By Randi Brokman, MSW
Throughout the year, but especially with the holidays upon us, as a social worker at Homewatch CareGivers, I think about how the High Holy Days can inspire greater compassion for seniors in our community.
The Jewish New Year is more than a time of prayer and reflection; it is a time to recognize the gifts in our lives and a moment to recommit to the values of tzedek (justice) and chesed (loving-kindness), living a life of goodness and compassion. For a home care agency social worker, this means seeing Rosh Hashanah not just as a time for personal spiritual renewal, but as an opportunity to deepen our care for the elderly.
During this holy day, we gather with family, friends and community to share traditional foods like apples and honey and hear the shofar. We wish each other a sweet and happy new year; recognizing the importance of sweetness in our lives. This message should always guide our work with seniors; ensuring they are not forgotten, they are appreciated and their care should reflect the respect they deserve.
At Homewatch CareGivers, our clients live with dementia, chronic illness, mobility challenges, or social isolation. During holidays when families gather, it is important to be aware of changes which might be happening in the lives of our elderly loved ones. Rosh Hashanah moves us to improve the quality of their lives by:
- Honoring their wisdom and wishes by listening to their life stories and involving them in decision-making.
- Checking in more often; lessening isolation and strengthening connections.
- Advocating for their healthcare and social service needs.
Rosh Hashanah’s call to “remember us in judgment” can be applied to the care we provide to our clients and their families, ensuring that every senior we serve is addressed with respect and compassion. This means bridging the gap between spiritual observance and practical care, so that the holiday’s message of renewal and justice extends to every person.
As we blow the shofar, let us pray for a year in which our seniors are seen, heard, cared for and valued — in their synagogues, their communities and the places they call home.