An Israeli startup provides unusually comprehensive home care for seniors and peace of mind for their families.
According to an annual report released last September by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, Israelis are living longer, happier lives, and life expectancy for men now stands at 79.9 years, and 83.6 for women.
An inevitable consequence is that many elderly persons live alone. Spouses die, children marry and establish their own lives, some in distant cities and others abroad, and with passing years the number of close friends and relatives become fewer and fewer.
Because of the pressures of modern life and the demands of their own offspring, many adults feel guilty about being unable to give their parents the attention they deserve. In addition, those who live in distant cities or abroad become anxious about the increasing care required by aging parents.
According to a Pew Research Center survey of adults in the USA with at least one parent age 65 or older, 30% report that their parent or parents need help caring for themselves.
To meet the needs of this aging population in Israel, the Beth Protea non-profit retirement home has initiated Protea Home Care (PHC) to provide “at home” care not only for the frail or handicapped, but also for fit and active seniors, with 24/7 service.
Beth Protea, which began in 1992, operates at full occupancy, and the Home Care project was motivated by the limits in accepting the many applicants on its waiting list for accommodation.
A Case Manager visits each member once a week and a qualified social worker provides professional support where necessary. While one of the main goals is assisting and overcoming loneliness, boredom and helplessness, PHC also provides essential practical assistance such as meals, checking on adequate nutrition, attending to shopping, minor household repairs, laundry, an emergency call button and more.
In its initial stage, the project is aimed at English speakers in Kfar Shmaryahu, Herzliya Pituach, Herzliya, Ramat HaSharon and Ra’anana.