Baycrest Volunteer Handbook
11
Many residents at our Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged
are survivors and it is important to remember that each survivor
has their own unique experience.
Specific circumstances have the potential to trigger painful or
difficult memories for some survivors. It is important to understand
the meaning and connection survivors make with their current
experiences.
Examples of
triggers for some Holocaust survivors:
•
Showers, bathing, personal care
• Loud noises, sirens, shouting, fire alarms
• Uniforms, group activities, lining up
• Meal times, food portioning
• Medical tests, treatments, illnesses
• Upsetting world events such as terrorism,
war, or anti-Semitic attacks
It is important not to assume everyone's experiences are the same.
While the above examples can be triggers for on
e person, they may
not
be triggers for another. Remember to take the time to learn
more about the individual survivor's experiences and needs by
checking in with them and their caregivers.
For more information, visit baycrest.org/HolocaustSurvivors to
review the book,
Caring for Aging Holocaust Survivors.
Kosher food
Baycrest is officially certified as a kosher facility
by the Jewish community's Kashruth Council of
Canada,
the largest kosher certification agency in
Canada. This means that our kitchen follows the
Jewish religious laws pertaining to the eating of
specific types of food and specific ways of preparing and storing
food (laws of Kashruth).
