Guide to Jewish Assisted Living in 2024
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March 21, 2024
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What Is Jewish Assisted Living?
Jewish assisted living facilities work much like non-denominational ones; they simply provide faith-based amenities in line with both cultural and religious values of Judaism. These communities are open to all faiths.
Some of the basic amenities and features include weekly housekeeping, laundry services, and other basic assisted living offerings such as transportation to doctor’s appointments and memory care. In addition to these services, a Jewish assisted living facility may offer spiritual care to residents and an on-site synagogue. Residents at a Jewish assisted living facility can celebrate and observe various Jewish holidays, Shabbat, and they can participate in study and prayer groups led by rabbis.
How Are Jewish Assisted Living Communities Different From Other Communities?
Jewish assisted living communities differ from other communities by the types of amenities and spiritual care they offer. For example, a Jewish assisted living community will offer daily living assistance with a focus on spiritual care and Jewish traditions.
Some of the amenities and features of this faith-based assisted living community may include kosher dining and religious services such as a Torah study with a rabbi, and Shabbat services. What’s more, Jewish assisted living facilities are open to all faiths and focus on core values of the Jewish faith such as respect, kindness, and charity.
Who Runs Jewish Assisted Living and Nursing Homes?
Most Jewish assisted living communities are considered nonprofit or not-for-profit senior health care organizations that are run by a board of directors and volunteers. Usually, some Jewish assisted living facilities will have a full-time rabbi that meets with families, residents, and staff members to offer spiritual guidance. Many faith-based Jewish assisted living facilities are also affiliated with various memberships and organizations in health care, aging services, or Jewish congregations.
How Much Does Jewish Assisted Living Cost?
According to Genworth, the national average monthly cost of an assisted living facility is $5,350. This is generally the cost of most Jewish assisted living facilities, depending on location, amenities, level of care, and the type of room you’re looking for.
Our Favorite Jewish Assisted Living Communities
The Reutlinger Community (Danville, California)
The Reutlinger Community provides assisted living options for seniors who want to stay active and uphold Jewish values and traditions. This particular living facility offers various spiritual programs, weekly Shabbat, and an on-site synagogue – the Sh’ma Koleniu for prayer and meditation. In addition to community amenities, on-site nurses, and weekly housekeeping and laundry services, the Reutlinger Community has a full-time staff consisting of a social worker, concierge, and a rabbi. What’s more, kosher meals are prepared and residents have access to events such as art programs and chair volleyball to improve flexibility and movement.
Berman Commons (Dunwoody, Georgia)
Located in Georgia, Berman Commons is a nonprofit organization that offers licensed assisted living and memory care for seniors. Some of the perks of living in this assisted living facility include complimentary membership to the Marcus Jewish Community center, and access to the pool, theater, and various classes. Other amenities include access to quality care and full-time RN and LPNs in addition to personalized care plans for residents. Some of the religious features of this assisted living community include kosher dining options under the supervision of the facility’s director of Jewish life, and Shabbat dinners every Friday.
Eden Kosher Homes LLC (Potomac, Maryland)
Founded in 2010, Eden Kosher Homes LLC is a private assisted living facility located in a residential neighborhood with a home-like feel. For seniors, an intimate setting such as this one may be a great option. This center has only eight beds with a full-time registered nurse on staff. Additionally, kosher meals are prepared daily and residents have 24-hour supervision from professional staff. Residents also have the chance to celebrate Shabbat and other festival celebrations. This is in addition to engaging activities such as music and art and daily exercise classes. What makes this facility unique is that residents can be administered over-the-counter medications under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse.
The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living (Somerset, New Jersey)
This senior living center provides quality care to seniors while respecting Jewish values and traditions. The center offers a variety of community and residential options for seniors, ranging from assisted living to hospice care. At the Stein Assisted Living facility located at the Wilf Campus, residents can enjoy kosher meals and participate in Sabbath and various Jewish holiday celebrations in a community setting. Residents have access to professional caregivers and a licensed nurse that’s on-site 24 hours, seven days a week. Other amenities include access to a health center, medical transportation, a media center, and access to creative activities such as trivia sessions, computer classes, and tai chi.
Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Village Assisted Living Residences (Tampa, Florida)
Weinberg Village offers a variety of services and amenities for seniors such as on-site medical care and various social and recreational activities. This includes access to Jewish events and holiday celebrations, as well as a complimentary membership to the Tampa Jewish Community Center. These amenities help seniors meet new friends and share their faith. Kosher meals are prepared and offered by staff to meet dietary and social needs. Additionally, this facility provides transportation services to residents who need to visit the doctor’s office or assistance with other travel accommodations. Weinberg Village is affiliated with several nursing programs and prides itself on being an intergenerational assisted living facility, with a preschool and community center.
How to Find Jewish Assisted Living Communities
To find Jewish assisted living facilities near your area, you can type “Jewish assisted living near me” to find a list of nearby locations online. Alternatively, you can also learn more about them by visiting a synagogue and inquiring about them in your area. You can also visit a local senior center to find out about possible recommendations for Jewish assisted living communities.
To learn more about faith-based senior living options, check out our helpful guides:
- Guide to Christian Assisted Living
- Guide to Quaker Assisted Living
- Best Assisted Living by City
- Medicare and Assisted Living
- Alternatives to Assisted Living
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are there Jewish retirement communities?
Yes, there are many Jewish retirement communities throughout the U.S.
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Is anyone allowed in Jewish assisted living?
In most cases, people of all faiths are allowed to reside in Jewish assisted living facilities.