Guide to Jewish Life > Keeping Kosher

Guide to Jewish Life > Community Resources > Seniors

  • SENIORS

  • SENIOR SERVICES

  • Association of Jewish Aging Services of North America (AJAS)
  • 316 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E., Suite 402
  • Washington, DC 20003
  • 202-543-7500
  • fax 202-543-4090
  • www.ajas.org
  • Pres.: Harvey Tillipman
  • Founded in 1960, AJAS is a membership organization of Jewish-sponsored not-for-profit homes, housing, outreach and in-home services for the aging. AJAS functions as the central coordinator of Jewish aging services by promoting and supporting elder services in the context of Jewish values through education, professional development, advocacy and community relationships. AJAS serves as a public resource center for all issues and research related to Jewish aging services throughout the United States and Canada.

  • Gateways Senior Adult Program at the JCC of Greater Washington
  • 6125 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-348-3875
  • fax 301-881-5512
  • www.jccgw.org
  • Contact: Valeria Paskhal
  • Programs and services for newly arrived Russian-speaking senior adults. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, Judaic and acculturation lectures, citizenship classes and workshops, cultural activities, holiday observances, local trips, kosher nutrition program. Tuesdays and Fridays.

  • Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
  • 6121 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-881-0300
  • fax 301-770-8309
  • www.hebrew-home.org
  • Pres./CEO: Warren R. Slavin
  • Hebrew Home
  • Alzheimer's/Dementia
  • Care Admissions:
  • 301-770-8476
  • Secure nursing units and full array of nursing home services available, plus special activities programming and secure outdoor gardens.

  • Hebrew Home Information
  • 301-770-8476
  • Counselors provide information on options for seniors. An admissions counselor is always on call.

  • Hebrew Home Nursing Home Care
  • Admissions office:
  • 301-770-8476
  • Provides a full range of services to meet the complex needs of the frail elderly, including rehabilitation, Alzheimer's care, end-of-life care, on-staff physicians, therapists, 24-hour nursing, extensive activities program, social work support, special diets and kosher meals, all in a Jewish environment.

  • Hebrew Home Outpatient
  • Medical Care
  • 301-816-5004
  • 301-816-7700
  • The Hebrew Home provides outpatient services through the Hirsh Health Center and through therapy services.

  • Hebrew Home Rakusin Rehabilitation Center
  • Admissions office:
  • 301-770-8476
  • For those recovering from stroke, heart attack, joint replacement or surgery, the Hebrew Home provides post-hospital care with a focus on recovery and return home. In this 68-bed center, physical, occupational and speech-language therapies and skilled nursing care are available. Adults of all ages can take advantage of these services.

  • Hebrew Home Research
  • Institute on Aging
  • Dir.: Dr. Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
  • 301-770-8449
  • Innovative research with a special emphasis on nursing home residents, their families and caregivers. The Hebrew Home Research Institute has published more than 150 articles in scientific journals and books.

  • Hebrew Home Volunteer Opportunities
  • Volunteer Department
  • 301-770-8333
  • Retirees, adults, teens, tots and groups welcome. There are more than 100 things you can do to help.

  • Retirement Living
  • Ring House: 301-816-5000
  • Revitz House: 301-881-7400
  • Landow House: 301-816-5060
  • There are two options on the
  • Hebrew Home campus for independent living, Revitz House and Ring House, as well as an assisted-living residence, Landow House. See individual listings for each of these residences.

  • Hirsh Health Center for Seniors
  • 1801 E. Jefferson St.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-816-5004
  • TTY 301-816-0623
  • Medical Dir.: Dr. Damien Doyle
  • Provides primary medical care specializing in geriatrics, comprehensive assessments and rehabilitative services; open Monday-Friday.

  • Hurwitz Internal Light Program for Senior Adults with Visual Impairment at the JCCGW
  • 6125 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-348-3879
  • Contact: Evelyn Saile
  • Additional site: Upper Montgomery County Senior Center
  • Provides support, information concerning blindness and low vision, referrals and volunteer opportunities, activities and excursions
  • for blind and visually impared
  • senior adults who reside in Montgomery County and Northwest D.C. Consultations to the community on Wednesdays.

  • Jewish Chaplaincy Services of JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
  • 11821 Parklawn Dr., Suite 250
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-230-7294
  • fax 301-230-7272
  • Chaplain: Rabbi Saul Koss
  • Serves the needs of unaffiliated Jews in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, assisted-living facilities, hospices; Hebrew Free Burial Society.

  • Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington (JCCGW)
  • 6125 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • Dir. of Senior Programs:
  • Selma Sweetbaum
  • 301-348-3860
  • Contact: Linda Wechsler
  • 301-230-3745
  • Contact: Naomi Horowitz
  • 301-348-3873
  • Contact: Kandy Hutman
  • 301-348-3864
  • fax 301-881-5512
  • www.jccgw.org
  • Programs designed to promote enjoyment and growth in retirement ages. Workshops, classes, lectures, trips, wellness programs, choral group; Hurwitz Internal Light Program for adults with visual impairments, new American programs in Russian; Gerber senior seminars taught by retired professionals; winter, spring lecture series; senior adult art show; flu shots in October; health screening and education; trips; Seniors Organized for Change (SOC) senior advocacy group, candidates forums; Prime Time couples club, monthly Sunday program run by senior adult volunteers. Kosher lunch programs at the following sites. Some transportation is available through JCA 301-881-8782. Call for reservations.
  • Monday
  • Nevey Shalom, Bowie, MD
  • Gerber seminars
  • Tuesday:
  • JCCGW, Rockville
  • JCC Russian-speakers Program
  • Hebrew Academy
  • Wednesday:
  • Coffield Center, Silver Spring
  • Shomrai Emunah, Silver Spring
  • Hebrew Academy
  • Gerber seminars
  • Thursday:
  • JCCGW, Rockville
  • Hurwitz Internal Light
  • Hebrew Academy
  • Seniors Organized for Change (SOC)
  • This 'n That
  • Har Tzeon-Agudath Achim
  • Friday:
  • JCCGW, Rockville
  • Fall, Winter & Spring Scholars Series
  • Hebrew Academy
  • Scholar Series

  • Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia
  • 8900 Little River Tnpk.
  • Fairfax, VA 22031
  • 703-537-3061
  • fax 703-323-1993
  • www.jccnv.org
  • Senior Adult Dir.: Pam Wiener
  • Six senior adult clubs, over 55 years of age, meet weekly; senior singles clubs, classes, activities, workshops, lectures, trips, discussions, holiday programs.

  • Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)
  • 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite 200
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-255-4200
  • 703-425-0999
  • fax 301-231-9360
  • www.jcagw.org
  • Exec. Dir.: David Gamse
  • Programs help elders remain in their own homes as long and as independently as possible. Provides transportation, adult day care, employment services, fitness training, information & referral service, home care information, computer learning and retirement planning. Offers volunteer opportunities. JCA is a beneficiary of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the United Way.
  • JCA Bethesda Vital Living Center
  • 4805 Edgemoor Ln., 2nd floor
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 240-395-0915
  • fax 240-395-0908
  • Productive Aging Program Specialist: Teresa Simmons
  • tsimmons@jcagw.org
  • Nontraditional senior center in downtown Bethesda. Classes include: JCA SeniorNet, Pilates, yoga and Seniorfit.
  • Misler Adult Day Center Caregiver Support Group
  • Dir. of Misler Center: Helen Kaufman
  • Social Worker: Harley Lattner
  • 301-468-1740
  • hkaufman@jcagw.org
  • Caregiver support group for those caring for an older individual. Open to public. Second and fourth Monday of each month, 12:30-2 p.m. at Misler, 1801 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD.
  • JCA Computer Docs
  • 4805 Edgemoor Ln., 2nd floor
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 240-395-0916
  • fax 240-395-0908
  • Contact: Teresa Simmons
  • tsimmons@jcagw.org
  • Community service of JCA in which service volunteers refurbish donated Pentium class computers and in turn donate them to those in need.
  • JCA Connect-A-Ride
  • 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite 200
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • Manager: Lynn Winchell
  • Montgomery County
  • 301-738-3252
  • connectaride@jcagw.org
  • Fairfax and Arlington counties
  • 703-323-6494
  • TTD 301-881-5263
  • fax 301-231-9360
  • An information and referral program that provides transportation options for older adults and their caregivers ib targeted areas. The information is free, although there are costs associated with some providers that callers are referred to. Call Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • JCA HomeCare Resource Center
  • 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite 200
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-255-4200
  • 703-425-0999
  • fax 301-231-9360
  • Dir.: Ellen Greenberg
  • egreenberg@jcagw.org
  • Information and referral service that helps clarify needs, explore options, and refer home care services for seniors.
  • JCA Misler Adult Day Center
  • (at Ring House)
  • 1801 E. Jefferson St.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-468-1740
  • fax 301-468-9207
  • www.mislercenter.org
  • Dir.: Helen Kaufman
  • hkaufman@jcagw.org
  • Asst. Dir.: Susan Janowitz, R.N.
  • Provides a medical adult day program for older adults who have physical, cognitive, or emotional disability. Kosher meals. Funding from Medicaid, the V.A., scholarship fund and other sources.
  • JCA Operation Able
  • 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite 200
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-255-4231
  • Dir.: Micki Gordon
  • mgordon@jcagw.org
  • Intensive job-search support through the Able Seniors Program.
  • JCA Retirement Planning
  • 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite 200
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-255-4231
  • Dir.: Micki Gordon
  • mgordon@jcagw.org
  • Publications plus estate planning and eldercare service, many free.
  • JCA Senior Community Services Employment Program
  • 4805 Edgemoor Ln., 2nd floor
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 240-395-0918
  • 240-395-0908
  • Dir.: Harriet Shapiro
  • hshapiro@jcagw.org or
  • senioremployment@jcagw.org
  • On-the-job training with pay for low-income Montgomery County residents age 55 and older.
  • JCA Senior HelpLine
  • 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite 200
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-255-4200
  • 703-425-0999
  • fax 301-231-9360
  • Dir.: Ellen Greenberg
  • seniorhelpline@jcagw.org
  • Information on housing, nursing home care, in-home support services, transportation, social activities, employment and volunteer opportunities; medical claims assistance and other concerns of the elderly.
  • JCA SeniorTech Computer Learning Centers
  • Contact: Teresa Simmons
  • 301-240-395-0916
  • tsimmons@jcagw.org
  • At Bethesda Vital Living Center:
  • 4805 Edgemoor Ln., 2nd floor
  • Bethesda, MD 20814
  • 240-395-0915
  • At University of DC:
  • 4340 Connecticut Ave., N.W., D.C.
  • Street Level
  • 202-274-6670
  • At Springfield Mall:
  • Springfield, VA
  • 703-924-3861
  • Classes cover intro to computers, word processing and other topics for "whiz kids over 55." Most classes: weekday mornings. Temple Rodef Shalom, Falls Church; Asbury Methodist Village, Gaithersburg.
  • JCA Transportation Services
  • c/o Misler Program
  • 1801 E. Jefferson St.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-468-6280
  • fax 301-468-9207
  • Dir.: Moti Galil
  • bstapleton@jcagw.org
  • Provides door-to-door bus service to social activities, Misler Adult Day Center, shopping and group trips. Special trips at low rates are available.
  • JCA Volunteer Opportunities
  • 11820 Parklawn Dr., Suite 200
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-255-4215
  • fax 301-231-9360
  • Contact: Ellen Greenberg
  • egreenberg@jcagw.org
  • Opportunities available for persons who wish to share time and talent to benefit older persons and their loved ones.

  • JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
  • Older Adults
  • and Independent Living
  • Rockville 301-881-3700
  • Fairfax 703-204-9100
  • www.jssa.org
  • Supports older adults and their families, as they encounter the challenges of aging,with the goal of preserving dignity, ensuring safety and promoting independence. Offers: comprehensive geriatric assessment; long-term care planning; case management; counseling and support; in-home support and services; caregiver support and education; program for Holocaust survivors; Premier Homecare, private duty home care agency provides home support services.
  • Hospice and Transitions Care
  • Hospice 301-816-2676
  • Transitions Care 301-881-3700
  • (Hospice and Transitions Care available to individuals living in Montgomery County.)
  • Hospice provides professional and volunteer support that allows terminally ill individuals to spend their final days in the comfort of their homse, senior residences or nursing homes. Offers: skilled nursing care and personal assistance; 24-hour/7-day availability; weekend admissions; emotional/spiritual support for patient and family; bereavement support. Transitions Care is an all-volunteer program that provides companionship and support to patients and their families coping with serious illness.
  • JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency) Volunteer Opportunities
  • 301-881-3700
  • www.jssa.org
  • JSSA has many volunteer opportunities to work with elders, children and individuals with disabilities. Friendly Visitor and shopping programs, Kosher Meals-on-Wheels drivers, Bombe Chest organizers and sales people, office workers, English tutors, hospice and transition volunteers.

  • Next Step Social Group
  • 301-527-8953
  • For widows, widowers and other singles 55 and older. Meets first and third Thursday of each month at the Wasserman Building (Hebrew Home) Board Room.

