During this time of uncertainty, we wanted a share some photos from this week to keep us all connected. We are staying together, while standing far apart.
Keeping Our Home Extra Clean
Our dedicated cleaning staff are working around the clock to keep our home sanitized. They are cleaning resident rooms, bathrooms, and other common touch points several times a day.
It’s Room Service For Now
Residents and staff are getting used to a new way of dining. Since Monday, we’ve been delivering meals to resident’s apartments. A modified Coffee Klatsch continues with the snacks and beverages brought to resident rooms.
Daily Health Screenings
Daily health screenings are taking place for every resident, employee and essential visitor. Before starting their day, Selfhelp team members have their temperatures checked and are screened for symptoms. Resident screenings are taking place at least once a day. Essential visitors also undergo health screenings. Keeping our entire community safe and healthy is our number one priority.
Social Distancing = Far Apart…But Still Together
Common areas of the building remain open and we are encouraging creative ways to stay in touch with friends and family, from a distance. Our activity cart is stationed in the lobby, and is brought room to room daily for residents. There, you can find games, puzzles, magazines, and books. We are looking for any donations to the cart to keep it fun and interesting.
We are in the process of reconnecting “channel 3”, our own broadcast. Once this is live we will host morning exercise, tai chi, movies, Jewish Studies and other programs. This, along with other programs are in the works. We made some adjustments and residents voted by mail in ballot.
Using Technology to Say “I Love You”
While we are waiting for more iPads and tablets, staff has been using their phones to video chat. We are happy to see you!
For assistance with setting up a call, email Arielle at [email protected].
Hear What Some Residents Have To Say
“My advice is, don’t give up on the market – it comes back”
– Jean K.
“The staff has been working very hard. You are all doing a good job and keeping us safe.”
– Ellen H.
Here is How You Can Help…
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Tablet Drive: Please help us stay connected by donating your tablet or iPad.
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Write a Letter: A letter is a simple way to bring joy. Enclose a photo of you or your kids.
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Drop Off: Help stock our activities cart with magazines, radios, Hebrew and Jewish newspapers, puzzles and games.
Email Arielle Lewis for more information: alewis@
If you have not already reviewed our new restrictions, please take the time to read our updated plan to keep our community safe…
Our Response
The Selfhelp staff have always been a team, but now more than ever we are working together to make sure we are doing everything we can to continue to provide the best care for the residents, in a safe and healthy environment. Our leadership team meets frequently throughout the day making plans, improvements, adjustments and monitoring the health and wellbeing of every staff and resident. As we shift the way we do almost everything, much of this is a work in progress. Whether it’s conducting staff trainings or helping residents, we are fully focused on our response and communication. The mental health of our residents is a top priority, while taking into account that their regular schedules have been disrupted. We are doing our best to find ways to continue some of our activities through the use of technology or 1 on 1 visits.
Saying Goodbye to Felix
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Felix, our intern, must return to his hometown in Germany. The unfortunate news came to us this week, our entire community is sad to see him go. We will be in touch with him and keep you posted.
A Message From Sheila Bogen, Executive Director
I want to thank our Selfhelp Home community for all the support and encouragement we have received over the past two weeks. Family members, volunteers, and friends have sent messages, emails, and phone calls and even likes on Facebook, they all go a long way. This type of support helps us remember that “We Are Staying Together, While Far Apart”.
Please continue to reach out to your family members by phone, video, and letters. I would like to thank the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Chairman of the Board, Austin Hirsch, for their guidance and support.
I know you will join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to every staff member, as they have embraced our mission and are doing their very best to keep our community safe from this pandemic.
Keep calm and wash your hands,