night’s sleep. exercise. Try to you feel tired. The anxiety of being Not only can sleep deprivation exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day. unable to fall asleep can actually affect mental alertness and Keep in mind, however, that while contribute to your sleeplessness. cognitive abilities, it can have daily exercise often helps people sleep, a workout too soon before Rise with the sun. an effect on our physical and If possible, wake up psychological health as well. bedtime may actually interfere with sleep. It is better to finish with the sun, or use Poor sleep can increase the risk very bright lights for obesity and diseases such as your exercise at least 5 to 6 hours before going to bed. in the morning. diabetes, experts say. Studies Sunlight helps the body’s internal have also shown that people with Establish relaxing rituals. Leave biological clock reset itself each a sleep-deprived lifestyle are less the day’s stresses behind with a day. Sleep experts recommend satisfied with their lives overall — warm bath, reading or another exposure to an hour of morning and getting a good night’s sleep relaxing activity. Avoid arousing sunlight for people having has also been associated with activities before bedtime like problems falling asleep. better longevity. (See Poor sleep working, paying bills, engaging and unhappiness and The Zoomer in competitive games or family Finally, see a doctor if Report on Sleeping and Longevity.) problem solving. your sleeping problems continue. If you have Tips for better sleep Make your room sleep-friendly. trouble falling asleep Select your mattress, pillow and night after night, or if Set a schedule and stick to it. bed linens carefully for maximum you always feel tired Go to bed at a set time comfort. Maintain a sleep-friendly the next day, then you may have each night and get up temperature in the bedroom, a sleep disorder and should see at the same time each usually between 18-21°C (65-70 a physician. Most sleep disorders morning. Disrupting degrees F). (Extreme temperatures can be treated effectively. this routine may interrupt your may disrupt sleep or prevent you inner ‘circadian clock’ and lead to from falling asleep.) You may also insomnia. While ‘sleeping in’ on wish to consider using blackout weekends may seem like a treat, curtains, eyeshades, earplugs, it can make it harder to wake up ‘white noise,’ humidifiers, fans early on Monday morning because and other devices. Install soft it re-sets your sleep cycles for a lighting in your bedroom and bath. later awakening. And when reading in bed, consider using a book light. Watch what you eat. The general rule is: Don’t eat for at least 2-3 Try deep breathing. If you have hours before your regular bedtime. trouble falling to sleep, try this Eating too much may make you relaxation exercise: take deep, less comfortable when settling slow abdominal breaths, and if down for bed. It is best to avoid possible, inhale through your nose. Even if your mind is a muddle MORLEY SHAFRON a heavy meal and spicy foods too Insurance Agent close to bedtime. of thoughts, try to focus on the (Home, Business and Autoplan) flow of your breathing, inhaling CENTRAL AGENCIES LTD. Watch what you drink. Avoid and exhaling slowly. Count your Next door to the Bank of Montreal in the Sands Plaza drinks that contain caffeine, which (Steveston Hwy & No. 5 Road) breaths, and when you get to 10 103 - 11020 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC V7A 4E7 acts as a stimulant. This includes start over again. T: 604-276-0244 C: 604-230-2424 F: 604-271-6547 coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, and [email protected] non-herbal teas. Alcohol tends to Don’t just lie there. Generally it We Welcome Your Enquiries. keep people in lighter stages of takes about 20-30 minutes to
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 26 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 27 advertorial Jewish National Fund Plant the seeds of your legacy today.
arly in this century, JNF established avenues of support (Blue Box, Golden Books, Trees and other inscriptions), which over nine decades have become day-by-day traditions in Jewish life. These have been augmented in the contemporary era through a myriad of imaginative projects, as JNF assumes Eeven broader responsibilities in the development of the Jewish State.
