Eli Persky, Resident at the Los Angeles Jewish Home

http://www.jha.org

To whom do new residents turn for help in navigating the Jewish Home?

One person is one of their own: Eli Persky, 93. Eli is the Home's ambassador for new residents.

"Dad has a purpose in life -- making other people happy," says his son, Michael, a longtime supporter of the Jewish Home. "Being here has put a new bounce in his step."

After Claire, his wife of 67 years, passed away four years ago, Eli first lived with his daughter, Marilyn, and her family. But when he was no longer able to drive, Eli felt isolated and longed to be with his peers.

Then he toured the Home, and was eager to move in right away. "It truly felt like a home away from home," Eli recalls. "The first month was a little difficult. Now, I feel like I've made a new life for myself here, and I'm surrounded by friends."

Born in the Bronx, Eli worked in an aircraft production assembly line as World War II began. He met Claire at his family's apartment building one summer evening. "Claire was the most magnificent woman a man could ever meet," says Eli. They raised three children: Bobbie, Marilyn, and Michael.

After the war, Eli came to Los Angeles and worked in his brother-in-law's auto upholstery shop. His family followed, and Eli opened his own shop, working there until retiring at age 65. Then, he immediately found a part-time job delivering flowers that lasted for many years, and began volunteering at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

At the Jewish Home, Eli works out in the fitness center five days a week, and takes a T'ai Chi class. "Dad takes advantage of all the Home has to offer," says daughter Bobbie. Daughter Marilyn adds, "Dad lives every day with a positive attitude. He is a great role model for our entire family."

That family includes seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. "I love showing off my family when they visit me," Eli says.

The Home, he says, "has given me my life back. The caregivers and staff are wonderful, the grounds are beautiful, and the food is excellent. Everyone should support the Home -- it's the greatest contribution you can make!"

To learn more about how the Jewish Home can provide compassionate, state-of-the-art care for a family member or friend, contact the Jewish Home's admissions office: http://www.jha.org/resident/contact.asp.

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