Helping Israel’s Elderly Age in Place

When Tzvia’s husband collapsed to the floor of their home and she could not lift him, she hit the emergency button on their intercom system. Gabriel, the coordinator of the Supportive Community for the Elderly in Nes Ziona, arrived immediately and summoned the appropriate assistance.

"He came to me like an angel, as Gabriel did in the Tanakh," Tzvia says. "He lets us always feel safe."

The couple, who made aliyah from Iraq, appreciates how much living at home furthers their family life. "The best gift is having our grandchildren in our house each week to celebrate Shabbat."

Pioneered by JDC-ESHEL, the Supportive Community network enables aging Israelis like Tzvia to remain in their homes, rather than in institutions, by providing them a continuum of services that respond to their daily concerns. A call button connects each household to an emergency response center for medical needs; a community coordinator maintains consistent contact with the residents and does small repairs; and volunteers assist with social programs, home visits, and errands.

Currently, Israel’s seniors may age in place through some 200 Supportive Communities, expected to reach 300 communities by the end of 2010.

May 2008