In a San Francisco beauty salon several women sit reading gossip magazines while under the dryer. At first glance, the salon looks like any other with women waiting patiently for their nails to dry or their hair to be styled.
But, unlike most salons, its services are entirely free. This salon is patronized by residents of the Jewish Home For the Aged, who have been provided with their own beauty shop for more than 50 years.
Although many of the residents have complex medical conditions, according to the Home, even physician visits take second place to their twice-a-month hair appointments.
“These women don’t need to see a psychiatrist, they just come to me,” said Frieda Saenz, the Home’s resident beautician who has been doing hair at the salon for the past quarter century.
Recognizing the importance of self-esteem, Saenz squeezes in 20 appointments a day. She said the best part of her job is helping people.
“Sometimes they come to visit me even when they don’t have appointments,” she said.
The Home is able to employ Saenz thanks in part to a grant from the J. Eugene and Faye Barrett Goldberg Philanthropic Fund, a new restricted fund of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation’s Endowment Fund.
The grant also provides for the services of medical director Dr. Jay Luxenberg, who is responsible for the organization, implementation and supervision of the Home’s entire medical program as well as providing consultation to the staff.
The grant, totaling $118,872, is part of a $5 million bequest the Goldbergs left to the JCEF. The money has been designated to provide assistance to needy individuals in both the Jewish and general communities through grants to hospices, homeless shelters and homes for the elderly.
Jerry Levine, director of the Jewish Home for the Aged, stressed how crucial the services provided by both Saenz and Luxenberg are.
“The role of the medical director is quickly evolving and is now a full-time job. Fifteen percent of Luxenberg’s time is spent on research which we would not otherwise have the funding for. If we had not received this grant, cuts would have to be made.”
Saenz started working for the Jewish Home shortly after she moved to San Francisco from Germany in 1959. While many beauticians are close to their customers, she said that she has a deep love for each of her clients.
“My job is my hobby and my customers are my friends.”
The feeling is mutual. “She is the only hairdresser we’ve had and frankly we wouldn’t want anyone else,” said 77-year-old Helen Wolfe.
Another resident, Ida Tiger, added, “We’re not always easy to deal with and sometimes we give her hell, but Frieda has patience and respect for us old people.”
Saenz admits that few people leave her salon without smiling. “I come in to the salon looking one way and I come out looking beautiful,” remarked Josephine Aron, another satisfied customer.
Saenz’s beauty shop is considered by the residents one of the best therapeutic programs at the Home. “Everyone has heroes in life. Here at the Home, Frieda is ours,” said Lillian Rosenthal, a 86-year-old resident of five years.
With more options in home care and assisted living, residents are coming to the Home older and frailer and subsequently more in need of critical care. Recognizing this change Saenz said, “the residents just need more TLC [tender loving care].”
As the Home’s medical director, Luxenberg is also aware of this trend. He coordinates services of the Home that have an impact on medical care, including organizing activities for the residents.
“I think the common goal is to keep improving things, since the nature of the residents has changed a lot. For instance, we recently started a salad and ice cream bar on wheels. Although this seems minor it is actually a major step.”
Many of the residents are inclined to stay in their rooms, so Luxenberg has initiated bringing more of the activities to them. “Their days are structured like camp. They are offered activities in the morning, they have lunch, and then it starts all over in the afternoon,” he said.
Activities include art, exercise, movies, discussion groups (in English and Russian), happy hour and barbecues.
One of Luxenberg’s newest projects is evening entertainment. Four nights a week, the residents can choose between enjoying live music, playing bingo or small-time wagering.
“I am constantly thinking of ways to make their lives more fun,” he said.
Because Luxembourg oversees the home’s medical-care department, he feels it is important to communicate on a medical level with patients. He knows almost all 450 residents.
“By giving lectures on the `whys’ of medicine, it creates more understanding among the residents,” he said.
Luxenberg also said he felt rewarded by his work.
“We want our residents to have satisfying lives. I am very close to my grandparents who are in a nursing home in New Jersey. I try to provide the same care for the residents that I would want for my own family.”