We are hearing a lot about L’Chaim Day Program, a new program being offered in our community. We wanted to learn more, so here, in their own words, is what they are all about.
Chani Klein: What is the L’Chaim Day
Program?
L’Chaim Day Program is a new
and exciting program that, with Hashem’s help, was recently opened in the
community. It’s geared towards seniors but really anyone is welcome to attend.
The goal for L’Chaim Day Program is to be a hub of exciting activities and a
safe place for people to meet and enjoy themselves. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
there’s non-stop action, including exercise classes, lectures, art groups, shiurim, brain stimulation games, and
live music.
CK: Who should consider coming?
Anyone looking to have a fun
and exciting day. An advantage of our program is that we are a Maryland
licensed medical day program. So besides the constant activities, there is a
registered nurse and a clinical social worker on staff who are able to provide
medical and supportive services to those who need them.
CK: Who are your staff?
Our employees are all caring
and professional individuals from our community. Our medical director is Dr.
Menachem Cooper. The program director is Menachem Taragin, LCSW-C, and the
assistant director is Rabbi Reuven Perlman. The registered nurses, Mrs.
Shaindel Kermanshahi and Mrs. Adina Skaist (they’re sisters), are both skilled
and experienced nurses, who observe and provide medical services to
participants as needed. Mrs. Malka Zweig leads fun and exciting anagrams and
brain stimulating word games. Rabbi Tzvi Karp offers daily lectures and
discussion groups covering current events, Baltimore history, holidays, and
many other interesting topics. Ms. Elisheva Hirschman meets with participants
one-on-one, providing meaningful and thoughtful interactions and lending them a
caring ear. Mrs. Deborah Bandos conducts daily yoga classes. And live musical
entertainment is provided every day from different community members.
CK: What about food?
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
are served every day. The meals are homemade and individualized. Our chef is
Mrs. Chaya Bracha (CB) Goldfein, who cooks delicious and nutritious dishes with
love. All food is glatt kosher, under the hashgacha of Rabbi Zvi Weiss.
CK: Where is this program located?
We are located at 3617 Seven
Mile Lane, right next to Congregation Beit Yaakov (Rabbi Goldfeiz’s shul). The
program occupies the entire lower floor of the building. The space is about
7,000 square feet, all newly renovated, to provide a beautiful, spacious, and
therapeutic atmosphere to those who come. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp
on the side of the building that serves as the entrance.
CK: You mentioned therapy. What
kind of therapy is offered?
We have a fully equipped
therapy room where customized occupational, physical, and speech therapy are
offered. Accessible Therapy is a respected local therapy company that provides
the therapy staff.
CK: What if someone doesn’t drive?
How would they get to the program?
For those who attend the full
day, we offer pickup and drop-off service, which is also wheelchair equipped,
if needed.
CK: What if someone only wants to
come for some of the day or for a specific program?
Great! We want to be a resource
for everyone, those who want to spend the entire day as well as those who may
want to come for an hour or two or join for a specific program.
CK: How much does it cost?
The cost is $120 for the full
day, which includes breakfast and lunch, all-day activities, nursing and social
work services, as well as transportation. For those who want to come for a
shorter time period, the charge is $30 per hour.
CK: What has been the feedback
since you opened?
Baruch Hashem, it has been very positive!
Here are comments from a participant and a family member:
“The program is extremely
professional. It’s well thought out in a beautiful facility, and the staff is
caring.” Mordechai Zev
Margolese
“When I saw that a frum Jewish day care center was
opening, I was so excited. This was exactly what I have been wanting for my
husband. I have not been disappointed. The center is beautiful, spacious, and
delightful. But more than that, the care that the professional staff has given
my husband is exemplary. The care of the professionals is felt the minute you
walk in.” Adele Myers
CK: Where can one learn more?
Our website is www.lchaimdayprogram.com, and
our phone number is 410-358-6461. Our hope is to create a country club
atmosphere, where people can feel safe, connected, uplifted, and have a lot of
fun. Potential participants are welcome to come for a free day to experience
all that we have to offer.
CK:
Thank you for providing this service to the community. Hatzlacha Raba!
