II►► 11111111 1 1 ►► 11111 • JSL's Prentis Apartments sees first new one-bedrooms occupied. Lynne Meredith Golodner Special to the Jewish News Pam Feinberg-Rivkin RN, BSN, CCM, CRRN, ABDA Caring For Aging Parents Feels Like The Toughest Job You've Ever Had. I understand. It can be overwhelming. My team of experienced professionals can help. No matter your challenge or situation — in Michigan or Florida — we know what you are facing and what to do about it. It's our job to plan, manage and even provide the care, so you can focus on family support and all of your other responsibilities. Our trained professional caregivers through Bridgeway Home Care work under the direction of a geriatric care manager. Just call us at (248) 538-5425 to talk about how we can help. e 18 Feinberg consulting, inc. dgeway Home Care Care Coordination & Health Advocacy A Division of Feinberg Consulting, Inc. 248.538.5425 www.feinbergconsulting.com 248.702.6510 www.bridgewayhomecare.com December 5 • 2013 JN T wo weeks ago, Raisy Yehuda moved into the first renovated one-bedroom apartment at the Anna & Meyer Prentis Apartments, the Jewish Senior Life (JSL) Oak Park residence where studio units are being converted and renovated this year. With an east-facing view, Cairo-born Yehuda enjoyed watching the fall color change from her 15th-floor apart- ment and boasts she now can see the Renaissance Center from her window. By April 2014, all 97 apartments at the 15-story Prentis Apartments on the Taubman Jewish Community Campus will be reconfigured and renovated from studio flats to one-bedroom apartments. In addition, the common areas will undergo a complete redecora- tion during this process. JSL began the renovation last spring, moving all residents out of their apart- ments and relocating them within the building to create as little inconve- nience as possible. When the apart- ments are ready, JSL again is managing all moving details. Opened in 1969, Prentis Apartments was JSI:s first established community. In the beginning, Prentis offered 143 one-bedroom units and 88 efficiency/ studio apartments. While big-city residents are used to studio efficiencies, Michigan residents are not. To satisfy market demand, JSL CEO Rochelle Upfal was thrilled to gain the approval and allocation of federal tax credits to enable this project. "Our goal and focus every day at JSL is to serve our older adults with com- passion, promote dignity and enhance every aspect of their lives while sup- porting our community:' Upfal says. "These renovations allow us to do this in an even greater way:' Judy Rosner, Prentis administrator, says, "The residents are very excited about the renovations. They can't believe how beautiful everything looks. The materials and fixtures are tasteful and classic at the same time:' Above: Raisy Yehuda in her new one-bedroom home at Prentis Apartments in Oak Park A spacious bathroom in a renovated Prentis one-bedroom apartment Upfal guided the renovation project, working with designers and builders to achieve a look of elegance while maxi- mizing efficiency. The week before the first apartment was ready for move-in, JSL hosted a luncheon and ice cream party for residents to thank them for their support during construction. The renovations allow for new residents to move into Prentis as well. One-bedroom apartments are a hot commodity locally, especially with new kitchens featuring state-of-the-art dish- washers. In Yehuda's apartment, her own needlepoint pictures decorate the walls. Yehuda, who has three children, lived in Farmington Hills until she relocated to Prentis in 2012. "I've never been so happy:' she says. "I can't imagine living alone in a big house. I wish I'd moved here sooner. I love the community!" Yehuda epitomizes an active older adult. She volunteers in the Pantry, the lobby shop inside Prentis, and also assists in the dining room. She has volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She knows everyone by name, calling out "hellos" as she walks down the hall and into the elevator; they all know her, too. To inquire about available apartments at Prentis, contact Judy Rosner, (248) 967-4240 or jrosner@jslmi.org . ❑ Lynne Meredith Golodner owns Your People LLC, a Southfield public relations firm.