Life isn’t easy for anyone at the moment. There are insurmountable problems throughout the world exacerbated by the fact that those who lead are not leading wisely with devastating effects worldwide.
So many people battle on their own and do not have the necessary support to lighten the load, but they may need assistance with daily decisions or needs. Our CJSA team has the opportunity to interact daily with everyone who comes to our centre, and the team is able to forge relationships and assist in numerous ways. Whether chatting at one of our centres or while enjoying outings, each person has the opportunity to be heard. Our caring team regularly reaches out to meet those who feel the need for home visits, individually in the privacy of their homes or privately at the centre for confidential conversations. A listening ear and assistance is given professionally without any bias or judgement.
Our weekly programme is planned with care and much thought. I am always amazed that, although we live in the same city and many members from each centre know one another, the likes, dislikes and needs differ considerably for each branch, and are taken into account when doing the planning.
Two recent incidents stand out for me. I don’t often have the opportunity to hear comments from members as to what they enjoy or want. I visited Milnerton with Karen Borochowitz, a CJSA Board member and recently appointed Central Care Services Manager of the Care Services Board. Members were just ending a morning’s activity. It was so heartwarming and validating that we are on the right path to hear the group talk about how supported they are and how appreciative they feel.
The second incident took place in Sea Point during an afternoon activity when a very elderly, infirm, long-standing member arrived with her carer. There was nothing scheduled for her that afternoon and the planned activity for that time was really not suitable for her. What stood out for me was the fact that she was happy to be amongst people who love and care for her, just observing while feeling part of a community that cares, instead of being alone at home. This highlighted the importance of the service we provide – just being
there for anyone who needs us.
We are currently moving forward together as the seven welfare agencies under the Care Services Board, and we will be offering new services which will make life so much easier for those ageing in place. We look forward to working as a united team with COO Hazel Levin and our colleagues at JCS.
Stay warm and healthy and join our programmes, both in-house and online weekly.
Diana Sochen
Executive Director
Social & Personal
We congratulate our members who have had joyous occasions during the last month.
Special Birthdays: Alec Cohen – 95 years
Bar Mitzvah: Michael and Gail Blumenthal – Grandson
Welcome to new members: Kerry Abromowitz, Adrienne Berkowitz, Toni Blackie, David Daitz, Susan Honour, Marlene ShirkWell wishes extended to those who have been under the weather. You have been in our thoughts: Bernice Kaplan, Lilian Sheldon, Shirley Kaplan, Norma Mendelowitz, Hilda Wilck, Esther Mair, Carrie Clift
Cape Jewish Seniors Association
Director: Diana Sochen, 021 434 9691, director@cjsa.org.za
Admin: Amanda, 021 434 9691, admin@cjsa.org.za
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