Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

  We all can agree that music is good for the soul. But how good is it for those with dementia? As seniors face the challenges of memory loss and cognitive decline, music has proven to be a therapeutic tool that can evoke memories, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. If you are a caregiver to a senior with dementia, here are some indisputable reasons why music should be part of their daily routine.  The impact of music on memory Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, cognition, and behavior. It can be isolating and frustrating for individuals as they struggle to maintain their sense of identity and connection with the world around them. However, music has a unique ability to reach beyond the barriers imposed by the disease, tapping into deep-rooted memories and emotions that may otherwise remain dormant. Studies have shown that  music has a direct impact on the brain , stimulating neural pathways associated with memory and emotion. Even when ot...

  While many Jewish holidays have pretty serious religious underpinnings, Purim, coming up on February 25th, is one of the most joyous and fun of the Jewish holidays. It’s a little bit of Mardi Gras, Passover, and Halloween all rolled into one. Traditions of this holiday include giving care packages to those in need and baking delicious Jewish staples. But how did these traditions emerge? What exactly is Purim?  The Origin of Purim The story of Purim commemorates the events that took place in the Bible: Book of Esther. The protagonists of the story are Esther and her cousin Mordecai who raised her as if she was his own daughter. Esther was a young and beautiful Jewish woman living in Persia. She was taken to the King of Persia, Ahasuerus, immediately took a liking to her. So much so, that he made Esther the queen. However, the king did not know an important part of Esther’s identity. She hid her Judaism from him per her cousin Mordecai’s advice.  The antagonist, or ...

  For many Jewish families, Purim wouldn’t be complete without Hamantaschen or the “triangle cookies” that are a traditional part of the holiday. These staple cookies are so simple to make once you gather the right ingredients. Not to mention, you can fill the center pockets of each cookie with whatever filling you like! For this recipe, we decided to alternate between apricot preserves, raspberry jam, and Nutella. Without further ado, here is Jewish Community Housing Corporation’s signature recipe for Hamantaschen cookies! Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 1 1/3 cups margarine or butter 2 large eggs  6 tablespoons water 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups all-purpose flour Fillings: apricot jam, Nutella, Raspberry Jam Baking sheet  3 in. round cookie cutter Confectioners’ sugar (optional) Prep Time: 30 mins (if the dough is prepped ahead of time) Cook Time: 15 mins Directions: 1.    ...

  The winter months are here—with cold temperatures, dry air, snow, and ice. Although we love the sight of fresh snow, it’s important that your senior loved ones are safe and well-prepared in case a pretty winter snowfall turns into a severe storm. (Important safety tip: give the kid down the street ten bucks to shovel for you!) The colder weather can also have negative effects on our minds and bodies if we don’t stick to good wellness habits throughout the season. Luckily, our assisted living team at Lester has put together some tips to help seniors stay safe and well this season. Home safety.  If mom and dad are still residing in their own home, It’s important to make sure someone is nearby to shovel and salt their outdoor steps, walkways, and driveway. The last thing your senior parents should have to worry about is getting hurt while shoveling the snow. Seniors should also wear closed comfortable shoes or boots with rubber soles in icy weather. If they use a cane ...