We all know changes come to us as we age. Likewise the aging of others brings change to those around them.
Children begin to care for their older parents’ needs in various ways: help with doctor appointments, handling meds or changes to the home environment due to limited mobility.
The Holocaust Survivors of Israel have the same situations and we see Survivors with families begin to receive more care and attention. But what of the Survivors who have no family? What of those who have no spouse, children or extended relatives; who lost everyone in the Holocaust? Who gives them help?
There is a definite divide forming as the older Survivors lose their most valuable possession: Their independence.
Survivors of the Holocaust fought hard to retain their life, regain their freedom and have adamantly held onto their right to live on their own. Now the years and past trauma are taking their toll: some are losing the ability to live alone.
For those with family, their needs are met. But for those without anyone, they are 
asking AHI to help them. We are sending volunteers along to the clinic or for medical tests, purchasing water or groceries to deliver to Survivors who cannot leave their homes. We have assisted with paperwork for compensation, insurance and applications for rights.
We have even answered the call for something sad and terrible: a Survivor that was scammed and sold a small machine with promises of good health if used. The machine simply makes noise and the Survivor’s bank account is now being charged $100 each month, which they cannot afford. We have notified the police to help and hopefully recover their funds. The elderly & Survivors are frequent targets but do not have anyone to advocate for them. We will do what we can.
As we address the physical limitations, we are also more than aware of the loss of mental 
capabilities among these amazing people. The sadness as they struggle with daily life is felt by them and us, their friends. Their loneliness increases as they are limited by their mind.
In the last weeks we have learned a new way to help– doing paperwork and helping with decisions to move someone into an elderly house. We helped check out the facility, helped arrange their personal needs, moved them in and cleaned and closed their apartment. It was a sad time but through experience we have learned much, so we can help the next one. And there will be more. Please, pray for us all as we enter this next phase of assistance. And if you consider it, please help us help the Survivors financially for their final years.
