Community Finds Comfort in Zusman Community Hospice

January 29, 2007     

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Three hundred patients and countless numbers of their loved ones have utilized the services of Zusman Community Hospice (ZCH), finding comfort, peace of mind and support during the difficult end-of-life journey. ZCH reached the 300th patient milestone recently after nearly four years of serving the greater Columbus community with its unique program of traditional home-based hospice within the life-affirming framework of Judaism. It also offers the additional feature of Zusman House, a dedicated inpatient unit for respite and advanced care of patients.

It is still somewhat of a rarity for Jewish-specific hospices to exist in the Jewish communities throughout the United States. While central Ohio has several options for hospice services provided by hospitals, non-profit and for-profit organizations, ZCH offers an interdisciplinary team with extensive knowledge of and experience with Jewish culture.

“There is so much that Judaism has to offer in terms of its traditions and teachings about death and dying. It’s not something anyone wants to think about, but if the need arises we want people to know that we are here to offer end-of-life care in a uniquely Jewish way,” said Jessica Strubel, outreach coordinator.

Staff and volunteers are trained to guide families, not only through the process of one’s final days, but also in burial practices, shiva and other mourning periods in ways that express respect for their loved ones (kavod ha-met) and comfort for the living (nihum avelim). Volunteers complete a specially designed training class to provide companionship for patients and are matched with individuals for the utmost compatibility.

“Having someone well versed in your own cultural practices to be your companion in the end-of-life journey can be invaluable,” said Strubel.

Wexner Heritage Village is a not-for-profit provider of health, housing, social and spiritual services in the central Ohio community, primarily serving older adults and persons with disabilities. Its mission, guided by Jewish values and traditions, is to assist those it serves in pursuing their fullest human potential. The campus serves the entire community and includes: Wexner Heritage House, a 200-bed nursing facility, Heritage Tower and Bexley Heritage Apartments, HUD-sponsored independent living, Creekside at the Village, premier independent apartments, Victor Weinstein Shalom House and Shalom House South, two MRDD group homes, Village Shalom Apartments, Heritage at Home, and the Larry & Leonore Zusman Jewish Community Hospice.