Maintaining the Jewish in Jewish Care
A NEW survey will asses how “Jewishness” should be reflected in Jewish Care’s aged, family, disability and community services. The provision of kosher meals, Jewish staff and Shabbat services all come under the microscope in the questionnaire, designed to measure the community’s expectations of a Jewish support organisation.
A NEW survey will asses how “Jewishness” should be reflected in Jewish Care’s aged, family, disability and community services.
The provision of kosher meals, Jewish staff and Shabbat services all come under the microscope in the questionnaire, designed to measure the community’s expectations of a Jewish support organisation.
“Through considering different viewpoints from all sectors of our community, we will be able to evaluate our response to various needs of our clients and residents, aiming to improve their quality of life,” said general manager of cultural and spiritual services Rabbi Shlomo Meir Kluwgant – who spearheaded the review.
The chairperson of the quality and service review committee, Les Reti, said information collected would place Jewish Care in a stronger position to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
“We want to learn more about what our community considers essential in the delivery of ‘Jewish’ service provision,” he said.
Designed by Professor Andrew Markus, the survey is open to anyone over 18 who considers themselves as Jewish “in any way at all” and has been sent out to 14,000 people so far.
Questions include: “How important is it that all staff members employed by Jewish Care are trained to understand the history of the Holocaust?” and, “Do you agree or disagree that in its discussion with clients and their families, Jewish Care should advocate life prolonging measures at end-of-life stages as required by Jewish religious law?”
Spokesperson for Jewish Care Ayal Tusia said while the organisation saw the importance of providing a Jewish service, the temperature of a new ageing generation needed to be taken on the matter.
Last year, some families complained that Jewish Care was providing “culturally inappropriate” food to elderly residents.
“We obviously, like any aged care provider, get complaints … that always happens at any particular level, this hasn’t been built in response to that,” said Tusia.
“It’s really just so that we can assess the ‘mood of the nation’, to see whether their feelings, perceptions and beliefs have changed,” he said.
To participate in the survey, visit www.jewishcare.org.au/survey2012a before June 8. If you prefer a printed copy or require any further information, contact Jewish Care on (03) 8517 5609.
LIVIA ALBECK-RIPKA
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