Since he arrived at ‘Palace Lehavim’ the life of Yitzhak Nemesh (74 years old) took a significant turn, becoming active and diverse. In an interview conducted with him, Yitzhak shared his personal journey, the changes he went through, and how he found the perfect solution for his personal needs at ‘Palace Lehavim.
‘Before coming to ‘Palace Lehavim’, Yitzhak worked for 44 years in Israel’s docks and supported his wife, who suffered from a severe illness for 15 continuous years, undergoing treatments and surgeries until she sadly passed away. After the period of mourning and as the feeling of loneliness grew, Yitzhak decided to explore new ways to fill his life, reduce the sense of isolation and that’s when he found his way to ‘Palace Lehavim’.
“The large space of the place, the numerous activities offered, the attention and dedication of the professional staff, the variety of supportive services all these together offered a ‘package’ that I simply couldn’t refuse,” Yitzhak said, adding that “even though they call it assisted living, it feels more like a 5 star hotel!”
“After joining ‘Palace Lehavim’, Yitzhak’s life changed completely starting with volunteering three hours a week at the ‘Lehavim’ daycare, where he reads stories, runs and plays with the little ones, bringing joy and additional interest to their lives.The children at the daycare enjoy his company so much that they keep asking him not to leave at the end of each meeting, repeatedly inquiring when he will come back again.”
Yitzhak’s involvement in various activities earned him a reputation, and now he is regularly invited to participate in special events, read his writings, sing, and entertain the guests. One of these events was on Tu Be’av, where Yitzhak took the stage and recited a text he wrote about love and relationships. In another event held on Shavuot, he appeared on stage dressed as King David, amusing the participants.
“This place is simply something else! The third-generation residents I meet here are not typical, not ‘walking on eggshells.’ Almost everyone participates in some activity or another, whether it’s in the gym, in domino games, on outings, and of course, in workshops and parties.
What about the next chapter? What about a new relationship?
“I have a new relationship, and everyone is pressuring us to get married”, Yitzhak said amusingly, “we live separately and respect each other’s freedom. The relationship works wonderfully as it is, and we have no intention of changing it. I see relationships being formed here, and it’s truly heartwarming, especially knowing that the staff here encourages such connections, understanding that older people don’t have to spend this period of their lives alone. By the way, I can also mention that our sex life is still vibrant at this age!”
Any future plans?
“As far as I’m concerned, I plan to stay here until the age of 100. I’ve already said it’s like a 5 star hotel, and something so good isn’t left behind so quickly. I’ve been at ‘Palace Lehavim’ for 3 years now, and if I’m happy, I don’t even think about leaving. I live peacefully and contentedly with the choice I made”, Yitzhak said, sharing something surprising with us: “I was always a closed off person, even reserved. Only after coming here, I felt that something inside me opened up, something was released. Freedom allows that, and today I do as I please, asa person who is born anew.”
What do you think are the standout advantages of ‘Palace Lehavim’?
“First and foremost, the activities. There are so many clubs, lectures on various topics, trips, and parties. People know how to enjoy life, and you can’t compete with that. Second maintenance… it might not be the thing that everyone values the most, but for me, when a cleaner comes to me once a week, and when any issue is fixed in a very short time that’s a huge and very essential advantage in my eyes. One last thing, the facilities: all the apartments are spacious and equipped with an electric stove, a refrigerator, an oven, and more. Everyone gets that. The balcony is also large and luxurious (18 sq.m.), what more could you ask for?”
Anything else before we finish?
“Yes, if I want to chat or hang out, there’s always someone available. I don’t need to look for friends outside, they are here with me,” Yitzhak said with excitement. “Everyone here is a friend, everyone cares for one another, and this feeling is worth more than gold.”
‘Palace Lehavim’ is one of the 4 assisted living communities 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 assisted living communities in Rishon LeZion and Jerusalem. The assisted living community network Palace, managed by the Azrieli Group ,offers its residents the best that the field can offer high standards of living and maintenance, numerous services for the residents’ benefit, including diverse cultural activities, health and nutrition services, security, entertainment, workshops, outings, transportation services, nursing care, medical supervision, and more.
Interested in joining the Palace assisted living community?
For details and appointments, call *3666