JNF Living Legacy Which ever project you decide to support, with a JNF Living Legacy Traditionally, when someone leaves a Legacy you know you will be meeting a critical need in Israel. to charity, it is only after their lifetime that How does a JNF Living Legacy work? the project is implemented. Through a JNF Living Legacy you can After selecting a project to support in Israel, you give a deposit of now see your Legacy put into action during your lifetime, merely by 50% of the total cost. JNF will guarantee to complete your project making a down-payment. as soon as possible. The balance can be settled from your Estate. JNF has made it easy to select a project close to your heart – help The balance of payment for your project will be covered by a plan it, watch it develop and see it completed. All of this can be suitably worded Legacy included in your Will, combined with done in your lifetime with only a portion of the total cost of the a separate legally binding agreement not to revoke the Legacy. project paid now. Both the deposit and the balance are tax receiptable. Call your JNF Living Legacy enables you to establish your very own foothold local office to find out more... in the Land of Israel, enjoying the fruits of your generosity now, together with your family and friends. Contact Micky Goldwein JNF Jerusalem Emissary directly for more Connect with the people and the Land of Israel through one of the information. Phone: 604 257 5155 or email [email protected] unique and exciting JNF Living Legacy Projects. JNF Living Legacy projects fall into the following areas to suit your individual interests:
• Afforestation & Ecology • Research & Development • Water • Tourism & Recreation • Security • Education • Community Development
Cyanide
A nice, calm and respectable lady went into the pharmacy, walked up to the pharmacist, looked straight into his eyes, and said, “I would like to buy some cyanide.” The pharmacist asked, “Why in the world do you need cyanide?” The lady replied, “I need it to poison my husband.” The pharmacist’s eyes got big and he explained, “Lord have mercy! I can’t give you cyanide to kill your husband, that’s against the law? I’ll lose my licence! They’ll throw both of us in jail! All kinds of bad things will happen. Absolutely not! You CANNOT have any cyanide!” The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist’s wife. The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, “You didn’t tell me you had a prescription.”
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 26 SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 27 JSA’S affiliated organizations JSA’S ADVOCACY PARTNERS
• burquest Jewish Community Association BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support • chabad Lubavitch www.bcceas.ca • congregation Beth Israel • congregation Har El BC Coalition of People with Disabilities • Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver www.bccpd.bc.ca Seniors Dept. BC Health Coalition • Jewish Family Service Agency www.bccpd.bc.ca • Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver • Jewish Genealogical Institute of BC BC Seniors Advocacy Network • Jewish Historical Society www.povnet.org/regional/british-columbia/seniors- • Jewish War Veterans and-elders • Jewish Women International of BC Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives • l’Chaim Adult Day Centre www.policyalternatives.ca • louis Brier Home & Hospital • Most-Bridge Russian Jewish Seniors Society Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of British • na’amat Vancouver Columbia • national Council of Jewish Women, www.coscobc.ca Vancouver Section • okanagan Jewish Community Vancouver Cross Cultural Seniors Network • or Shalom Congregation www.vcn.bc.ca/vccsn • royal Canadian Legion, Shalom Branch #178 • schara Tzedeck Synagogue • sholem Aleichem Seniors • temple Sholom Seniors Helping Hands • the Kehila Society of Richmond • tikva Housing Society • vancouver Holocaust Education Centre • weinberg Residence Home Support • white Rock/South Surrey Jewish Community WITH GRATEFUL THANKS & Nursing TO OUR SPONSORS
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
We Acknowledge The Financial assistance Of The Province Of British Columbia.
We also receive donations from corporate and private donors.
The Phyllis & Irving Snider Foundation
SENIOR LINE | Volume 19(2)–2012 | page 28 So you’ve looked after your spouse, taken care of your children ... consider leaving a legacy to Israel.
A legacy can help you achieve tax, financial and lasting philanthropic objectives. By including JNF in your will, you leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Plant the seeds of your legacy today.
Contact Micky Goldwein in confidence – JNF Jerusalem Emissary at 604.257.5155 or [email protected] for more information.
vancouver.jnf.ca As of August 2012, the Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver will accept clients for its new Peer Counselling and Support Services. If you are a senior 55 plus, you may benefit from Volunteer Peer Counselling and Support for any of the following:
Ageing Concerns Depression Loss of independence Retirement
Physical health Anxiety Grief and Loss concerns Relocation Caregiver stress and caregiver burnout Life style Issues Relationship issues Social isolation
A trained Volunteer Peer Counsellor is available at no cost to meet with you and provide support, empathetic listening, and one on one peer counselling.
What is a Peer Counselling?
This confidential service, honours personal boundaries, encourages self-awareness and promotes self-responsibility. Counsellors are screened and have successfully completed an extensive lay counselling course. All are certified according to Senior Peer Counselling of B. C. standards. Individuals who are experiencing challenges in life can benefit from regular one on one counselling and support through empathetic and active listening from someone else of similar age and similar life experience. Peer Counselling follows the principles of non-judgmental and confidential communication to promote a client’s own strengths, self-empowerment and to assist you to solve your own problems.
The JSA Peer Counselling Program provides a service that meets the Take cultural and religious needs of the Jewish this Seniors of Greater Vancouver. helping hand.
If you feel that you would benefit from Peer Counselling services then please call Charles Leibovitch, Peer Support Services Coordinator at Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver at 604-267-1555 or 778-840-4949 or by email at [email protected].
Volume 19(2) – 2012 SENDER: Jewish Seniors Alliance of Greater Vancouver 949 West 49th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 2T1