Seniors For Living

LGBT communities. Artist communities. Communities for RV enthusiasts.

Now joining the roster of niche communities for seniors are assisted living and retirement homes for those of Jewish faith and heritage, says this report from Senior Housing News.

According to the post, a total of 100 non-profit senior living organizations exist in the US, along with 130 Jewish-affiliated or sponsored communities serving seniors; of the 78 million boomers, “1.64 million are of Jewish heritage.”

What makes a Jewish retirement community different from others?

Though care standards are similar (per Ramsey Jennings, president of a management agent for one of these niche communities), religious/holiday traditions and offerings would be appropriately tailored to the resident population, along with keeping kitchens and serving areas in keeping with kosher guidelines. Another distinction: special sensitivity to those senior residents who survived the Holocaust and may be dealing with traumatic, unsettling flashbacks, particularly in the case of dementia.

Though these communities have practices and policies focused on those of Jewish faith and heritage, the article says they are inclusive and welcome residents of other faiths and religious traditions.

Your turn: Would you consider living in a niche retirement community? Why or why not?