  • Seniors Organized for Change (SOC)
  • 6125 Montrose Rd
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-348-3860
  • fax 301-881-5512
  • www.jccgw.org
  • Meets Thursday mornings. Subjects ranging from health care reform on
  • the national level to zoning in Montgomery County. Bus trips to meet legislators.

  • Washington DCJCC Center for Jewish Living and Learning
  • 1529 16th St., N.W.
  • Washington, DC 20036
  • 202-777-3268
  • fax 202-518-9420
  • www.washingtondcjcc.org
  • Dir.: Jean Graubart
  • jeang@washingtondcjcc.org
  • Offers several daytime and evening programs that would appeal to 55-plus newly retired adults.

  • Washington DCJCC Behrend-Adas Senior Fellowship
  • Adas Israel Congregation
  • Aviva Atkin
  • 202-363-7530
  • Offers a variety of daytime social programs and activities for 55-plus including exercise, art, music, lectures, films, theater, trips and programs for newly retired adults. Meets daily for lunch at Adas Israel Congregation. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations required.

  • REHABILITATION & RECOVERY

  • Collingswood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center*
  • 299 Hurley Ave.
  • Rockville MD 20850
  • 301-762-8900
  • www.collingswoodnursing.com
  • *Paid advertiser

  • Family & Nursing Care*
  • 8601 Georgia Ave., Suite 505
  • Silver Spring MD 20910
  • 301-588-8200
  • 202-628-5300
  • 800-588-0517
  • *Paid advertiser

  • Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
  • See Senior Services section.

  • Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)
  • See Senior Services section.

  • JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
  • See Senior Services and Social Services sections.

  • Premier Homecare*
  • 6123 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville MD 20852
  • www.premierhomecare.org
  • *Paid advertiser

  • RETIREMENT, INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING

  • B'nai B'rith Homecrest House
  • 14508 Homecrest Rd.
  • Silver Spring, MD 20906
  • 301-598-4000
  • fax 301-598-6485
  • www.homecresthouse.org
  • office@homecresthouse.org
  • Exec. Dir.: Joe Podson
  • HUD subsidized retirement community featuring independent and assisted housing with supportive services on a 10-acre park campus in Aspen Hill, near Leisure World. Independent housing amenities include scheduled transportation, social, educational and recreational programs, convenience store, fitness center and daily evening kosher meal. Assisted housing through Congregate Housing Services Program provides help with activities of daily living including weekly housekeeping, linens and laundry service, personal assistance, 24-hour on-site staff and optional medication administration. Federal, state and county subsidies are available for those who qualify.

  • Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
  • See Senior Services section

  • Landow House
  • 1799 E. Jefferson St.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • www.landowhouse.org
  • 301-816-5060
  • fax 301-816-3061
  • Admissions Counselor:
  • Erin Martinko
  • Assisted living community adjacent to Ring House. Spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with wall-to-wall carpeting, kitchenettes and individually controlled heating/cooling; 24-hour monitoring and personalized assistance from licensed and certified nursing staff. Other amenities include: three kosher meals daily, weekly housekeeping, linen and personal laundry service, recreational and cultural activity programs and transportation to scheduled outings. On-site physician's office as well as therapy and adult day care services.

  • Potomac Place*
  • 2133 Montgomery Ave.
  • Woodbridge VA 22191
  • 703-494-3817
  • *Paid advertiser

  • Revitz House
  • 6111 Montrose Rd.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-881-7400
  • fax 301-816-5019
  • www.revitzhouse.org
  • Administrator: Diane Stern
  • Affordable independent living for
  • seniors and persons with disabilities. Standard and deluxe one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, wall-to-wall carpeting and individually controlled heating and a/c. Amenities include: recreational activities, scheduled transportation, snack shop and convenience store, restaurant-style kosher dinners, pharmacy delivery service, 24-hour front desk, live-in resident manager, personal emergency response system, telephone entry system for visitors and campus security.

  • Ring House
  • 1801 E. Jefferson St.
  • Rockville, MD 20852
  • 301-816-5000
  • fax 301-816-5019
  • www.ringhouse.org
  • Admissions Director: Erin Martinko
  • Independent living rental retirement community, offering studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Services and amenities include: two kosher meals daily, housekeeping service, recreational programs, scheduled group transportation, social services and on-site geriatric physician's office, therapy services, library, beauty shop, cafe and fitness center.

  • Summerville of Potomac*
  • 11215 Seven Locks Rd
  • Potomac MD 20854
  • 301-765-9198
  • www.summervilleseniorliving.com
  • *Paid advertiser