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The Newsletter for Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Broward County FEBRUARY - APRIL 2021 / ADAR - IYAR 5781 VOL. 4, ISSUE 3
T H E
Corner
The Road to My
COVIDISCOVERY
COVID, COVID, COVID!
The more I say that fiveletter word, the less I want to Chai Care Chair hear it. 2020 is one year I’d like to cross off my calendar. Zoom has replaced our face-to-face relationships with our children, grandchildren, friends, colleagues and clients. The celebrations of weddings, graduations, holidays and milestone occasions have been replaced with drive-by festivities and the internet. Being virtual doesn’t even come close to a kiss or a hug from your grandchild.
Carol Lasek
My self-diagnosis:
A BAD CASE OF COVID FATIGUE.
The question really is, have we learned anything and if we haven’t, shame on us. The missed opportunities and take-aways are just so numerous.
I’ve learned that the memories are to be cherished of lost family members and dear friends who passed away too early. I’ve learned to be content with downtime (lots of it) on a Saturday night with an old movie and homemade, freshly buttered popcorn (the oldfashioned way). I’ve become reacquainted with our neighbors and dear friends during the day and not just at 8am and 5pm. I’ve learned that being a teacher should be added to the hero list, it’s a really tough job and they deserve more pay and recognition.
CHAI LIGHTING
Oprah Winfrey once said, “To move forward, you have to give back,” and that is precisely what Gina Shull exudes on a daily basis. As an in-home health care practitioner, she witnessed the implications of seniors in isolation and its impact on their mental health. With a heart of gold, Gina made it her life mission to ensure that seniors are always well cared for. She felt the community’s need and turned to the Jewish Federation of Broward County to bring Chai Care to life. Chai Care is an individualized care management program for individuals ages 65+. As a pioneer of the program, she recognized this great need in the community. With decades of working with seniors with emotional and health issues, she put forth her knowledge and developed this program to help legacy donors. She expands, “People don’t necessarily know how to ask for help.” She continues, “Each client has different needs. You give them the support they need by becoming their advocate.” Growing up in a small city outside of New York City, she was fascinated with her parents’ role in giving back to their community. She expands, “As a child, I was always so proud of the work my parents did in philanthropy. It was always an important part of my life to volunteer.” She continues, “volunteering, participating with others on committees, and financially supporting our Jewish community is truly a blessing. Giving back to our community through Jewish Federation is so meaningful for us.” When Gina met her husband, Stewart, they worked at a hospital and were set up by their colleagues. Together, they became heavily involved with the Jewish Federation of Broward County, continuing with the Jewish Women’s Foundation and the Jewish
Stewart & Gina Shull
Community Foundation. Gina and Stewart have four children and are the proud grandparents to their six grandchildren. Today, they split their time between South Florida and North Carolina, enjoying the escape of the Florida heat to spend half the year in the mountains. Most recently, they trained their yellow lab, Lily, to be a therapy dog. They take her to meet with special needs children and sit with patients at hospitals. Gina elaborates, “Lily brings so much joy to others. She has a way of making all of their fears go away.” Gina’s advice for helping others, “Reach out to your neighbors and people you meet along the way and stay in contact with them because you never know what challenges they may be going through.” She further explains, “This is particularly important for the senior population.” Gina encourages others to learn about the Chai Care program, expanding that, “It is a blessing!” The Chai Care program delivers comprehensive advocacy for people confronted with the challenges of aging through individualized care management. Chai Care’s professional team is trained in gerontology, social work, nursing, healthcare, and counseling. The team makes specific recommendations, and they become a part of the individual’s extended family, helping to assure advocacy, referral, and support. n
CHAI CARE, IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Do you live alone or have family living away?
To discuss your options, please call Esther Cohen 954-252-6952.
I’ve explored a whole new world of TV shows other than NCIS and Wheel of Fortune. I’ve accepted the fact we need pets as much as they need us; rumor has it that the Humane Society is low on inventory. I’ve discovered how rewarding writing and receiving personal notes can be and have reawakened my creative inner child. I’ve learned the value of cooperation; we’re all in this together.
Have you ever thought of yourself as an older adult who has lost your independence due to a medical condition?
On a final note, my family planted COVID trees so we will never forget the year of the pandemic. But is a visual reminder of 2020 really necessary? Probably not, since it’s impossible to forget THIS YEAR. Rather it is for the next generation, who will hopefully benefit from the wisdom we’ve gleaned. Nevertheless, this is only possible if we take the time to teach them before our memories fade. n
Peace of mind to you and your family so you can age with dignity. The ability to become your extended family providing you support so you are never alone. • Opportunity for education,caregiver support and coaching. • The Chai Care professional team to assist you in navigating the health care system. • The help to identify situations providing an assessment and future plan of care. • The assistance in smooth transitions between healthcare settings: hospital, rehabilitative facility and living residence.
Do you understand your options to have quality of life as you age? Are you comfortable navigating through the healthcare system?
WHY CHAI CARE? CHAI CARE OFFERS YOU: