Jewish Senior Living vs. Standard Senior Care
As you explore your options, you may be wondering how Jewish senior living communities differ from standard communities. The truth is that Jewish and standard senior living communities are alike in many ways. Both options give you access to a safe, secure environment and a wide range of amenities. If you choose a more comprehensive type of care, such as a nursing home or assisted living community, you may also have access to assistance with activities of daily living, basic personal care or medication management, among other services.
Services and Amenities Offered in Standard Senior Living Communities
There are several types of senior living communities found throughout the United States. Each type offers amenities and services that meet the specific care needs of its residents. Some focus on providing an independent living environment for active seniors. Others are designed to provide personal or skilled care to older adults who can no longer live independently due to health or functional issues. Certain communities even offer a range of services to meet the changing needs of residents.
The table below lists several types of care, including options for active seniors and those who need regular nursing care. It also explains who might be a good fit for each type of community.
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Care Type
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Typical Services and Amenities
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Resident Profile
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Independent Living
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-Communal dining area may be offered
Private apartments or bungalows
– Social events
– Community centers for residents to connect with each other
– Fitness classes
– Private parking or quick access to public transportation
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– Seniors who are active and don’t require ongoing assistance with personal care or activities of daily living.
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Assisted Living
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– Medication reminders or assistance with medication self-administration
– Assistance with grooming, bathing and related activities
– Social events
– Recreational activities (e.g. fitness classes, dances)
– Transportation to medical appointments
– Laundry services
– Housekeeping services
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– Seniors whose care needs fall somewhere between independent living and skilled nursing.
– Residents of assisted living communities may need a little extra help, but don’t require 24/7 nursing or constant medical supervision.
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Continuing Care Retirement Community
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– Multiple care options, including memory care, assisted living and skilled nursing home care
– Daily meals
– Recreational activities
– Opportunities for socialization
– Personal care
– Private or semiprivate rooms
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– Seniors who want extra flexibility as they age.
– If care needs change after a move to a CCRC, seniors may be able to transition to a higher level of care instead of moving to a different community.
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Adult Day Care
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– Recreational activities
– Nutritious meals and/or snacks
– Health monitoring/screening
– Daily supervision
– Transportation
– Opportunities for socialization
– Possibly medical services
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– Seniors who have a caregiver available on evenings and weekends and only need assistance during the day.
– Seniors who can return home at the end of each session.
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Memory Care
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-Nursing care and medication management
Activities designed to promote improvement in cognitive function
– Safety features to prevent residents from leaving the community without supervision
– Social and recreational activities
– Assistance with activities of daily living
– Personal care
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– Seniors diagnosed with dementia or another condition that results in memory loss and/or confusion.
– Residents gain access to services that ensure safety and help preserve cognitive function as much as possible.
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Nursing Home
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– Skilled nursing care 24 hours per day
– Medical care provided by doctors, physician assistants, physical therapists and other health care professionals
– Nutrition services
– Recreational activities
– Medication administration
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– Seniors who need daily supervision and skilled care.
– Seniors who have a chronic health condition that makes it difficult to walk, bathe, or perform other basic activities.
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Services and Amenities Specific To Jewish Senior Living
What sets Jewish senior living communities apart from standard communities is their emphasis on helping residents stay connected to their cultural and religious beliefs. These communities typically have at least one staff member who can provide counseling and other services according to the principles of Judaism. Some even have a full-time rabbi to ensure that residents always have someone to talk to when they need guidance. Activity assistants, nursing assistants and other staff members may have Jewish heritage or at least an understanding of Judaism and how it can be incorporated into social activities and educational programming.
The services and amenities available vary based on which community you choose, but these are some of the most common:
- Regular contact with clergy: If you move to a Jewish senior living community, you may be able to connect with a rabbi without having to leave home.
- Spiritual support: As you age, you may encounter a variety of challenges, from the loss of loved ones to difficulty adjusting to a chronic health condition. Jewish senior living communities typically provide ongoing spiritual support to help you navigate these challenges.
