The association for the elderly in Eshkol

The association for senior citizens of the Eshkol region, Neve Eshkol, is located in the heart of the Eshkol Regional Council. In terms of area this is one of Israel's largest regional councils. The council lies in the western Negev and shares a sixty-kilometer border with the Gaza Strip. Eshkol thus constitutes part of the first line of settlement opposite Gaza. This is an area of Israel often referred to as the Gaza envelope. The Council has about 2100 veteran citizens who range in age -along the entire continuum of old age. Living in an area with a problematic security border presents economic and security challenges that require a community with a high degree of resilience. The elderly living in this area, along with the rest of the population, often face hostile acts; for example, Qassam rockets, terrorist tunnels and lately incendiary kites and balloons setting fire to the fields and wilderness preserves. These are just part of the complex problems that can harm the welfare of the elderly. The association has been active for twenty years as the professional central body in the Eshkol Regional Council providing solutions of welfare and leisure to the elderly in the community. The association believes in promoting and maintaining a healthy old age and does everything in its power to strengthen social resilience and encourage action in the field. The following are part of Neve Eshkol’s activities: Culture and Leisure Center - A selection of cultural programs (lectures, performances and concerts) that are held every week and are open to the public. Eshkolot and Cathedra - annual / semi-annual study and intellectual- enrichment programs for youth pensioners and all young people in spirit if not in years. "Dynamic" Gym - A fitness room that is adapted and accessible to the elderly community and combines mixed activities for adults of all ages. Volunteer Center for the Elderly - The organization has about 100 volunteers who are an essential element in the facilitation of all the organization's functions. Day care center for patients with all forms of dementia. It is the only facility serving this group in the area. Professional counseling for patients with all forms of dementia and, most importantly for their families. This framework enables professionals in the field of problems of the elderly to provide a response to individual problems. Two supporting communities Programs for Holocaust Survivors and Mofet Club for Holocaust Survivors - In this framework support is given on several levels including the full utilization of rights provided by the government and social programs including inter-generational activities through which the story of their lives is transmitted to the younger generation. The Golden Path (memory, pleasure, health) - an active and well-kept green garden that enables retirees to enjoy activities outside the building in the fresh air. Running through- the center of the garden is a "mental path" based on activities to preserve and improve memory and cognition skills. The garden provides the sort of activities that encourage an active and healthy old age. Warm Homes Intergenerational activities - collaborations with the elementary schools, regional secondary school, and the music school, as well as other educational framework throughout the year, producing high quality and diverse programs which create an open and genuine dialogue between generations. A sympathetic ear Areas in development and construction: A rehabilitation center that will provide a solution for the preservation and improvement physical functions. Employment center and guidance for young pensioners. The association works in full cooperation with the institutions of the Eshkol Regional Council out of the belief that addressing the needs of the elderly person should be holistic and encompass all aspects of life. The elderly person is the center of our attention out of a desire to contribute to the building of a healthy resilient community. Parkinson's Promotion - Parkinson's field awareness is rising significantly in the public over the years. Recently many studies have been done that show that the area in which we live has a relatively high percentage of patients. We have opened a gymnastics group for Parkinson’s patients. Through the group activities, additional needs arose: counseling and accompanying family members, establishing a support group for family members and patients, professional guidance to actives the center offers and can be useful. When seeing the success of the gymnastics group for Parkinson’s patients we are working on opening an additional activity to address the needs of the Parkinson’s patients: dance, arts, and more. These days, we are working to promote our care for Parkinson’s patients and expand the range of activities. We have created contact with the Parkinson's Association and connected with professionals from other centers on how to work with Parkinson’s patients. Parkinson’s patients need close and varied services so that they can maintain at a high level. We work hard to promote the well-being of our senior population, across the whole spectrum of elderly experience: young pensioners, seniors, Holocaust survivors, seniors with cognitive decline and dementia, and seniors with physical disabilities who receive nursing. We often hear the friends who come to the center say: "If we come to Neve Eshkol – everything is all right". We have come to know that these words have an even deeper meaning when it is emergency. The sense of importance that the place has, gives its people intensification during periods when the security situation is worse. In times of crisis people prefer travelling in their unprotected vehicles, sometimes about 30 minutes / 45 minutes to reach Neve Eshkol than being in their protected homes. In situations when it is not possible to open the center, we care for the elderly in their homes and keep in touch through our team. The sense of 'togetherness' and the mutual embrace that they receive and give, strengthens their spirit and inner resilience. Thank you in advance.