Caring for aging Holocaust Survivors - Baycrest shares its expertise in new manual

Toronto, CANADA – Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care’s expertise in caring for aging Holocaust Survivors is world-renowned. Now that expertise has been put into a practical manual for health care professionals, support staff and families. It’s believed to be the first comprehensive manual of its kind.

Caring for Aging Holocaust Survivors: A Practice Manual is designed to sensitize and educate caregivers about the challenges presented by this special population. The manual provides advice and strategies that can be adapted to help victims of any war or genocide.

Baycrest is home to one of the largest groups of elderly Holocaust Survivors. With an average age in the high 80s, many are now physically frail and suffering from cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s. The breakdown of their mental capacities has left them vulnerable to time disorientation and traumatic flashbacks.

The sights, sounds and smells that most of us take for granted in our daily lives can trigger panic, stress and a flood of painful memories for Survivors. The clomping of heavy winter boots down a hallway, the sight of a doctor in a white lab coat, the sight of people lining up in a cafeteria, or the word “shower”, can traumatize a Holocaust Survivor all over again.

The fact that many Survivors are now institutionalized in long-term care facilities makes it critically important that health care staff is made aware of their wartime history, vulnerability and special needs.

“Our aim with this manual is to help caregivers provide the most sensitive care possible and thus enhance the quality of life for survivors of wars everywhere,” says Paula David, senior social worker and Baycrest’s Holocaust Resource Project coordinator.

“Family members and health care providers need contextual and practical information about how to handle challenging situations. These situations can include screaming outbursts, physical aggression, or peculiar behaviors such as hoarding food in their room for fear of starvation.”

Several Baycrest health care professionals contributed articles to the manual, which was made possible with financial assistance from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, Inc. The book is already sought after in other countries that have large Holocaust Survivor populations, such as the United States, Israel, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Caring for Aging Holocaust Survivors: A Practice Manual is available through Baycrest’s Social Work Department, (416) 785-2500, ext. 2853. Cost is $20 including taxes. Postage and shipping is extra.