Sign up for Weekday J and get the latest on what's happening in the Jewish Bay Area.

For nearly 25 years, On Lok SeniorHealth has provided one-stop medical care mainly for Asian and Latino senior citizens in San Francisco's Chinatown and Mission District.

However, a new partnership between Goldman Mount Zion Institute on Aging (IOA)/University of California San Francisco and On Lok has diversified the senior service's clientele considerably.

Since teaming up, IOA/UCSF On Lok has expanded its services to residents of the Haight-Ashbury, Richmond and Sunset districts, the Marina, Pacific Heights and Western Addition.

Twenty percent of its clientele is now Jewish, the majority from the former Soviet Union. Among them is Rakhilya Sirot, 84.

Wearing pearl beads and a Star of David medallion around her neck, white sandals with thick heels, a glittering pin and bright coral lipstick, Sirot bubbles over with enthusiasm.

"I am very happy to be one of the participants here," Sirot said via a translator.

Sirot emigrated from Ukraine five years ago. She lives with her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in the Richmond District.

However, her problems with blood circulation (especially in her lower extremities) and memory loss make it difficult for Sirot's children to provide her with proper care. Sirot comes to On Lok four days a week for medical treatment, physical therapy and socializing.

"I love everything here. If I didn't like it, I wouldn't come," she said.

Like most of On Lok's clientele, Sirot suffers from a variety of medical problems. However, by addressing all medical needs and social services, On Lok enables its clients to continue living at home.

"This program is designed for very frail elderly who would probably wind up in a nursing home if they didn't have these services which help them remain independent," said Carol Allen, IOA director of professional and community education.

"We're not just talking about one medical problem or one disease. These people have compounded situations, medical and nonmedical, which make it difficult to remain independent in their homes."

Each morning, Monday through Friday, the On Lok staff meets to discuss client progress and difficulties. Meanwhile, On Lok vans pick up clients at their homes and bring them to its 3600 Geary Blvd. facility. The program will move to its newly renovated site at 1426 Fillmore later this year.

Mornings consist of seated exercise; current-events briefings in English, Chinese and Russian; and appointments with doctors, nurses, dentists, podiatrists, audiologists and physical, occupational and speech therapists. A pharmacy is also on-site.

Lunch follows, and then an afternoon program, ranging from a spring fashion show to lectures and musical performances.

But On Lok's care doesn't end when the vans load up clients and return them to their homes at about 2 p.m. Delivered meals and home health-care workers are also available.

"Everything happens in one place. It's one-stop shopping, including social programming," Allen said.

"So often old people end up isolated in their homes, in front of the television. Our clients come for current events, entertainment and to do artwork."

Among those most appreciate of the social component is Valeria Karpovich, 72.

An emigre from Ukraine, Karpovich attends On Lok four days a week. She is being treated for health problems related to a stroke and open-heart surgery. She rides an exercise bike to improve strength and endurance and uses hot and cold packs for joint pain.

However, "I don't know much English so it's hard to meet people," she via a translator. "I'm able to communicate with other people here so I have lots and lots of friends."

On Lok SeniorHealth by IOA/UCSF is available to all San Francisco residents 55 years of age and older and in need of medical care. It is free to seniors with both Medicare and Medi-Cal. There is a co-payment for individuals with only Medicare or Medi-Cal/MNO (medically needy only).

For more information, contact Joan Abrams, at (415) 447-1000.