Homes for the Mentally Ill
The days of putting the mentally ill who have special needs in large institutions behind high walls have gone…thanks to a new initiative involving Sydney’s JewishCare and the B’nai B’rith.
Lucille Segal, Alan Vidor and Henry Wirth
It is now widely recognised that people with mental illness issues or disabilities should not be segregated or congregated, rather wherever possible they should be living independently in the community with a certain amount of support as required.
The Boards of B’nai B’rith Retirement Villages (BBRV) and JewishCare have developed an innovative option which will provide appropriate housing opportunities for vulnerable people with mental illness and disability. This culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the organisations on 7 October 2011.
B’nai B’rith will be using their expertise in retirement living and housing and JewishCare will utilise their expertise in supporting vulnerable people to live rich full lives in the community.
Henry Wirth President of BBRV says : “We are proud to be associated with JewishCare which is recognised as having professional expertise and experience in supporting people to live in the community. This historical agreement provides a real option for vulnerable people and their families”.
The first stage in this groundbreaking initiative will involve BBRV purchasing a unit in the vicinity of their Rose Bay village in Princess Street. Together with JewishCare they will identify an eligible person to become a resident and enjoy all the benefits of being part of the village including a 24 hour caretaker.
Lucille Segal said “As a family member of someone with a mental illness I applaud JewishCare and B’nai B’rith Retirement Villages. Knowing your loved one is being supported in the Jewish community by two such organisations is a great comfort”
Allan Vidor President of JewishCare says “ My Board is very aware of the concerns of ageing parents and is excited that the partnership with BBRV will provide a much needed option for the community.
Harold you are certainly right, no-one should be segregated or congregated based on religion, mentla health condition , disability. That is what JewishCare is all about
—-Homes for “the” Mentally Ill
It is likely you mean well…your phrase does not.
—-It is now widely recognised that “people with mental illness issues or disabilities” should not be segregated or congregated, rather wherever possible they should be living independently in the community with a certain amount of support as required.
Try “Jews” in your sentences to see why. It was once there.
Harold A. Maio, retired Mental Health Editor
khmaio@earthlink.net