This month, we’re excited to spotlight our Jay and Rose Phillips Aging Care & Connection (ACC) department. We sat down with JFS Director of Aging Care & Connections Rachel Rotach to learn about this remarkable team and their work throughout JFS and our communities.

Q:  Tell us about your program.

RR:  The ACC team works to help older adults remain independent through compassionate care management and navigation, homemaker support services to help adults with cleaning and maintaining their homes, empathetic mental health counseling to help older adults through life’s transitions, three different food programs, including a kosher-style lunch held at the JCC, the Kosher Meals on Wheels delivery program, and a monthly pantry delivery program providing food and toiletries for those who have a hard time leaving their homes. We also offer an essential Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program that provides financial support for much-needed home care services and medical expenses.

Q:  What impacts does your program make?

RR:  Community-based services, such as those provided by the ACC team, are vital in supporting older adults. They offer numerous benefits that improve quality of life by increasing access to affordable services, providing emotional support, and helping older adults maintain their independence and well-being, enabling them to age in place.

Q:  What is the team working on now?

RR:  ACC recently organized a presentation on “Changing the Narrative” for all staff, focusing on addressing ageism and reflecting on its impact on our community. We also actively support five local candidate forums across Colorado to discuss aging issues that matter to older adults with public office candidates. In September, we hosted the regional Claims Conference grantee meeting at our office and discussed strategies to support Holocaust survivors in the community. Lastly, one of our staff members participated in the Jewish Sacred Spaces educational group, sponsored by the Sephardic Foundation on Aging, to learn more about prevention and approaches to addressing elder abuse.

Q:  Please share a recent client story:

RR:  ACC care managers supported numerous clients with housing needs, including finding rental assistance, affordable housing options, and helping to pay for utilities. One client shared that she lived in an unsafe environment surrounded by black mold, a crumbling ceiling, and frequent water shutoffs due to poor maintenance of a dilapidated apartment building. One of the ACC care managers helped her fill out applications for new apartments and ultimately succeeded in finding a clean, well-maintained building. The client expressed profound gratitude for being in a new environment and raved about the additional amenities that will allow her to age easily in place, including optional meals onsite, an elevator, and an enclosed courtyard.