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United Hatzalah is among the leading emergency response providers in Israel. When faced with medical emergencies, many people rely upon United Hatzalah for quick and professional first-aid. However, the organization has gone beyond simply providing help when necessary. It has now started offering preventative services aimed at significantly reducing medical emergencies.
Ten Kavod, which focuses on the senior population, is one of these programs initiated by United Hatzalah. Unfortunately, many members of this population live alone and have no caretakers or close relatives to help them. These circumstances make it almost impossible for them to take preventative measures independently. With the help of the Ten Kavod project, the health of older people in Israel is easily monitored, their overall well-being is closely attended to, and their dignity is maintained.
Services provided with care and respect
As part of this program, the organization works with a staff of volunteers who regularly visit the elderly and accompany them throughout their daily routine. During their visits, the volunteers help by checking vital signs and renewing medical supplies. In many cases though, the most significant part of their work is simply providing companionship. Their visits are often the highlight of their senior hosts’ day.
In the event that an elderly person is facing a serious medical situation or illness, the volunteers report to a doctor, to make sure the situation is properly taken care of. Strokes and cardiac arrest are just some of the fatal medical emergencies that could be prevented.
Sharing the love
Although the main mission of the program is to prevent medical emergencies from occurring, the secondary mission of simply providing love and attention to the elderly is no less important. Some members of this population are Holocaust survivors who find themselves living alone in difficult circumstances, often overwhelmed by traumatic memories. In some cases, when appropriate the volunteers also spend time praying with the people they visit. The compassion and kindness shown by the volunteers, make it possible for them to find hope again and live out the remainder of their lives feeling loved and respected.
Even greater goals
With the help of Rosa and Alex Dembitzer, founders of the Northern Charitable Foundation, Ten Kavod has already helped many. Its proactive preventative strategy has saved hundreds of lives, but there is still a lot more that needs to be done. The organization aims to reach up to 4,000 senior citizens who are living alone in their homes. To attain this goal, it intends to develop additional partnerships with organizations like the Northern Charitable Foundation and expand the volunteer base which currently stands at 500 volunteers across the country. With the increase in volunteers and partners, the organization hopes to reach out to more people and provide 24/7 services.
Ten Kavod’s work speaks for itself, and hopefully, this article will also help inspire others to volunteer in the program, or find their own way to help the elderly, or anyone in need.
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This content is sponsored by Suhail Ajamal.
Photo: Getty Images