Baltimore, MD - Mar. 30, 2022 - If eating strictly kosher cuisine and celebrating Shabbos, Yom Tov, and simchas together with community, family, and friends are important to you – or your aging loved ones - the options for assisted living and senior care in Baltimore are few. Thanks to Aventura, a New Jersey-based senior living company, there are now two wonderful orthodox options, announces Jason (Yaakov) Simanowitz, LNHA, Regional Director of Mid-Atlantic Operations, Aventura Health Group.

Aventura at the Heights (formerly Tudor Heights) and Aventura at the Park (formerly known as Weinberg Park -the facility adjacent to Congregation Shearith Israel) are presently under one umbrella as sister communities. They are both situated within the eruv and walkable distance to many shuls. Aventura at the Heights is already certified by STAR-K Kosher Certification; Aventura at the Park’s STAR-K certification is imminent. Vibrant programming includes activities in commemoration of Jewish calendar events. Celebrating a family simcha? Residents can now celebrate together with family and friends in the community’s dining room.

“In addition to extensive renovations that Aventura will be putting into both communities, the renowned former Tudor Heights chef, Menashe Shabtai, has returned to oversee the dining departments of both communities and provide healthful delicious strictly kosher gourmet meals,” notes Jason. “Aventura’s goal is to make sure the residents feel like they are home every step of the way and that their families are welcome. They understand the principle that you have to spend money to make money. They are also about giving back to the community.”

In keeping with this mission, Aventura Health sponsored two recent amazing community programs. Over Chanukah, following in the tradition of the now-defunct beloved Park Heights Avenue Chanukah House, it hosted Chanukah festivities at both buildings that featured menorah lighting; local politicians attended.

In the works, is the hosting of many more future events including a senior resource, which will feature a panel of local Rabbonim, legal and senior care experts who will discuss how to prepare for aging. They will address halachic wills, trusts, hospice, financial planning, and other support services that can assist seniors and their families in successful aging. Various vendors (including home health, therapy, home health planners, social workers) will be in attendance and refreshments will be served.

Aventura Health prides itself on offering residents an independent lifestyle, with support as needed. Each spacious private suite features a full handicap accessible bathroom and kitchenette, where you can set up all the comforts of home. Its wellness staff is available to provide on-demand healthcare with professional nursing care, medical technicians, and certified nursing aides to assist with activities of daily living. Personalized health care plans ensure that all medical needs are met. Care plan meetings with residents and their loved ones serve as a way to make sure that care needs are addressed appropriately as they change over time.   Residents are welcome to have their outside healthcare providers (doctors, etc.) come into the community to do home visits.  Speech, PT, and OT therapy services are available on the premises. In addition to regular assisted living, the Aventura communities provide specialized memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia.    “Our staff is trained in both memory and dementia care and receive a rigorous religious sensitivity training so they understand the Jewish laws and customs,” adds Jason. “We have a new frum activities director for both buildings and a new member to the marketing team whole will focus on community outreach. Hiring local employees is another way we give back to our community.”

Although Jason was born and raised in New York, he and his wife have Baltimore family roots and he really understands the needs of our community.

Jason poses, “Where are Mom and Dad going to go when they are old enough that they can’t live alone and don’t need full-time help, but do need more assisted living -- in an environment where Shabbos and Yom Tov are observed according to halachic standards?”

Both Aventura at the Heights and Aventura at the Park will offer shiurim (Torah classes) given by local Rabbonim, and hold daily, Shabbos and Yom Tov minyanim in their beautiful full shuls. Meals – accommodating all dietary restrictions -- can be enjoyed in the communal dining room or privately with family in private dining areas.

Concludes Jason, “As our community ages - and people move down here from New York and elsewhere to be closer to their children - Bubbe and Zeidy need a place to be. They need a place that will make them feel at home, where they can have their family around. Our two facilities are located in the heart of the frum Park Heights community -- close enough for regular visits from family and community members --- and, for a bar mitzvah boy to give them nachas as they watch him putting on tefillin for the very first time.”  

For more information about Aventura at the Heights and Aventura at the Park, call 410-318-8000, or email: infomd@aventurahg.com.