- On-site worship: Some seniors have difficulty getting to a synagogue and sitting through a service, especially if they have mobility problems or health conditions that cause chronic pain. Many Jewish senior living communities offer on-site services for Shabbat as well as major Jewish holidays.
- Social activities: It’s nice to connect with people who understand the traditions of Judaism and know how important they are in daily life. Jewish senior living communities offer social activities to help you get to know your fellow residents and form bonds that will last a lifetime.
- Educational initiatives: No matter how old you are, there’s no such thing as too much knowledge. Some communities offer educational initiatives to help you learn more about Judaism and how it has evolved over time. These initiatives include Torah study groups, lectures and book clubs that focus on novels and nonfiction books with a connection to Judaism.
- Kosher meals: In the United States, about 17% of Jews keep kosher in their homes. To help these individuals stay true to their beliefs, Jewish senior living communities typically offer kosher meals and snacks. Depending on the type of community you choose, you may also be able to work with a dietitian to come up with a list of kosher foods that are safe to eat even if you have a chronic medical condition.
- Special events: Judaism emphasizes the importance of community, especially as it pertains to being responsible for others. Jewish senior living communities help residents form strong connections with each other by holding parties and other events on special occasions. For example, you may be invited to attend a special Passover celebration.
Jewish Senior Living: What You Can Expect
Cultural and Religious Programming
In addition to many of the same services and amenities as standard senior living communities, Jewish communities have a wide variety of services available to help residents embrace their culture and connect with like-minded individuals. Staff members usually have knowledge of Judaism and the skills necessary to deliver programming that’s well-aligned with your spiritual needs.
Non-Profit or Religious Affiliation
Another difference between Jewish and standard senior living communities is how they’re operated. Standard senior communities are often run by for-profit companies. Many of them belong to national chains that offer a standardized set of services and amenities across multiple states. In contrast, Jewish senior living communities may be operated by one of the following:
- Synagogues
- Jewish community centers
- Nonprofit organizations with religious affiliations
- Non-profit organizations that promote senior welfare
Shared Religious Values
Religious and nonprofit organizations may be more focused on establishing a sense of community rooted in shared values. They also have board members who interact with residents and use their feedback to make positive changes. Board members typically hold managers and employees accountable for any issues within the community. For-profit organizations are accountable to shareholders, so they may be more focused on keeping costs low and attracting as many residents as possible.
Jewish Senior Living Communities in the United States
It takes a lot of time to compile a list of senior living communities that offer services specifically for Jewish residents. To make it a little easier, we did the research and created the list for you. The communities below are operated by Jewish organizations and/or offer services and amenities aimed at Jewish residents.
Arizona
Kivel Campus of Care is an independent living and assisted living home for Jewish seniors. The community offers studio and one-bedroom apartments to seniors 62 and older. Services include assistance with activities of daily living, medication management and social and recreational programs. Residents have access to a 24-hour emergency call system throughout the community.
California
The Albert Einstein Residence Center is an apartment complex for older adults and people with disabilities. It has 77 units. The staff there helps residents get the services they need from other agencies. They also have a meal program that provides kosher dinners every weeknight, and amenities like a library, beauty salon, and exercise equipment.
San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living is the perfect place for seniors who want to enjoy all the best that San Francisco has to offer. With 478 apartments, residents can choose from private dining rooms or family-style kitchens. The community provides help with activities of daily living, including bathing, toileting, dressing, housekeeping and laundry services. It also hosts meaningful activities and programs to keep residents busy and improve their social life.
Seacrest Village is a place for Jewish seniors to live. There are different levels of care, including assisted living, memory care, independent living and skilled nursing care. Residents can choose between studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, which can be private or semiprivate. Caregivers and registered nurses are available 24/7. On-site amenities include a pool, a synagogue and a theater.
Colorado
Kavod Senior Life is a community for seniors aged 62 and over. It is affordable and based on the Jewish faith. Seniors can choose to live in a studio, one or two-bedroom apartment. Caregivers are available 24/7 to help with everyday tasks and to do regular check-ups. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services are offered on site.
- Shalom Park
Address 14800 E. Belleview Dr., Aurora, CO 80015
Shalom Park is an assisted living and nursing community for Jewish seniors. It provides skilled nursing based on individual care plans, as well as rehabilitation services like speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Each room has telephone service and cable TV. It also offers daily social and enrichment activities, like game nights, movie nights and arts and crafts.
Connecticut
Jewish Senior Services is a community for Jewish seniors. We provide different care plans for residents who need help with activities of daily living, memory care, or respite care. Residents live in home-style neighborhoods with other residents who have similar care needs. Each resident has their own private apartment or studio, but there are also common areas that all residents can use. We provide kosher meals as well as recreational programming.
Federation Homes is a community sponsored by the Jewish Federation for low-income adults to have access to housing. All residents have a private apartment with a kitchen, individual temperature control, and access to a Kosher lunch in a community dining area. They can also use the on-site laundry facility and lending library.
The Towers at Tower Lane is a 328-apartment community that offers seniors independent and assisted living options. The community offers affordable housing options with funding from HUD. Residents receive kosher meals and can socialize in the courtyards, participate in enrichment activities or sign up for regular outings that match their interests.
Delaware
Kurtz Senior Living Campus is a Jewish assisted living and skilled nursing facility that offers skilled nursing services, such as wound care and medication management, as well as rehabilitation services and memory care services.
Florida
River Garden Senior Services is a nursing home that provides care to seniors based on Jewish values. The staff at River Garden are full-time and work to provide residents with access to physical and occupational therapy, as well as weekly housekeeping and 24-hour security.
Toby Weinman is an assisted living community for Jewish people. It is located within Menorah Park senior living community. Residents get three kosher meals every day, and someone will do their laundry and housekeeping for them. They also get help with activities like getting dressed or taking a shower. All residents have their own apartment, but they can go to common areas like the beauty shop, coffee shop, or outdoor patio areas.
Miami Jewish Health is committed to providing the highest quality of care for their residents. A team of dedicated healthcare professionals offer a wide range of services, including primary, specialist, palliative, kidney and memory care. In addition, customized daily activities and routines are designed to enrich the lives of residents.
Georgia
The William-Breman Jewish Home is a long term nursing and rehabilitation facility that provides 24-hour supervision and care. The facility also offers short-term rehabilitation services such as occupational, physical, and speech therapy for both inpatients and outpatients. To help residents stay active, the home offers various activities like art therapy and bingo.
Illinois
The Selfhelp Home is a Jewish community for people who are retired. It offers different types of living arrangements, depending on how much help a person needs. There are also outpatient therapies. Services include two Kosher meals a day, regular health checks and assistance with activities of daily living. The community offers weekly Shabbat services and Jewish holiday observances. An emergency call system is in place throughout the community.
Park Plaza is a Jewish senior independent living community that provides residents with private one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments, fully-equipped kitchens, and bathrooms with walk-in showers. Wi-Fi, cable TV, and weekly housekeeping are included with each apartment. The community also offers social and enrichment activities, and transportation to medical appointments and community outings is provided. Park Plaza is an ideal retirement community for active seniors who are looking for an abundance of amenities and social opportunities.
Kansas
Village Shalom is a retirement community for Jewish people. Residents have their own houses or apartments and don’t have to worry about maintaining them. There are also a lot of great amenities like a wellness center, fitness equipment, and an entertainment hub.
Maine
- The Cedars
Address 630 Ocean Ave., Portland, ME 04103
The Cedars is a Jewish senior living community that offers different types of living arrangements and care, including independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, memory care and skilled nursing care. Residents can have private rooms with attached bathrooms in several floor plans. Licensed nurses are on staff. Services include 24/7 care, assistance with activities of daily living and an on-site rehabilitation center.
Maryland
Charles E. Smith Life Communities is an organization that provides Jewish independent living, outpatient assistance, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, rehabilitation and home care. The staff includes people who can help with life skills and registered nurses. These people are available all day and night every day. There is also therapy available on-site for physical, occupational, and speech therapy. There is also a full-time physician on the site.
