The protected housing complexes of the ‘Palace’ network have become synonymous with sportsand cultural activities, and simultaneously have built for themselves a quality reputation in termsof medical and emotional support.The successful reputation of the network was built mainlythanksto the stories and experiences of the .residents of the protected housing complexes, whichspread like wildfire among the elderly population in Israel
One of these stories is the story of Yehuda and Malka Barak-a couple residing in the ‘Palace’protected housing complex in Ra’anana for about 8 years, and it seems as if they are in the firstdecade of their marriage, when in fact, they got married about 57 years ago!
The interview was conducted in their apartment in ‘Palace’-a spacious apartment, filledwithsunlight, facing a large and green park. In their pleasant apartment, Yehuda’s (81) artistic mosaicworks are hanging all around the apartment, contributing functional elements to the apartment(tables, flowerpots, and more), while Malka’s (79) worksgive the apartment a soft and invitingartistic atmosphere (paintings, embroidery works, and more).
They hold hands, Malka fondly caresses Yehuda’s hand and encourages him to tell his story.
“We lived in Argentina for 3 years, as part of my work as a lieutenant colonel. When we returnedto Israel (in 1995), I started experiencing difficulties in writing, I realized something was wrong.After a check-up with a neurologist, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease-and since then,the coping began,” Yehudasays, pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts. “Since then, thedisease became official. I was offered a fairly risky surgery, or to receive drug treatment if I couldcope with the disease and its consequences, so I chose medications, knowing that Malka is bymy side and with the intention to fight and do everything I can to continue living a normal life.
”Why did you choose ‘Palace’ as your permanent residence?
Yehuda smiles and answers that the first reason was the location; as residents of Ra’anana,itwas important for them to stay close to the local services they were familiar with-that was thefirst criterion. After checking several places, the couple decided to settle in ‘Palace’ after seeingthe wide range of activities the place had to offer,as well as the care for residents, which theydidn’t see in any other place.
“Michal Hodorland welcomed us when we arrived, accompanied us at every stage, and monitoredour achievements, big or small,” Malka recounts, “she suggested we integrate into almost anynew activity, easily identifying that the sports field is close to Yehuda’s heart, and accordingly-sent him to hydrotherapy treatments, assigned a special trainer who came from Tel Hashomer,and added him to the fitness room with a structured training program.”
At this point, Yehuda reinforces Malka’s words and adds: “I train 4 times a week, despite thedisease. I engage in new activities out of curiosity, to see what it does. The disease progressesslightly every day; it cannot be avoided, but without these activities, its progression rate wouldhave been much faster, undoubtedly. Sports saved me. Even Prof.Giladi(a Parkinson’sspecialist from Ichilov) told me that he hasn’t encountered someone who has been carryingParkinson’s on his back for so many years, yet still looks so good. Sports are responsible for that,and you’re just Superman-you’re on the right path and can continue on the way you’re going.
”How was the absorption experience here for you?
“Comfortable and simple. After the initial shock passed quickly, I understood how much this placehas to offer and how many sports activities I can do here. Additionally, I saw how they take careof everyone here,” Yehuda says, and also explains how he joined the fitness training systemoutside when he realized there weren’t enough volunteers to lead them. “I am very busy here, inclasses, in creating-I love working with mosaic, I make and produce table sets, decorativepictures, flowerpots, and more. Freedom of choice is the deciding factor-we don’t have to doanything, but we want to be part of what’s happening here.
”Malka also shared her absorptionexperience: “When we lived in a regular home, before movinghere, we needed a lot of operation, to travel back and forth, parking, queues, and whatnot. Here,everything is in one place, within reach, and subject to our decision whether to participate or not.The move here was convenient and created comfort for us. Besides that-they presented us withso many options that we understood that the apartment is only for sleeping and eating becausethe rest of the time, we are busy with what’s happening here.
”And now, 8 years later?
“It’s amazing here!” they both answer together, and Malka adds, “There is excellent maintenance here, a helper who comes once a week, if a faucet breaks, they come quickly and fix it, there is an excellent clinic, a social worker who arranges help for us when Yehuda is not feeling well, they even introduced an outdoor training system, I see how Yehuda returns tired and satisfied, and it does me good.
”From Yehuda’s perspective, his satisfaction also relies on the functional and managerial nature of’Palace’ Ra’anana. “There are resident meetings where they offer efficiency suggestions, and this is very important! And also a committee that leads and centers the main issues against the management. We have many friends; we do potlucks every two months, chat, and enjoy. But most importantly-and this was our consideration for the long term, thinking about what will happen to those who remain after one of us passes away, and here we have peace of mind knowing that there is a supportive community circle here.”
‘Palace’ Ra’anana is one of the 4 protected housing complexes operated by the Azrieli Group, for over 5 years now (Palace Tel Aviv, Palace Ra’anana, Palace Modi’in, and Palace Lehavim).Currently, the group is planning to establish 2 more protected housing complexes in RishonLeZion and Jerusalem.
The ‘Palace’ protected housing network by the Azrieli Group offers its residents the best the field can offer-high standard living conditions and maintenance, with numerous services for the benefit of the residents. These include diverse cultural activities, health and nutrition services, security, entertainment, workshops, trips, transportation services, nursing, counseling, and medical supervision.
For more information and to schedule a visit, dial*3666
