JFS Blog
READ THE LATEST STORIES OF SUCCESS
AND GROWTH FROM THE JFS FAMILY
AND GROWTH FROM THE JFS FAMILY
|
When we think about brain health, many people immediately think about memory loss or dementia. However, brain health is something we build across our entire lives through daily habits, connection, rest, and care. A recent Alzheimer’s Association seminar shared the encouraging message that it is never too early to support cognitive wellness. Both caregivers and older adults can protect their brain health without dramatic changes. It begins with small, realistic steps that fit into everyday life.
Everyday Habits That Support Brain Health One of the most important habits that can be implemented into everyday life is physical movement. This supports circulation, balance, strength, and overall brain function. Building this habit does not need to mean intense workouts. Helpful movement can include: short walks, gentle stretching, light strength exercises, or household activity. Consistency matters more than intensity. Even modest movement supports long-term wellness. Rest and Sleep Sleep allows the brain to reset and process information. Many caregivers struggle with sleep due to stress or nighttime responsibilities and that is completely understandable. If improving sleep feels overwhelming, try a small adjustment like maintaining a steady bedtime, limiting caffeine later in the day, or reducing nighttime light and noise. Making small improvements can lead to meaningful differences in the long-term. Nutrition and The Brain Nutrition plays an important role in brain health. Beneficial eating patterns emphasize leafy greens and vegetables, berries, whole grains, beans and legumes, fish, nuts, and olive oil. Limiting heavily processed foods and excess sweets can also support heart and brain health. This approach is not about perfection. It is about gradual, sustainable choices. Stay Mentally and Socially Engaged Keeping the brain active helps build cognitive reserve. Activities such as reading, puzzles or games, learning a new skill, volunteering (maybe at the JFS food pantry), and meaningful social connection can benefit brain health. Isolation increases stress which can affect overall health. Change Is Hard Building new habits is difficult. Caregivers often place their own needs last while managing appointments, medications, transportation, and emotional support. If this feels familiar, you are not alone. Instead of asking, “How can I change everything?” Consider asking, “What is one small thing I can change this week?” Small, consistent changes are more sustainable than overwhelming goals. Caregiver Health Matters Too Brain health is not only about the person receiving care; it is also about the caregiver. Chronic stress can affect sleep, mood, and overall wellness. Taking breaks is not selfish. It is essential. The CARES program at Jewish Family Services offers up to 48 hours of free in-home respite care for caregivers. This time allows caregivers to rest, attend appointments, or simply recharge. Supporting your own well-being strengthens your ability to care for someone else. If you would like to learn more about CARES or other caregiver resources at JFS, we encourage you to reach out. You deserve support on your caregiving journey. Small steps matter. Learn more about CARES – Caring for Caregivers at Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. JFS’s Friendly Visitor Program connects volunteers with older adults who welcome regular company. The program invites a volunteer and client to spend time together twice each month, doing whatever brings joy. Some pairs enjoy board games, while others take leisurely walks through the neighborhood, sharing stories along the way. Many simply sit together, watching favorite shows and commenting on the plot twists.
