We hope that in this, our first JAA E-Newsletter, to share happenings, accomplishments and profiles of the departments and people that contribute to our unique JAA community.  As we grow in the number of disciplines that we provide we have the opportunity to enhance the lives of all of our area’s aging residents. We share a common Vision – A community in which the elderly may have a suitable place to live, are socially engaged, are well nourished physically and emotionally and receive the healthcare they need while being spiritually fulfilled in the Jewish tradition. 

We look forward in coming editions to give you more insight about our agency’s place within our community. -Dave Gritzer, President and CEO

The newest program to the JAA’s continuum of care is JAA Home Health Services.  Our home health services can help anyone in the community who may have a medical need that requires skilled nursing services, hands on teaching and training (e.g. person newly diagnosed with diabetes that needs teaching, oversight and support with insulin injections), wound care, physical/occupational and/or speech therapy services (e.g. knee replacement, CVA, return home from hospital with difficulty walking and/or decline in functional abilities) and/or medical social work services.

Who pays for Home Health Services?  Medicare and most private insurances cover these services.  Home health services require a doctor’s order but not a hospital stay.  The person receiving home health services must be generally homebound at the time these services are delivered; however, he or she can still visit the doctor’s office, attend religious services and other specifically defined outings. Charlotte McConnell, director of JAA Home Health Services is available to answer any of your questions or give you additional information at (412)420-4000 Ext. 3201.

Dear All,
I am pleased to start out this new e-newsletter and the New Year with a brief word of hope and faith.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote:

"Longfellow said, 'In this world a man must either be anvil or hammer,' meaning that he is either a molder of society or is molded by society. Who doubts that today most men are anvils and are shaped by the patterns of the majority? Or to change the figure, most people, and Christians in particular, are thermometers that record or register the temperature of majority opinion, not thermostats that transform and regulate the temperature of society."

Whatever we can do, we must do well and with pride. G-d has given us abilities. We can see great examples of leadership, like Dr. King, and other men and women who showed us how to use our abilities to help others.

Let us go into the new year of 2010 with hope, pride and confidence in our power to make this a better world. Shalom.  -Rabbi Eli Seidman

Teamwork Excellence
The Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center's Nursing Administration and Department Head Management Teams have been selected as finalist for the 2nd Annual Fine Awards for Teamwork Excellence in Health Care.  The Fine Awards honor healthcare teams whose achievement in increasing quality, safety, and efficiency stand out.  It encourages essential teamwork by spotlighting wonderful people who have made a difference.  The award is sponsored by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation and the Fine Foundation.  The Charles Morris Team members will be attending the Award presentation at Heinz Hall on Tuesday, November 17, 2009.

Weinberg Village Campus Facelift
We are pleased to announce that currently new carpet is being installed throughout our campus.  We are also getting a new coat of paint in many common areas.

Flu Update
As we find flu season upon us we encourage each resident and staff member to receive a flu vaccination provided here on campus.

Beautiful New Gazebo
Residents and staff members are enjoying the lovely Gazebo, walkway and garden that Aaron Kreimer and his Scout Troop built for us this summer.  Aaron created this project in order to receive the rank of Eagle Scout.  He did this to honor his grandfather Milton P. Kreimer and a promise he made to him to achieve this rank.  Our thanks to Aaron, his father CW and to our maintenance department for their part in the gift of this wonderful addition to our campus!

New Employees
We welcome:

• Terri Kilbury –Director of Sivitz Jewish Hospice
• Charlotte McConnell – Director of JAA Home Health Services
• Elizabeth Kohler – Director of Nursing, Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation
• Nicole Morgan – Director of CMNR Social Services
• Arlene Handmaker – Director of Community Outreach and Marketing for JAA Home Health Services

Upcoming Events
11/21-22 -- We will represent the Jewish Culture at Heinz History Center’s Heritage Holidays Weekend.  Public invited 11am-3pm.

12/9 -- The Pittsburgh Jewish Communal Network will hold a Holiday Party from 4:30- 6:30 at the JCC for Professionals who work within the Jewish community.   Please RSVP to Richelle Curtis at rcurtis@ujfpittsburgh.org or 412-992-5204.

12/10 -- We host our 2nd Annual JAA Hanukah Party for our professional friends 2pm-4pm.

12/13 -- We will participate in Monroeville Mall's Hanukah in the Malls Celebration. Public invited 12:30-2:30pm.

For more information on any of these events call Kathy Fuller 412-521-2475.