Massachusetts
JGS Lifecare — Ruth’s House Assisted Living Residence is a Jewish community for older adults. Residents can choose between private and companion suites. Three kosher meals are served daily, and the Country Café is on-site. Assistance with activities of daily living and an on-site primary care geriatrician are available, as well as a rabbi.
The Jeffrey & Susan Brudnick Center for Living is a place where Jewish people who need help with activities of daily living can go. The staff there provides medical and nursing care, as well as assistance with things like eating and bathing. The facility also has a special program to care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Jewish Healthcare Center is a place where Jewish people who need help can live. We offer long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, home care services, hospice services and Alzheimer’s care. Residents can enjoy three meals a day in the dining room and additional snacks. This community provides assistance with daily living activities, medication management and transportation services. Seniors can participate in group outings and community-sponsored activities.
Michigan
Coville Assisted Living is a care facility for Jewish seniors. It provides a warm, home-like environment for older adults of all faiths. The community offers spacious, well-maintained private apartments with amenities like barrier-free bathrooms, a kitchenette and comfortable communal spaces. Residents enjoy three home-cooked, kosher meals daily and receive skilled nursing care and assistance with daily activities like grooming, housekeeping and laundry.
Minnesota
The Sholom West Campus is the perfect community for Jewish seniors who are looking for independent living accommodations, assisted living apartments, memory care neighborhoods, adult day programs and HUD-supported senior apartments. Kosher dining and a full schedule of activities, classes and events make this community ideal for those who want to enjoy their retirement years.
Sholom East Campus is an assisted living community that has studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments in the Bentson Residences. This Jewish community provides assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and memory care services along with on-site wellness programs and social services. Kosher dining options are available for daily meals and snacks. Residents receive housekeeping, laundry, and linen services.
Nebraska
The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home offers top-notch care to seniors in need of long-term residential assistance. In addition to memory care, respite, and hospice services, the home provides residents with healthy meals made from scratch. Those strictly following a Kosher diet will find plenty of options available to them. To help residents stay fit and engaged, a calendar of daily activities is provided. Semiprivate and private rooms are both an option.
New Jersey
Seashore Gardens Living Center is a Jewish community that offers different types of living arrangements and care, depending on what each person needs. There are places for people who need help with some things, places for people who need help with more things, and places for people who need help long-term. Seashore Gardens Living Center has its own Boardwalk Café where residents can go to eat kosher-style meals.
Jewish Federation Plaza is a community for people who live independently. It offers specialized services, like five Kosher dinners per week. All residents have private apartments and access to community rooms, the dining hall, a computer room with Wi-Fi, a beauty shop and a lending library. For safety, seniors also have 24/7 emergency pendants.
Greenwood House Senior Healthcare is a community for seniors that offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, and assisted living. Residents receive three daily kosher meals as well as enrichment programs, community group visits, outdoor entertainment and pet therapy. Housekeeping and laundry services are available along with 24/7 access to staff.
New York
Jewish Senior Life is a Jewish retirement home that offers different types of care, from independent living to skilled nursing care. The home has spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens and a 24-hour emergency call system. Seniors at the home receive delicious meals, assistance with daily living tasks and access to engaging activities.
RiverSpring Assisted Living is a community for people who need help with everyday tasks. It features modern apartments with full bathrooms and furniture from Ethan Allen. Residents can work out in the fitness center or aquatics pool, enjoy live music and cultural events, and eat kosher meals.
Cedarbrook is the perfect residence for those who need a little extra help with day-to-day activities, but still want to maintain their independence. Staff is available 24/7 to provide assistance, and non-kosher meals are served three times daily. Residents can also choose to cook in their own apartments. In addition to plenty of social activities, there is also a community gym.
Ohio
Montefiore of Menorah Park is a skilled nursing facility in Beachwood, Ohio that is affiliated with the Jewish religion. The facility offers 24-hour skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation services to seniors. Residents living at Montefiore of Menorah Park have access to amenities like resident outings, laundry service, kosher dining, an on-site beauty salon and various social events throughout the year.
