Alone and blind
Old people’s home June 1342

According to statistics published by industrialized and advanced countries, life expectancy is on the rise around the world. And the elderly certainly have the right to spend their remaining years of retirement in an appropriate condition. Hence, major cities around the globe have established centers with the sole goal of caring for the elderly, providing them with a desirable life, and enhancing their life quality.

The Jewish Elderly Home in Tehran was founded in the late 1980s. Initially, this institution was dedicated to caring for impoverished Jewish individuals and the homeless, functioning as a kind of shelter. It later provided care for the elderly and unaccompanied individuals too, however, the conditions and services it offered were clearly unacceptable.

To address the disorder in this center, a few charitable members of the Hatef Iranian Jewish Women’s Organization registered and founded an institution as the “House of the Elderly” in 1963. The House of the Elderly started its first years with the challenge of being unknown — the Jewish community was unaware of its goals and the institute had insufficient health facilities. It mainly served elderly individuals who either had difficulties being cared for at home or were alone and without support. There were too few clients and too little funds to cover the high costs of the care house. Over time, the management and authorities started paying less attention to the care house too.

With the 1979 Revolution in Iran and the migration of many community leaders, the situation of this institution became increasingly unstable and chaotic. The problems continued to escalate, compounded by a reduction in experienced medical staff.

The Iranian State Welfare Organization had consistently issued warnings addressing 23 significant safety threats. In its final advisory, strict adherence to hygiene principles and the implementation of the specified measures within the Elderly House were emphasized, attached with a warning that non-compliance could lead to the closure of the institution.

In 1982, with the supervision of Gadd Naiim, the Kheirkhah Jewish Charity provided assistance to improve the situation at the Elderly House. However, it seemed that the efforts were not sufficient. A year later, under the decision of Dr. Eliasi, the head of the Jewish Committee, a board of trustees of the center comprising nine individuals was formed to improve the institution’s situation with the 8 personnel and 35 clients it had. This board was led by Mr. Gadd Naiim and Ms. Soghra Kardan, who had been the manager of the House of the Elderly for years. The first action taken by the board was to change the name from the House of the Elderly to the Jewish Elderly Center. They then proceeded with cleaning and decorating the external environment, repairing and renovating the building, adding stone-carvings, wall paintings, replacing sanitary facilities, creating green spaces and gardening, establishing a laundry and modern kitchen, installing house heating, and providing all modern facilities, including the purchase of 70 sets of beds and bedding, refrigerators, televisions, and other necessary services. Finally, they hired new and specialized staff and experienced nurses to work in three shifts throughout the day and night at the Jewish Elderly Center.

This center plays a crucial role in supporting and improving the lives of the elderly in Iran. It is well-regarded for its humanitarian efforts and credibility, especially compared to other institutions in Iran. Hard work has been done so that the programs align with World Health Organization standards. Elderly individuals participate in various activities like art, reading, music, and movies. Physiotherapy exercises are also provided for mobility. The welfare department ensures mental, emotional, and social satisfaction through activities like park strolls and family visits during holidays, either at the center or at home.

The nursing section takes good care of the elderly by regularly monitoring their health, checking blood pressure, controlling weight, and following medical advice. Since nutrition is crucial, the center works hard to prevent malnutrition, especially in cases where family neglect might be a concern. Nutrition specialists assist with this vital duty. Clothes are washed with utmost care without too many chemicals. Elders have baths and change clothes and bedding twice a week, with more changes as needed.

Before 1969, elderly care was only age-based. However, the Jewish Elderly Center became the first in Iran to adopt care and rehabilitation policies aligned with global health standards. In the 2000s, the center received letters of appreciation and awards for meeting national health and welfare standards.

In 2006, the State Welfare Organization awarded the Jewish Elderly Center the first rank and excellent grade, along with a letter of appreciation. In 2009, the Tehran Welfare Organization also presented a certificate of excellence to the Jewish Elderly Center for achieving the top-level status.

Currently, the Jewish Elderly Center accommodates 70 Jewish elderly individuals, although its capacity is 80. Officials plan to increase its capacity in the future. The staff consists of 42 personnel, led by Mr. Gadd Naiim, along with 4 doctors, 2 permanent physicians, Dr. Manouchehr Eliasi, Dr. Arastoo Badi, and the technical manager, Mrs. Davarpanah, a physiotherapist who joined the center in 1988. In 1990, due to her competence and dedication, she was promoted to the supervisor of the nursing home by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs. Davarpnah believes that the only way to successfully assist the elderly is to truly understand them, and this is a job that is impossible without love, tolerance, and a spirit compatible with the issues of the elderly. Currently, the Jewish Elderly Center in Iran performs a significant humanitarian duty and has gained great importance and credibility among other similar organizations in Iran, especially in caring for elderly and disabled patients. The officials of the Jewish Elderly Center consider the principles of the World Health Organization as the guiding principles for their duties and believe that planning and spending for the elderly should be considered a long-term and lasting investment.

Front view of the entrance of the old people’s home in the summer of 2015

The entrance gate of the nursing home in autumn 2015

The entrance gate of the nursing home summer 2014

entrance area (west side)

The entrance area of the office building in autumn 2014

The main entrance of the office building

The area of the park for the elderly in the fall of 2016

Mr. Gad Naeem’s speech at the celebration of Soka 2019

Soka celebration ceremony 1379
From right to left: Mr. Dr. Eliyasi – Mrs. Shamiyan – Mr. Gad Naeem – Mr. Vafamansouri – Mr. Rabbi Uriel Davidi, Marjah Kalimiyan – Mr. Taleh Hamedani – Mr. Haroon Yeshayai

An elderly person in a nursing home in the summer of 2016

The plaque wall was remembered in the summer of 2014

Plaque of thanks in the park of the old people’s home
Summer 2014

Nursing home officials:
Mr. Manouchehr Sarafraz, Gad Naeem, Eskandar Mikaeel
Summer 2014

Common bedroom for the elderly

Dining room for dinner

West view of the park area
Summer 2014

parting time

The 92nd birthday of Nosrat Khanum

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In recognition of the precious service and extraordinary efforts of the late Gad Naeem for the welfare of the elderly, this part is named after Naeem Park. May his soul be happy and may his memory be cherished
1389 (he died in Sagrad 1)