JFS Elder Club Socialization & Support Caregiver Respite Older adults of all faiths, races, gender, ethnicity, abilities, sexual orientation and country of origin are welcome to enroll in The Elder Club program.

Asheville Elder Club Program Hendersonville Elder Club "Satellite" Program So they are watching us on TV? Looks like they’re having so much fun!

 Peer to peer socialization  Sharing common memories & life experiences Socialization and Friendship Socialization & friendship in an enjoyable, structured group setting.

 Professional staff: Program Coordinator, Program Facilitator, Professional Cook  Trained volunteer assistants  Supervised, safe & structured environment  Individual, respectful & caring support  Nutritious meals prepared on site  Options for safe door-to-door transportation IT IS: a structured social program—a unique approach to senior care. IT IS NOT: adult day care, a dementia group or a senior center. JFS Elder Club—Program Basics

 Daily ability-appropriate exercise & yoga  Nutritious lunches served “restaurant style” Exercise & Nutrition Enjoying meals with peers fosters improved nutrition. Exercise improves strength & balance and reduces depression.

 Arts & crafts  Music & Singing  Topical & thoughtful discussions The Elder Club engages those of all abilities to enjoy music, art, lively discussions & other stimulating activities... Engaging & Enjoyable Activities...

....crafts, games & a variety of creative activities contribute to a fun & stimulating day.... Lots of New Experiences

Guests Bring Talent & Skill Talented guests enhance programming & bring a sense of involvement in community life.

We welcome all older adults of all faiths to:  socialize & enjoy peer companionship  participate in program activities  benefit from structure & professional supervision We welcome older adults who:  may be isolated, have a limited ability to get out and/or have other social challenges  may have good memory & cognitive ability  may have mild to moderate dementia or other cognitive challenges  may have physical limitations To qualify for admission all participants:  Must meet eligibility requirements related to: toileting, eating, wandering, health & other admission criteria Who Should Attend Older adults of all faiths, races, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, sexual orientation and abilities are welcome to enroll in the Elder Club program.

“The fact that we can be a part of this group… it is so wonderful to know you are welcome.” Members & Caregivers Say: “When the bus drops me off at home, I start looking forward to the next Elder Club meeting.” “Elder Club is a happy place. People are laughing all the time.” “The JFS Elder Club is a great deal of inspiration to me. I look forward to attending and pray that Elder Club will prosper and continue.” “Every community should have an Elder Club like this one! Participants are cared for - and cared about – and always treated with dignity, love, and respect. It’s heartwarming to watch the shared experiences and meaningful friendships that grow… a lovely way to enhance a well- seasoned life.”

Caregiver Respite & Support  Respite time for self-care & personal activities  Peace of mind knowing loved ones are in a safe place, well cared for, with professional supervision  Confidential consultations & resources for aging issues  Caregiver groups & individual counseling Caregivers benefit from respite time & from support for their own needs.

Outcomes measures consistently show positive benefits from participation in the Elder Club:  Increased nutrition, socialization & physical activity  Improved Quality of Life  Reduced depression  Supported “aging in place” Benefits of Elder Club Participation Participants consistently report positive effects & improved quality of life from Elder Club attendance! “After 15 years, what can I say… I love it.”

Volunteers We welcome volunteers!  Provide hands-on-help.  Engage members in social interaction.  Bring unique skills & interests to enhance the program.  Receive in-service training.  Have a very meaningful & rewarding experience.  Have a lot of fun! Volunteers are essential to the work & spirit of the Elder Club.

Hours of Operations and Services Elder Club locations, times & fees:  In Asheville at Jewish Family Services of WNC: 2 Doctor’s Park Suite E, 417 Biltmore Ave, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 11am to 2pm.  In Hendersonville at Agudas Israel Congregation: 505 Glasgow Lane, Wednesdays, 11am-2pm, beginning Fall  The program tuition fee includes a daily snack and lunch. These are the only senior programs in WNC serving kosher or kosher-style meals.  Door-to-door transportation may be arranged with Buncombe County’s Mountain Mobility or Henderson County’s Apple Country Transit. A very modest “share of cost” fee for transportation may be assessed. Some caregivers or family members choose to provide personal transportation to the program.  Scholarships based on income & need may be available upon request. Visit the Jewish Family Services Website:

JFS Programs & Services Jewish Family Services of WNC is a non-profit social service agency for the people of Western North Carolina Our comprehensive services include: mental health counseling case management vocational support elder club group socialization program caregiver respite & support food pantry & emergency assistance kosher meals & friendly visitors College student loan program

Contact Us Visit the Jewish Family Services Website: For further information about the JFS Elder Club, to recommend a family member or friend, or to volunteer, contact: Anne Wainer, MSS JFS Social Worker & Elder Club Coordinator Phone: (828) ext. 12 or To inquire about donor and sponsorship opportunities, contact: Alison B. Gilreath, MSW JFS Executive Director (828) ext. 11 or The Elder Club is made possible in part by support from: BJH Foundation for Senior Services, Buncombe County Aging Services, Henderson County Aging Services, WNC Jewish Federation, and many individual donors. 2 Doctor’s Park Suite E 417 Biltmore Ave., Asheville NC 28801