Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

271-11 76th Avenue
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Website: parkerinstitute.org

Description of Organization:

The Institute was established in 1907 by a group of benefactors as a shelter for homeless older people.
Services were expanded in the 1930s and 40s to include health care, the acceptance of older and more infirm residents. Provisions were made for more intensive care. The medical problems of its residents were too complex for the staff and equipment to handle properly, thus The Jewish Institute for Geriatric Care opened in 1972 with the implementation of a new and unique concept in healthcare for the aged: rehabilitation, restoration, and return to the community. The commitment–patients would be treated with physical disabilities as well as mental and behavioral disorders and the facility would conduct research and educational programs. To recognize the many contributions of the Parker family, and to reflect the facility’s wide range of rehabilitation services, the institute was renamed in 1997 to the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation.

Grant(s) Awarded

In 2022, a grant in the amount of $3,500 was awarded to support the expansion of the partnership with The Tzu Chi Buddhist Temple in Williston Park, NY and Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation’s “Willing Hearts Helpful Hands” (WHHH) Program to help people living with dementia “age in place” by supporting their caregivers with needed technology. This expansion brings mindfulness and meditation practices to those living with dementia and their caregivers Since most caregivers are women, it specifically provides training and support in Buddhist contemplative disciplines for women who perform challenging, unpaid work.