—A Daughter’s Story
A preschool teacher at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center on Brotherhood Way, Gail didn’t know much about the Home before her family needed its services. “I heard of it through the Jewish community but I didn’t know what it had to offer.”
About her mother moving into the Home, Gail says, “You never think you will have to make this decision, even though it was the best choice.” She attended one of the family support groups and “I felt much better when I left.”
Over the years, Gail has learned a great deal about the Jewish Home and its services. “I feel the rhythm of how the place runs. I know the staff. And there is so much available to residents and families.”
Gail relies on her direct communication with her mother’s social worker, activity staff and nurses. “Whenever I’ve had a concern, they have immediately responded.”
Gail likens the Jewish Home to a town with different neighborhoods. “The café and boutique are the downtown, with other areas built at different times with different characters and histories.” Her favorite places are the atriums in the Howard A. Friedman Pavilion, the galleria, and the bird aviaries. “Mom and I love to sit and watch the birds.”
Her advice for new families? Speak up. Meet the staff. Ask for what you need and chances are that the Home already has it. Even if you can’t be on-site frequently, Gail suggests reading the monthly resident newsletter, AtHome, which can help you understand what life is like for many residents.
