Tapping Into the Root: Assisted Living in Unique Settings

That community has grown into the Protea assisted-living network, comprising two completed residential villages and another two under construction. Protea Village in Moshav Bnei Dror, a few miles from Ra’anana, Kfar Saba and Netanya, opened in 2001 as the first Protea community. Protea Hills in Moshav Shoresh came 13 years later. Occupancy in both is full, with their homes ranging from free-standing villas and ground-floor apartments with private gardens to elevator-served apartments with wide balconies. They are set amid well-kept grassy parks, tree-lined paths and family picnic, play and barbecue areas. Soon to join them are Protea by the Sea on the Rishon LeZion beachfront and Protea in Elkana, catering to Israel’s national religious population.

For inquiries please call *2151 or visit Protea Hills

“The Protea network is characterized by an experienced and highly professional management, backed by funding that gives our residents confidence and security in their investment,” says Shponder. “The reputation of our network is second to none among retirement communities in Israel and with the Israel government.”

Finding your next home

“Before we opened Protea in the Village in 2001, the only assisted living available in Israel was urban sheltered housing units measuring no more than 35 square meters each,” he continues. “Not only were we the first to build such complexes in the countryside, we also understood that seniors don’t to lower their standard of living — especially people accustomed to spacious in private homes. So our units are double and treble the traditional size. Following the success of Protea Village, we built a second community near Jerusalem — Protea Hills or, in Hebrew, Protea Bahar.”

For inquiries please call *9405 or visit Protea Elkana

The new Protea villages under construction each has its own focus. “The project in Elkana is for the national religious population — members of a community created 46 years ago, whose then-young founders are now looking for retirement options,” says Shponder. “Project by the Sea in Rishon Lezion is just 130 meters from the water line and will offer quality seaside living. Interest shown in both is already substantial.”

These four Protea communities are for those of relatively high socio-economic standing, but Shponder is also planning solutions for middle-class retirees. “There’s is great need in this area in Israel, and we’re seeking government help in rezoning suitable land for projects of this type,” he notes.

Understanding the priorities of today’s over-65s

Closely involved in the day-to-day management of the Protea chain, Shponder is the first to say that its success rests on its experienced management team. Head of that team and CEO of Protea Hills is Yehiel Nisselnholz. With over 30 years of experience in managing housing complexes, he sees understanding the changing needs of seniors as integral to his job.

“One major change is in the housing units themselves,” he says. “Retired people want larger homes than they once did, and they want them to be comfortable. While one shower used to be sufficient, today’s residents want a second for visitors or live-in caregivers — so our apartments have two showers-plus-toilets. Older people today are also looking for the public areas around them to be well-designed and well-maintained. They want to feel secure, and to have access to competent medical and nursing services. They also want good food, and cultural, leisure and physical activities.

For inquiries please call 09-7967173 or visit Protea Village

“Many who choose Protea are English-speakers,” continues Nisselnholz, “allowing newcomers from abroad to integrate socially and culturally. Today’s older population tends to be healthier, better educated and have more diverse interests than ever before. They see older age as a time of life when they may need a little extra support, but can still live a rich and experiential life. While they want privacy, independence and autonomy, social and community life is also very important to them.”

Protea’s philosophy, he continues, is that each assisted-living community meets the economic, nutritional, social, cultural, emotional, physical and mental needs of every resident, along with their security and medical and nursing requirements. Social workers are thus part of the professional staff, helping residents connect, socialize and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Quality of life in every area

“Today, the over-65s who relocate to assisted living are increasingly healthy and active,” says Nisselnholz. “For them, we have not only the maintenance, cleaning and hair salon found in most assisted-living facilities, but also heated indoor swimming pools and gyms, where there are physical training, exercise classes and more through the day. Arts and crafts, creative workshops, lectures, films, concerts and other entertainment are all on offer, as well as outings, nature tours, excursions and hiking for those with disabilities.” Many of these are open to visiting family members, who can also stay over on weekends. Nisselnholz is a firm believer in family connection, and in helping families promote the physical and mental wellbeing and quality of life of their elderly members.

For inquiries please call 03-6021652 or visit Protea by the Sea

Close medical attention, both conventional and alternative, is always at hand in Protea communities. “We make things as easy and comfortable as possible for our residents,” says Nisselnholz. “The first step is consultation in our clinic within the complex, staffed by qualified and experienced doctors and nurses. Lab tests are performed here and medications supplied. Residents who need increased help or fulltime care are helped fill out the forms and follow them through, and we have a supportive framework for those who need extra physical or mental care.”

Quick and strategic answers

Rapid, accurate and empathetic responses to the needs of every resident and their families is another crucial issue in Protea residences, notes Nisselnholz. “All our staff are appropriately trained for this, and we also work closely with our biennially elected Residents’ Committees.”

It is, believes Nisselnholz, the professionalism of Protea’s staff at every level, their service ethos and complete transparency that enables the unparalleled service they provide to all of their residents.

“The starting-point is the construction of our communities,” he says. “With Protea’s entrepreneurs not only builders but also people of wide social vision, the sky to what we can do is the limit.”

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