By , Special to JTNews
Home Care Associates, a new program offered by Jewish Family Service to help the elderly and disabled in their homes with personal care and light chores, began its first month of operation in January.
The licensed program, under the direction of Lorene Armes, ACSW, was designed to fill a growing need within the community. Services available include personal care, meal preparation, light cleaning, assistance with activities of daily living, medication reminders, transportation, errands and companionship. The program is individualized and tailored to the specific needs of the client. Service is available for a minimum of four hours per visit up 24 hours per day.
The idea for Home Care Associates evolved from a former referral program at JFS. The program is modeled after a similar operation in San Francisco. Home care workers are carefully screened, hired and trained by JFS, with particular attention paid to training in Jewish culture and religious practices. Finally, workers are carefully matched with clients who call for in-home care. The services are fee-based and available to all members of the community. JFS is currently in the process of hiring home care workers, and the list of those seeking help continues to expand.
Over the next few years, JFS anticipates the program will grow to be a significant participant in the home care field, setting the standard for superior quality services. Not only will JFS meet the direct needs of clients, but the adult children of those being cared for will find relief in knowing that dependable assistance is in place to supplement their own care.
Several years ago, when Seattle resident Roz Schiller decided to move her mother to the West Coast, she turned to Jewish Family Service for assistance. Through JFS, Roz was able to find a caring and compassionate companion and helper for her mother. The ongoing relationship, now entering its third year, provides quality care to Mom and peace of mind to Roz. “The two or three hours Elsa spends with my mother every day really enrich her life and provide me with an additional ongoing source of information on my mother’s well-being. We feel very fortunate to have made the connection with Elsa through Jewish Family Service.”
Elsa, a native of Eritrea, originally came to Jewish Family Service for English as a Second Language classes, offered through the Agency’s Refugee Resettlement Program. Elsa was in need of employment and JFS stepped in to provide the connection between her and the Schiller family.
Whether you or a loved one need the type of services offered by Home Care Associates, or if you are interested in working with JFS clients as a home care worker, contact Lorene Armes at 206-461-3240 for more information.