At Wexner Heritage Village, Jewish seniors can enjoy a retirement lifestyle of their choice. With a variety of one- or two-bedroom apartments available for independent or assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care, residents can find the perfect level of care to suit their needs. 24/7 nursing care is available on-site, along with delicious dining options.
Majestic Care of Cedar Village is a nursing facility that focuses on long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. It has around-the-clock nursing care, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Additionally, the community has an aquatic therapy program. Respite, hospice and memory care are also among its services. A rabbi is on the community’s staff.
Oklahoma
Zarrow Pointe is a community for Jewish seniors. It offers independent and assisted living. The community provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy. There is a health center that is open 24/7, and the assisted living apartments provide on-call nursing services. Residents receive three meals per day, and transportation is provided to appointments and outings that are planned in advance.
Oregon
Rose Schnitzer Manor is an assisted living community for Jewish people. The kitchen is always kosher and Shabbat services are offered weekly. Staff is available at all hours to help with things like getting dressed and other daily tasks. There are 75 activities offered every week, including trips to see plays and concerts.
Tennessee
Plough Towers is a retirement community for Jewish people that has 150 apartments that allow pets. Each apartment has one or two bedrooms and emergency call buttons. People who live there can use the large community room and on-site library with a computer center. Transportation to local shopping areas and grocery stores is also available for residents.
At Memphis Jewish Home and Rehab, nurses provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Health care plans are personalized to each resident’s needs, including medical, nursing, dietary, and social needs. Although the home follows Jewish traditions, people of all faiths are welcome. There is also a beauty salon and a family lounge on the premises, as well as several gardens where residents can relax.
Texas
Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services is a retirement community that offers long-term care and rehabilitative services to Jewish seniors. On-site clinics and a medical suite help coordinate specialty health care, and kosher meals and special diets are accommodated. Seniors can enrich their sense of community and celebration of heritage through social events, games, and creative classes.
The Legacy Senior Communities – Willow Bend is a Jewish senior living facility that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Assistance with daily living activities includes help with hygiene, dressing and eating. The kitchen keeps kosher and accommodates special diets. Manicured grounds feature walking paths and gaming areas.
Virginia
Beth Sholom Senior Living offers different types of living arrangements, like independent or assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. All of these are in a community setting that goes along with Jewish values. People who live there are encouraged to join in regularly scheduled activities on site. These can be things like musical performances or singalongs. And the chefs make meals every day using fresh, local ingredients that are in season.
Beth Sholom Village is a Jewish community that offers different types of living arrangements, activities, and services. The assisted living section has 70 apartments. Some activities available are ceramics, fine arts, and using the library. Licensed nurses are awake and working all day and night. Three kosher meals are served every day, and residents are allowed to have their family and friends eat with them if they want to.
Washington
Kline Galland Home is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation community with beautiful views of the lake. Private rooms and common spaces are kept clean and have high-quality furnishings. Three kosher meals are served each day, and there is always something to do on the busy activity schedule. Care services include memory care, long-term stays, adult day care, and rehabilitation or transitional programs.
Wisconsin
Ovation Jewish Home is an assisted living community that provides memory care, skilled nursing and independent living services in an elegant setting. Seniors and their families receive support services in apartments with scenic views, featuring two households per floor. Ovation Jewish Home offers restaurant-style kosher dining options. Housekeeping, linen and transportation services are available.
Pennsylvania
Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania is a place where seniors can live and get medical and rehabilitative care, social services, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. The facility has on-site medical staff and 24-hour security. Social activities, such as clubs and outings, encourage residents to stay connected and engaged.
Federation Housing is an assisted living community that offers rental homes for seniors. The staff assists residents with activities such as bathing and grooming. Residents are provided with subsidized meals and can access free transport to doctor’s appointments and shopping. The community schedules regular activities that cater to seniors’ physical and emotional well-being.
