BOCA RATON, FL – For Dr. David Gastfriend and his sister, Felicia Berkowitz, finding the right care for his aging parents was never simply about hiring caregivers.
It was about finding people they could trust.
Although Dr. Gastfriend and his sister remained deeply involved in their parents' lives, living in Boston and Pennsylvania, respectively, while their parents aged in Delray Beach presented enormous challenges. As his mother battled amyloidosis and his father entered his late 90s, JFS at Home became an indispensable partner.
"JFS at Home was not only very consistent, available and reliable," Dr. Gastfriend recalls. "They were also very good at working collaboratively to support both the aides and my parents. We lived out of state, so having people we could count on made all the difference."
As his parents' needs changed – from companion care to overnight assistance, hospitalizations and, eventually, hospice – the organization adapted seamlessly.
"They were very flexible when we needed longer hours," he says. "They responded to changing needs, worked with us around hospitalizations and unpredictable schedules, and helped us make difficult decisions with very good judgment. There were many crises, but never one where we later felt, 'Boy, we didn't handle that right.'"
For David’s wife, Jody Gastfriend, a social worker, former home health agency owner and author of My Parent's Keeper: The Guilt, Grief, Guesswork and Unexpected Gifts of Caregiving, the quality of coordination stood out.
"Knowing how difficult it is to run a home care agency, we appreciated how well everyone worked together," she says. "The communication between the schedulers, nurses, social workers and caregivers was exceptional. They understood how to match the right caregiver to each person and adjusted as circumstances changed."
Perhaps nowhere was that sensitivity more meaningful than in the care of Dr. Gastfriend's father, Edward Gastfriend – a Holocaust survivor who endured nearly three years in Nazi concentration camps beginning at age 14 before rebuilding a remarkable life dedicated to optimism, family and Holocaust remembrance.
"My father had experienced unimaginable trauma," Dr. Gastfriend says. "He remained incredibly warm, loving and optimistic, but as he approached the end of his life, those memories could resurface. JFS at Home understood that."
Edward experienced trauma-related sleep disturbances and recurring nightmares, while world events often revived painful memories. His caregivers responded with patience, compassion and careful coordination with his physicians.
"They were very good about helping him manage his medications and encouraging him to accept the limitations that came with aging," Dr. Gastfriend says. "They knew how to negotiate those conversations with dignity."
His long-time caregiver, Michelle Montherville, became much more than an aide.
"My father wanted Michelle to join us for family dinners," he recalls. "She wasn't treated as a worker – she became part of our family. JFS at Home understood that relationships like that don't always fit into policies, and they allowed things to work organically so he could be as comfortable as possible."
Edward died peacefully at home at age 100½, surrounded by children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Earlier, his wife had also been able to spend her final moments at home.
"My mother died peacefully in her own home," Dr. Gastfriend says. "JFS at Home notified us in time so we could be there with her. Then my father was able to die in his own bed, surrounded by family and cared for with extraordinary compassion. We were truly grateful."
Marissa Gordon, MPA, CEO/Administrator of JFS at Home, says caring for Holocaust survivors requires both clinical expertise and a deep appreciation for each individual's life story.
"Every Holocaust survivor carries a history unlike any other, and it is our privilege to honor that journey with compassionate, trauma-informed care," Gordon says. "Our caregivers become trusted partners to families, helping loved ones remain safe, comfortable and respected at home while ensuring every chapter of their lives is met with the dignity, understanding and humanity they deserve."
For more information about JFS at Home and its wide range of services, please contact Marissa Gordon, MPA, CEO/Administrator, at (561) 852-4663 or marissag@jfsathome.org.
