Accompanying the elderly & Holocaust survivors
In 2014, the Jaffa Institute launched the Accompanying the Elderly program to address the unique physical and emotional needs of vulnerable elderly individuals, primarily Holocaust survivors, living in Jaffa and South Tel Aviv.
Most of these impoverished seniors immigrated to Israel as young, orphaned refugees, and have reached retirement age with minimal, or no savings. Often, high medical expenses have left them unable to pay for essential living costs, such as rent, home maintenance, utilities, and food. This holistic program provides 380 participants with nutritional support, social connectedness, social workers’ assistance, and home renovations based on each participant’s situation.
Program activities
Volunteer Visits
Food
packages
Therapeutic
support
Social programming
& activities
This program proves to be extremely vital as a staggering one-third of Israel’s Holocaust survivors are currently living below the poverty line.
"The packages I receive are much more than food - it's attention; the feeling you are not alone."
-ludmila, Accompanying the elderly Participant
Reported a reduction in loneliness
Those who had participated for at least two years were 10% more likely to report a significant reduction in loneliness, thereby indicating Accompanying the Elderly’s positive long-term impact.
Had attended a social event through the program
Those who had attended an event were twice as likely to report a reduction in their levels of loneliness.
Had received home repairs or renovations through the program
50% of recipients were those who had participated in the program for three or more years.
Home Renovations and Additions
As part of the Accompanying the Elderly program, the Home Renovation and Home Addition projects aim to address the specific needs of program participants. Volunteers visit elderly individuals in their homes twice a month to deliver food packages, and spend time socializing in order to monitor their physical, emotional, and overall well-being. These visits allow the volunteers to identify whose homes require maintenance, additions, and renovations.
Accompanying the Elderly is Supported by:
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