Resignation and
longing punctuate
the final days of
Borman Hall.

RUTH LITTMANN STAFF WRITER
PHOTOS BY GLENN TRIEST

continued from page 1

These days, such mixed emo-
tions are as common to Borman
Hall as hushed games of Rum-
mi-Kub in the Nosh Nook,
Shabbat services, strains of
"Hatikvah" buzzing from a
record player in the lobby, and
...Rumors.

R.

umors, which began
after Borman failed a
state inspection in
992, have plagued
residents and their families ever
since. Two subsequent failed in-
spections perpetuated gossip
about the Home.
Would it eventually close?
What was to become of the frail
Jewish elderly? Was the Jewish
Federation of Metropolitan De-
troit, which runs the Jewish
Home for Aged, abandoning its
commitment to the aged?
"Federation doesn't tell us
where we're going and what our
future will be," said resident
Harry Weinsaft. "They're chas-
ing us to our grave because of
the uncertainties."
For months, Jewish Federa-
tion officials have explored al-
ternatives to Borman Hall.
Although they are close to
reaching what they consider a
promising solution, they cannot
reveal any plans until negotia-
tions with another nursing
home are finalized.

one

But one thing is clear: Bor-
man Hall, after 28 years on Sev-
en Mile Road in Detroit, will
close its doors. Residents, who
thought this was their final
home, will be relocated to an-
other home.
Many of Borman's current
136 residents suffer from de-
mentia and will not be fully
aware of the change. But others
say the news up sets them.
"I am sure, if you ask the
Jews of this community, they
would say, 'For God's sake, don't
do it to these innocent old peo-
ple,' " Mr. Weinsaft said. "Don't
let Borman Hall die because
you're killing a beautiful dream.
The dream is the future when
you get old. It's your future, 50
years from now."
Mark Hechler of Southfield
was feeding ice cream to his 92-
year-old mother, Dora. Dora has
lived in Borman Hall for five
years. Throughout those years,
Mr. Hechler has experienced
the ups and downs at the Home.
Passed inspections. Failed in-
spections. Rumors about mov-
ing Borman Hall to West
Bloomfield.
He also has witnessed his
mother slip into a state of de-
mentia.
"But as far as I'm concerned,
my mother seems to be getting
the care she needs and the at-

_

Opposite page, top:
Borman Hall resident Jean Wall will miss the Home.

Opposite page, bottom
Candles shine in a room where Borman residents go to pray on Shabbat.

Above
Sadie Maltzman shares quiet moments
with her husband, Ben, a resident of Borman Hall.