Linda Spiegel, Director Public Affairs at Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilita- tion Center in Jamaica Hills, works ever so diligently to offer residents of the 200-bed facility a relaxing and engaging journey back to full health. The Young Israel of Forest Hills Senior League has been a longtime partner of Tietz ever since it snagged the coveted Vaad Harabonim of Queens hashgachah back in September of 2008. On a recent Wednesday afternoon, league members, headed by their program Director Raya Harris, visited the five- star community-focused facility for an important tour.
Of course, stopping by Margaret Tietz comes with a taste from their superior chefs. For this experience, the guests were invited to a scrumptious barbeque, perfect for a mid- summer meal around the stunning garden that seems to always be in full bloom, thanks to Mrs. Spiegel’s devotion. During the two- hour informational and educational visit, participants heard from in-house staff directors about a typical resident’s path to rehabilitation following a hospital stay. The group of 30 seniors left much more comfortable knowing what the lovely Tietz staff offers, should life throw a challenging curveball.
Two standout department directors who met with the consortium included Director of Rehab Mazal Fuzailov and Director of Admissions Agrima Sharma. Opening Torah-themed remarks were delivered by Rabbi Zavel Pearl- man, the center’s full time on-site rabbi, who engages with residents daily.
Recreational activities and exercise are of utmost importance for optimal recovery. Director of Recreation Ricardo Rosa Solo dedi- cated his time to share the plentiful activities available throughout the week. The Tietz of today remains steadfast on the founding mis- sion – now 53-years strong – to ease the burden of recovering Holocaust survivors.
Visiting students from local schools and Bikur Cholim volunteers are an exuberant presence in Tietz’ halls. Residents enjoy a broad array of stimulating recreational activities and cultural programs, including holiday celebrations and Torah study groups, and Bikur Cholim programs, in addition to art, music, horticulture, and pet therapy.
Today, Rabbinical Seminary of America / Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim holds not-for-profit status for Holocaust services and additional special programs. Donations can be made to The Margaret Tietz Initiative through this platform.
The New York Foundation for Eldercare (NYFE), founded in 1966, is dedicated to helping seniors enjoy healthier, safer, more productive and dignified lives. NYFE funds programs designed to improve the quality of medical, psychiatric and nursing care for older seniors, with a special focus on the frail elderly.
An early and prominent leader of the Foundation was Margaret Tietz, a well- known, much beloved, and influential person in the social work field, first in her native Germany and then in the United States after the Second World War. Tietz championed social causes and served on the boards of several well-established social welfare organizations.
In 1971, a Foundation, then-known as The New York Foundation for Nursing Homes, built the current Jamaica Hills site and re-named it The Margaret Tietz Center for Nursing Care in 1975, three years after the passing of its namesake, a prominent leader at NYFE. Then and today, Tietz is recognized for its personal and compassionate care of its residents and as a special home for Holocaust survivors. Tietz has always stuck to its mission of helping seniors enjoy healthier, safer, more productive, and dignified lives.
One NYFE grant of note was funded by the Leo and Julia Forchheimer Foundation in 1982 and 1992; it established fellowships in geriatric medicine, and funded a unique collaborative geriatric psychiatry program involving professionals from the Montefiore Medical Center and what is now called Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Queens. More than 100 program fellows have rotated through the program over its 35- plus year history, and many of them are now leaders in geriatrics.