Jewish Care ‘Jewishness’ questioned

JEWISH Care Victoria board members and chief executive Bill Appleby were questioned about how committed its professional carers are to “Jewish knowledge and culture” at the organisation’s annual general meeting on Tuesday.

“There is a general concern in the community that [the] Jewish soul has left Jewish Care,” the questioner said during an open session, asking what measures have been in place to remedy that.

Appleby responded by pointing out the difficulties of recruiting Jewish staff to carer roles.

“The large percentage of our staff who work at Jewish Care, both in aged care and areas of disability services, are certificate three [qualified] and the average hourly rate is $17.50, and it is a reality that we are unable to attract Jewish people.”

Appleby said Jewish Care Victoria was marketing itself to health care professionals “to be attractive to Jewish people and others”, but has undertaken a Jewish knowledge initiative for its staff, including its Ethos Day program.

He acknowledged the organisation has been “remiss” in this area, but was now making up for it.

“We want to make sure our Jewish and non-Jewish staff are in full appreciation of the rich diversity of the Jewish community.”

Earlier, during his address, Appleby said carer staff have taken part in Ethos Day, a Jewish knowledge workshop, and in simulated Shabbat dinners, and every member of the carer staff will be required to undergo training in these areas over the next 12 months. He also stressed the important input provided by Jewish community volunteers.

Appleby, who took up his post at Jewish Care in February this year, told the AGM the organisation is dedicated to strengthening its home care and healthy ageing programs and to prevention and early intervention in crisis management for its Jewish community clients. He added it is focusing on its 2009-14 five-year plan, “a difficult but critical journey to modernisation and revitalisation”.

Jewish Care president Bruce Rosengarten reported on the opening of Gary Smorgon House and Glen Eira Villas, and said an ageing Jewish and general population meant “the status quo is not an option”.

Guest speaker, writer and teacher Vivienne Ulman, gave a moving account of her experiences with her late mother who suffered Alzheimer’s Disease.

PETER KOHN

PHOTO: Jewish Care Victoria CEO Bill Appleby. Photo: AJN file