Focus on Issues a Home, Not an Institution

The Byer Home a public institution for the aged which opened three-and-a-half months ago, is not just an institution but a home which since its inception has provided the kind of amenities, care, sensitivity and creative activities that are to be found in financially well endowed private institutions.

The home, which overlooks the north Jerusalem hills, is operated under the auspices of Eshel, Israel’s association for the aged, It is supported by the Joint Distribution Committee and the Israeli government.

According to Hassida Gvaryahu, director of the Byer Home, “Our first aims were to receive people, give them a home, a warm atmosphere and find good workers. ” Apparently these aims are being met.

“Here we have Gan Eden, and we have the King David,” says Bulgarian-born resident Haim Ben-Nun, who seemed very impressed with the cleanliness level and the abundance of food provided for himself and his wife,

Social worker Orna Shabtai noted the sensitivity and interpersonal attitude of the staff.” From the manager to the cleaning woman, we all try to establish relations with the people, We want to make this a home, not an institution,” she said.

Aside from the self-assigned workers, the Byer Home’s professional staff consists of one full-time doctor, 15 nurses, 32 nursing aids, a social worker, part-time occupational therapist, a maintenance kitchen staff and 15 volunteers, This staff services the 125 residents at the home.

The home is operated in conjunction with the municipality and Ministry of Health, which evaluates applicants and places those showing need in one of Byer’s four sections: independent functioning, nursing care, mentally infirm or physically infirm. Need and not financial status determines acceptance, Payment goes directly to the Ministry of Health, which allots funds to the home.

GIVING MEANING TO TIME

Filling residents’ time and giving meaning to that time is always a top priority, According to Gvaryahu, “I don’t want people to sit and countflies,” An occupational therapist and two helpers are on staff to organize games and handicraft sessions, A current events and Gemarrah discussion group meets as well as a minyan, for weekly prayer services, Trips, movies, and a library and a canteen are in the planning stages,

Esther Amitz-Lev, nicknamed The Angel by her fellow residents, has appointed herself home overseer and peacemaker, “Everyone comes to see me,” she said. ” If the phone rings I bring messages and if people have heartaches — not the physical kind– I help them ” she said.

To attest to the success of the home is its evergrowing waiting list, “There is special problem for Jerusalem’s elderly laymen,” Gvaryahu said, Although there are homes for affiliated groups, such as German Jews or Histadrut members, few institutions exist for old people without affiliation, The Byer Home is a feasible option for these people.

In addition to the Byer Home, another home, established in 1954 is also showing a high level of success, The Frieda Schiff Warburg Home for the Aged in Netanya war initiated to serve the elderly who arrived in Israel during the mass immigration following the creation of the State,

The home cares for approximately 550 residents from all corners of the world, with the projection of serving well over 600 people, once the new building, presently under construction is completed.

Since its inception, the nature of the home has changed. At president it is geared toward caring for an older less healthy clientele, consequently the staff resident ratio has now become 2:1.

Here, too, the staff seeks to create a home-like atmosphere for its residents. The sprawling lawns, synagogue, library, brightly colored dining halls and avaliable color TVs all contribute to the homey feeling. Handicrafts which the residents prepare are sold at the home’s shop, In addition to the in-house residents, the home provides day care services to 20 of the area’s elderly, who receive medical treatment and two meals daily.