The Association for the Elderly
The Association for the Elderly in Sha’ar Hanegev was founded in April 2001, following approval by the Registrar of Association; originally it was named “The Association for the Old Person in Sha'ar Hanegev”. It was the conclusion of a prolonged process, taking part in which were several “people who care”, the local Social Affairs department which first identified the need, and the regional council’s managers. The association’s objective, as defined by its founders, are:
- Acting for the wellbeing of the elderly and improving the services they receive.
- Initiating, establishing and managing frameworks providing community services, to include running and managing a day-center.
In the three years since the Association came into being, the defined vision and goals are taking shape - and we’re immensely proud of this.
Day-care center
We have opened a day-care center that welcomes ten people covered by the Law of Nursing, people who were turned down by the Law, and independent people. It is open five days a week, from 07:30 to 13:30 and supplies a winning combination of promoting wellness and offering workshops, classes and studies. Special vehicles bring our customers to the center where they enjoy two meals.
Supportive Neighborhood project
The Supportive Neighborhood project for seniors confined to their room or home. The services offered are home maintenance, regular visits to subscribers to raise their spirits and enhance their sense of security and belonging via a listening ear, and medical services including doctor’s visits, a panic button and free ambulance services. These services are provided by a housemother and housefather, with a social worker providing professional support.
Warm Home Project
Internal events in the kibbutz community, such as lectures, social meetings and games, birthday parties, and Jewish holidays are held by means of the Warm Home project, now operating in three veteran kibbutzim.
Volunteering
Some 100 elderly kibbutzniks volunteer to help others within and outside the Yachdav Center framework. Five days a week, 50 volunteers travel to an army base in the south to lend a hand – and are rewarded by the appreciation and gratitude of the army commanders. Twelve computer trainers teach elderly students individually. Over 150 grey-haired students have taken part in the first phase of the course, which introduces them to the new and fascinating virtual world. Members of the group volunteer at workshops and the day-center, organize Jewish holiday events, arrange and run evening events – and all this creates strong team-spirit and exemplifies the adage of the Sages – “the Jewish people are committed to one another”.
Evening Club
An evening club - mainly for the region’s independent elderly people. Once or twice a week, they attend a lecture, games, cultural events and activities.
Our aim is to raise the status of this age-group.
To do so, we are in constant contact with local and national institutions. The wonderful human capital that has been created over decades should be channeled to the right areas so it can continue to have a beneficial effect on the community.
Jimmy Keret
Chairman
Jimmy10@or-haner.org.il