There are no set curriculum or proscribed activities—just authentic human connection. What makes this program work is its beautiful simplicity. All that is required is a willingness to show up and connect. The impact ripples both ways. Older adults gain companionship and a renewed sense of being valued and remembered. Volunteers often share that these visits become highlights of their month—opportunities to slow down, listen to perspectives shaped by decades of experience, and rediscover the quiet power of being present. Many matches grow into genuine friendships. If you have four hours a month, you already have everything needed to make a real difference in someone’s life. No grand gestures required—just you, showing up twice a month, ready to play cards, take a walk, or enjoy whatever the afternoon brings. Older adults who or are receiving services from JFS Wise are eligible for Friendly Visitors. New clients go through a basic interview and home visit to ensure that our staff can make the best possible match. More Than a Visit A short story by Mitch G., Friendly Visitor Volunteer I found the Friendly Visitors Program to be both worthwhile and deeply rewarding. When the program coordinator, Aviv Touitou, contacted me about a potential match, she mentioned that the client was interested in history, and his sister added that he loved music. Since I share those interests, I decided to give it a try, and I’m very glad I did. When you think about it, a perfect match isn’t really necessary. Many of us have different opinions and interests from our friends, spouses, siblings, and parents, and we still get along. At our first meeting, the client and I introduced ourselves, and he gave me a tour of the assisted-living facility, including his room. We talked about our lives. I showed him pictures of my family and our pets on my phone, and he told me about his sister, brother, and children. We discussed our professions and hobbies. He told me he loved sailing and had once owned a 24-foot sailboat. I played YouTube videos on my phone of Koko Taylor, one of his favorite blues singers. He loved it, tapping his feet, singing along, whistling, and pretending to play a keyboard. It was a joy to watch. Over the course of our many visits, I found my phone to be a very useful tool. My friend was especially engaged when viewing pictures and listening to music. During one visit, I showed him photos I had taken of X-ray images that my wife and I had seen at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. He had a great time identifying images of familiar objects such as a toaster, transistor radio, telephone, and camera, as well as more unusual ones like a cobra and seashells. When we first met, my friend had moderate dementia. He would often ask me, “So what’s new?” every five or ten minutes. I learned to accept this with a sense of humor and would repeat myself, adding a little something new each time. On another visit, I asked whether he could still play the banjo he kept in his room. He said he could and played a short tune for me. I recorded it on my phone. I treasure that video as a cherished memory. I visited my friend every Monday for many months. His sister told me he looked forward to my visits, and I did too. Unfortunately, he had cancer, and his health gradually deteriorated. He became increasingly tired, eventually could no longer use a walker and relied on a wheelchair, and his dementia worsened. Even so, our visits remained meaningful. On the last Monday I came to visit him, he had passed away just minutes before I arrived. His sister, her husband, and the rabbi were there. His sister told me that the rabbi had recited prayers, and that my friend, though barely conscious, mouthed the words along with him. She said he passed away peacefully, and that she felt his soul leave his body--a very special experience for her. I later attended a beautiful ceremony for my friend at the temple and went to shiva at his sister’s home. At these gatherings, I learned more about his life. I told his brother that I had visited him every Monday, much like Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. His brother laughed and said that he actually works for Mitch Albom. It truly is a small world. I miss my friend. It was a privilege to know him. I am grateful that I participated in the Friendly Visitors Program and plan to do so again in the future. I highly recommend this program. For more information about JFS’ WISE programs, please visit www.jfsannarbor.org/wise. Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. But quality sleep plays a powerful role in mental health at every stage of life. From early childhood through older adulthood, sleep helps regulate mood, improve focus, and support emotional resilience. When sleep is disrupted or insufficient, the effects can be felt both mentally and physically.
Children: For children, sleep is essential for emotional regulation, learning, and behavior. Poor sleep can lead to increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, and heightened emotional responses. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation may affect a child’s ability to manage stress and form healthy routines. Consistent bedtimes and calming nighttime rituals can help children feel safe and supported as their brains develop. Teens: Adolescents face unique sleep challenges due to biological changes, academic demands, social pressures, and increased screen time. Lack of sleep in teens is closely linked to anxiety, depression, mood swings, and difficulty coping with stress. Sleep deprivation can also affect decision-making and emotional control. Encouraging healthy sleep habits—such as limiting screens before bed and maintaining a regular sleep schedule—can have a meaningful impact on teen mental health. Adults: For adults, poor sleep often shows up as chronic stress, burnout, or emotional exhaustion. Inadequate sleep can increase feelings of anxiety, worsen symptoms of depression, and make it harder to manage daily responsibilities. Sleep plays a key role in how the brain processes emotions, so ongoing sleep issues can make challenges feel heavier and more overwhelming than they otherwise would. Seniors: As we age, changes in sleep patterns are common, but ongoing sleep difficulties should not be ignored. Poor sleep in older adults is associated with increased risk of depression, memory concerns, and reduced overall well-being. Sleep disruptions can also intensify feelings of isolation or anxiety. Supporting healthy sleep routines and addressing sleep concerns early can help seniors maintain emotional balance and quality of life. Mental Health Connection: Across all ages, sleep helps the brain reset, process emotions, and prepare for the day ahead. When sleep is compromised, mental health often follows. Prioritizing sleep isn’t about perfection; it’s about recognizing rest as a form of self-care and an essential part of emotional wellness. If you or a loved one are struggling with sleep or noticing changes in mood, focus, or emotional health, professional support can help. Addressing sleep concerns alongside mental health needs can lead to meaningful improvements in overall well-being. Healthy sleep habits support healthier minds—at every age. For mental health support, contact Thrive at www.jfsannarbor.org/thrive. JFS’s Friendly Visitor Program connects volunteers with older adults who welcome regular company. The program invites a volunteer and client to spend time together twice each month, doing whatever brings joy. Some pairs enjoy board games, while others take leisurely walks through the neighborhood, sharing stories along the way. Many simply sit together, watching favorite shows and commenting on the plot twists.
