Yad Sarah: A Lifeline for Older Adults and Their Families

Walter Bingham – a journalist and Holocaust survivor, who at the age of 101, produces two weekly radio shows from his home in Jerusalem – relies on Yad Sarah to help him live independently.

Yad Sarah installed an emergency call device in Walter's shower. With the press of a button, the device connects to a 24/7 medical emergency hotline that can dispatch immediate help. It serves as a lifeline in the event of a fall or other emergency for Walter and many other older adults and individuals living alone.

Walter is grateful he's never had to use Yad Sarah's emergency call. Knowing it is there brings him peace of mind and lets him focus on the things that he enjoys. "I get my strength from there," he said with a smile, pointing upwards, crediting G-d for blessing him with nearly perfect health, a blessing at his advanced age.

Walter's daughter, Sonja, also relies on Yad Sarah's support.

Sonja is the mother of two sons and helps care for Walter. She manages his appointments, helps with errands, and ensures his days run smoothly. For Sonja, Yad Sarah's Yad Latomech service has been invaluable.

Yad Sarah's Yad Latomech is a support and counseling service for family caregivers. The program offers therapy, mutual support groups, and more to help ease the burden on caregivers and ensure that families receive the support they need.

"It's very helpful to have someone to talk to, to know someone is there," said Sonja. "Yad Sarah is incredibly important for helping families."

Walter remains deeply concerned about loneliness among the elderly. He always ends his radio show with a vital reminder: visit your elderly neighbors. He expresses his appreciation for Yad Sarah's loneliness prevention services, recognizing it as a crucial partner in ensuring that everyone — especially Holocaust survivors — knows they are not alone.

"I am very fortunate not to be lonely, but loneliness is a killer," said Walter. He adds that for many, Yad Sarah's activities are essential in preventing such isolation. "It's a very useful and much-needed organization," he says. "In fact, I may need to do another radio program about it."