BETH SHALOM
(ABODE 0F PEACE)

Mission Statement:

The goals of Beth Shalom are to;

Provide a Home for Senior Citizens of the Jewish Community in KwaZulu Natal;

Plan and operate facilities which will provide comprehensive balanced services ranging from independent living to frail care;

Support the concept of allowing individuals to be as independent as possible;

Provide programmes which encourage a feeling of well-being and optimism;

Provide quality care which contributes to quality of life;

Increase public understanding of the elderly, the Home and its relationship with the Jewish Community of KwaZulu that it serves.:

The make-up of residents:

Beth Shalom has at date hereof 86 residents about a third of whom are men. The average age is the upper eighties, although there are two younger people who have physical disabilities. Many of our residents are indigent, and many more are not able to afford the full tariff. However there is no discrimination in any way between these two groups.

The Home has a very high degree of frailty, and most of our residents are frail. The degree of care and assistance varies according to the needs of each resident.

Brief History:

Beth Shalom was founded some 32 years ago when concerned members of the Community forsaw a need for such a facility in Durban. It opened its doors with about 6 residents, in a converted house, and subsequent extensions have increased its capacity to about 100 people. Funding for the acquisition of the property and the various construction which took place came predominantly from the Jewish Community of KwaZulu Natal, with some Government assistance. Beth Shalom fullfills a vital need in the community.

Program of services:

The health and welfare of our residents is paramount, and we have a large nursing staff working 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Nursing services are provided as are ancillary services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and where necessary we rely on a panel of doctors. Beth Shalom prides itself on the high degree of care and attention each resident receives and where the residents' every need is catered for.

Various activities to stimulate and motivate residents are held on a regular basis, such as talks, from a variety of speakers; visits by Rabbis and other members of the Community; film shows; quizzes and card-games;barbecues; a variety of musical programmes; concerts; bingo mornings; outings to places of interest around Durban. In addition Shabbat services are held on Friday nights, and Jewish holidays are observed. Exercise classes are held regularly. We have a small clothing shop, and a general store which are staffed by residents and volunteers. Volunteers play a large role in the Home and there is a large and active craft section which operates 3 times a week.

The residents receive 3 wholesome meals a day (kosher), and their rooms are fully serviced. In addition we have an in-house laundry.

Needs:

There is a constant need for funds, furniture, equipment etc. As the degree of frailty rises, we require more medical equipment, hospital beds, and other interrelated items.

Again the assistance of volunteers and kind people within the community ensure that we are able to provide goods and services. At the moment we have a need for hospital beds.

A major project which needs to be attended to is the replacing of the flooring in the entrance hall and public rooms. The existing carpeting is well worn after 14 years of use.

Financials:

As the expenses of the Home far exceed the tariffs collected each year, there is a major shortfall in funding, and Beth Shalom would not be able to continue its work were it not for the support it receives from the local Community, and various organizations both in and outside of South Africa such as ChaiSouthAfrica.