There are no set curriculum or proscribed activities—just authentic human connection. What makes this program work is its beautiful simplicity. All that is required is a willingness to show up and connect. The impact ripples both ways. Older adults gain companionship and a renewed sense of being valued and remembered. Volunteers often share that these visits become highlights of their month—opportunities to slow down, listen to perspectives shaped by decades of experience, and rediscover the quiet power of being present. Many matches grow into genuine friendships. If you have four hours a month, you already have everything needed to make a real difference in someone’s life. No grand gestures required—just you, showing up twice a month, ready to play cards, take a walk, or enjoy whatever the afternoon brings. Older adults who or are receiving services from JFS Wise are eligible for Friendly Visitors. New clients go through a basic interview and home visit to ensure that our staff can make the best possible match. More Than a Visit A short story by Mitch G., Friendly Visitor Volunteer I found the Friendly Visitors Program to be both worthwhile and deeply rewarding. When the program coordinator, Aviv Touitou, contacted me about a potential match, she mentioned that the client was interested in history, and his sister added that he loved music. Since I share those interests, I decided to give it a try, and I’m very glad I did. When you think about it, a perfect match isn’t really necessary. Many of us have different opinions and interests from our friends, spouses, siblings, and parents, and we still get along. At our first meeting, the client and I introduced ourselves, and he gave me a tour of the assisted-living facility, including his room. We talked about our lives. I showed him pictures of my family and our pets on my phone, and he told me about his sister, brother, and children. We discussed our professions and hobbies. He told me he loved sailing and had once owned a 24-foot sailboat. I played YouTube videos on my phone of Koko Taylor, one of his favorite blues singers. He loved it, tapping his feet, singing along, whistling, and pretending to play a keyboard. It was a joy to watch. Over the course of our many visits, I found my phone to be a very useful tool. My friend was especially engaged when viewing pictures and listening to music. During one visit, I showed him photos I had taken of X-ray images that my wife and I had seen at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. He had a great time identifying images of familiar objects such as a toaster, transistor radio, telephone, and camera, as well as more unusual ones like a cobra and seashells. When we first met, my friend had moderate dementia. He would often ask me, “So what’s new?” every five or ten minutes. I learned to accept this with a sense of humor and would repeat myself, adding a little something new each time. On another visit, I asked whether he could still play the banjo he kept in his room. He said he could and played a short tune for me. I recorded it on my phone. I treasure that video as a cherished memory. I visited my friend every Monday for many months. His sister told me he looked forward to my visits, and I did too. Unfortunately, he had cancer, and his health gradually deteriorated. He became increasingly tired, eventually could no longer use a walker and relied on a wheelchair, and his dementia worsened. Even so, our visits remained meaningful. On the last Monday I came to visit him, he had passed away just minutes before I arrived. His sister, her husband, and the rabbi were there. His sister told me that the rabbi had recited prayers, and that my friend, though barely conscious, mouthed the words along with him. She said he passed away peacefully, and that she felt his soul leave his body--a very special experience for her. I later attended a beautiful ceremony for my friend at the temple and went to shiva at his sister’s home. At these gatherings, I learned more about his life. I told his brother that I had visited him every Monday, much like Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. His brother laughed and said that he actually works for Mitch Albom. It truly is a small world. I miss my friend. It was a privilege to know him. I am grateful that I participated in the Friendly Visitors Program and plan to do so again in the future. I highly recommend this program. For more information about JFS’ WISE programs, please visit www.jfsannarbor.org/wise. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
March 2026
Categories |
|
Stay connected
with our monthly eNewsletter |
|
VISIT US
JFS HEADQUARTERS 2245 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 P: 734.769.0209 F: 734.769.0224 [email protected] Hours of Operation: M-Th 9am-5pm; Fr 9am-3pm EIN: 41-2147486 |
RSS Feed