Sheila Zimels made Aliyah from the suburbs of New York 57 years ago. Sheila and her husband arrived in Israel along with their 6-year-old and 8-month-old children. The couple had three more children after making Aliyah and built a life in Israel.

From Jerusalem’s French Hill neighborhood to the city’s Talpiot neighborhood,  Sheila and her husband moved again when he developed dementia and they needed family support. They now live in the building next to their daughter.

Four years ago, one of Sheila’s friends – also a family caregiver to a spouse with dementia –  invited her to join a Yad Latomech meeting. Yad Latomech is Yad Sarah’s support service for family caregivers.

“I told her it wasn’t for me, but she insisted that I at least try it,” said Shelia.

Sheila was already familiar with Yad Sarah and often relied on the organization’s lending center. She borrowed a walker and a wheelchair from Yad Sarah when walking to synagogue became difficult. Sheila and her husband have also donated to Yad Sarah, as it is his favorite charity.

Sheila agreed to attend a Yad Latomech meeting at the Yad Sarah branch in Jerusalem. There, she met Rivka Ish-Shalom and Leah Abramowitz, the volunteers who run the support group. “[They] are incredibly caring and brilliant moderators,” said Sheila.

Since then, Sheila has become a frequent participant in a support group of women in similar situations.

“I never thought I’d open up about the situation, but when you’re with other like-minded people in similar circumstances, it feels natural,” said Sheila. “Just being in their presence and hearing others talk about situations similar to your own is not only informative but also soothing.”

Now, Sheila’s husband has a 24/7 professional caregiver but still needs Sheila more than ever. Yad Sarah has been by her side, guiding her through every stage of her husband’s illness and will continue to provide support every step of the way.

“I never miss a session! I get a cab every Thursday— it’s that important to me,” said Sheila.

Yad Latomech offers a wide range of compassionate care—including therapy and more— to ensure caregivers have access to the necessary emotional support, problem solving, solutions for financial challenges, and any additional assistance.

More information on Yad Sarah’s Yad Latomech program here.