Beth Sholom Lifecare Community
(Videoofa seniors’ class at Beth Sholom)
Beth Sholom Lifecare Community was formed in 1945 by a small group of benevolent Richmond leaders . The Beth Sholom Home was the first Jewish home for the elderly in the state of Virginia . When it was constructed in 1945, it was located in the Fan District; in 1955 the community moved to western Henrico County . It is now located at Gayton Road and John Rolfe Parkway in western Henrico County . The Beth Sholom Lifecare Community has been growing steadily in size and reputation since it was established.
The entire facility is organized around the Jewish tradition. It provides strictly kosher food, but the residents have the option of eating elsewhere or having non-kosher food brought to them. All residents must eat it in their rooms or in the dining area, but those who do not eat kosher food are not allowed use any plates or silverware used for kosher food. The community celebrates all of the Jewish holidays and provides special holiday foods. The facility also has a rabbi/chaplain on site for religious or spiritual guidance. For non-Jewish residents, Christian chaplains are made available. The rabbi/chaplain also conducts memorial services for families that have lost a loved one living at Beth Sholom, teaches classes about music and heritage, provides hospice counseling, and conducts memorial remembrances. The community at Beth Sholom is extremely family oriented.
There are three separate facilities that offer different services. The Beth Sholom Home, which is the original home built in 1945 and the largest facility, offers private rooms, kosher meals, daily housekeeping, and qualified staff. The 116 units in the Beth Sholom Home are divided into four units, three units are dedicated to long-term care. Two units are specialized facilities providing care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients, and one unit cares for patients who have gone through a severe illness or injury that requires therapeutic services. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia units attempt to improve the quality of the patients’ lives by organizing special day programs that create an active atmosphere for both patients and visiting family and friends. The goal is to allow patients to gain or build their confidence and as much independence as possible. The home offers other services, such as Chaplain services, social events, beauty/barber salon, campus transportation, and rehabilitation services.
Beth Sholom Woods was built in 1981 for adults over the age of fifty five and adults with a physical disability. This facility consists of one-bedroom apartments and offers Kosher weekday dinners. Only forty percent of the residents at Beth Sholom Woods are Jewish. The Woods is oriented toward people who have a lower income and can apply for government assistance. If the patient is eligible for the aid, as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, they are required to contribute thirty percent of their income for housing costs. Beth Sholom Woods also houses the outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic.
The Beth Sholom Gardens , which opened in November of 2000, is the newest and most stylish addition to the Beth Sholom Lifecare Community, It offers an independent living facility as well as providing an Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Clinic. The Gardens has 60 units, consisting of studio apartments, one bedroom suites, and companion suites for couples. Twelve of these apartments, called Memory Suites, are reserved for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia and are located on the Memory Lane . Residents of Beth Sholom Gardens are ninety percent Jewish. Services offered include emergency call systems in every room; an a ssisted living bathing center with whirlpool tub and exam room; a rooftop patio; a grandchildrens’ playroom; library and TV areas; an activities center for music, arts and crafts, a campus chaplain who provides spiritual services, and a private dining room.
Addresses:
Beth Sholom Home
1600 John Rolfe Parkway
Richmond , VA 23238
Beth Sholom Woods
2027 Lauderdale Drive
Richmond , VA 23238
Beth Sholom Gardens
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Assisted Living Center
2001 Lauderdale Drive
Richmond , VA 23238
Beth Sholom Rehabilitation Clinic
2027 Lauderdale Drive
Richmond , VA 23238
Sources:
Beth Sholom campus chaplain
Beth Sholom pamphlets
Beth Sholom website
Profile prepared by Sarah Chumney
February, 2008
