Beit Halochem Canada, Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel is committed to rehabilitating, rebuilding, and enhancing the lives of over 58,000 Israelis who have become disabled in the line of duty or as victims of terror. Beit Halochem Centres across Israel provide specialized sports, recreational, and therapeutic programs.
Beit Halochem is a place where our injured Heroes can regain dignity and quality of life. Caring for our disabled veterans and assisting them in reclaiming their lives, is among Beit Halochem’s top priorities.
Where your dollars go:
Facilities
Much research and consideration go into the design and construction of every Beit Halochem Centre. All facilities are specially adapted to a wide range of disabilities, with particular attention paid to the needs of the blind and those who use wheelchairs. Techniques are implemented to facilitate the participation of members in most sports, classes, and social events held on the Centres’ grounds.
Rehabilitative Therapy Wing
Severely disabled members – those who are blind, paraplegic, amputees, and others with a range of disabilities requiring individualized care – are treated in a Centre’s rehabilitative therapy wing. Beit Halochem works closely with hospitals and rehabilitation units treating wounded veterans so they can reach these people as early as possible. On their release from hospital, newly disabled veterans are referred to the Beit Halochem Centre closest to their home. This ensures an uninterrupted course of treatment – a vital component of successful rehabilitation.
Despite the guiding principle that Beit Halochem should not be regarded as a medical institution, it soon became apparent that there was a vital need for personalized programs of treatment, specifically geared to paramedical rehabilitative therapy. This program has proved itself to be the most effective way to enhance both the emotional and physical fitness of those undergoing treatment.
Physical Therapy Institute
Treatment in the physical therapy institute complements the other measures in the rehabilitation process. It is also available, if required, to members whose health has deteriorated over the years. A team of skilled physical therapists treats members referred to the institute by hospital rehabilitation specialists or by clinics of the Defence Ministry’s Rehabilitation Division.
Hydrotherapy
The integral role of swimming in treating the seriously disabled has long been recognized. With this knowledge, heated pools were installed at Beit Halochem Centres with the water’s temperature gauged to those suffering from severe paralysis or orthopaedic issues. A hydrotherapeutic health unit is also maintained on the grounds. It includes rooms for therapeutic baths, massage, and well-equipped gyms for medical gymnastics. The unit is staffed by skilled hydrotherapists trained to administer these treatments. To establish effective rehabilitation as soon as possible, therapy begins while members are still in hospital or in a rehabilitation unit.
Combined Treatments
Doctors at Beit Halochem may prescribe a combination of physical therapy and fitness treatments for short or extended periods of time. This mix helps improve body function, reinforcing the potential for self-reliance. Treatment is given on an individual basis by experienced staff under strict medical supervision. Members are treated in fitness rooms equipped with the most up-to-date equipment, adapted for a wide range of disabilities.
Family-oriented Programming
Knowing that the veteran’s family is affected by a new reality, there is excellent programming for the entire family in addition to the therapeutic activities for the disabled member. Young and old enjoy the Centres’ welcoming atmosphere and activities that enrich family life and enhance togetherness.
Children’s Activities
Acknowledging the concept that successful rehabilitation of the disabled involves the entire family unit, members’ children also get their share of attention at Beit Halochem. Childcare in a well-equipped nursery is provided during the afternoon hours, allowing parents the freedom for their own activities. During summer vacations, several crafts and sports clubs are organized as are film screenings and presentations of plays. Study groups, hobby clubs, and social events take place throughout the day, providing members and their families the opportunity to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Creative Activities
Members and their families take part in a variety of clubs and classes. Photography, ceramics, painting, sculpture, music, and languages are only a few of the many programs offered. Disabled veterans’ spouses also need the opportunity to get away from their daily challenges. They can attend numerous classes while disabled members take part in sports or therapy groups.
Games and Competitions
The Centres’ social and cultural departments organize a wide range of activities, some of which are competitive or achievement-oriented. Chess and bridge clubs meet often and some of the players compete in league tournaments held on the premises. The billiards club is also highly popular, particularly with members suffering from head injuries. This pursuit is seen to improve co-ordination.
The Art of Leisure
Beit Halochem members’ leisure hours are filled with an exciting array of cultural and arts programs. Plays and other live performances, dances and parties are scheduled as are stimulating lectures on a wide range of subjects, discussion groups, and exhibitions of members’ artwork. Newly released films are screened in the movie theatre and holidays are marked by well-attended celebrations.
Competitive sports
Not only do competitive sports present challenges to the injured person on an individual basis, competitions are also a great source of pride to both the State of Israel and the disabled community as a whole. Aside from the personal satisfaction derived from competitive sports, there is also a significant rehabilitative value. In competition, the disabled veteran learns to rise above limitations and face the challenges of their new situation more effectively.
Young Veterans Club
Among Beit Halochem’s highest priorities is to provide support and encouragement to its youngest members (18 to 35 years) through a variety of programs appealing to their particular needs and interests. These include activities such as the wall-climbing club, scuba diving courses, paintball outings, Jeep outings, special outings that include significant others, and extreme sports including SUP, rappelling, and rock climbing. Social events featuring live entertainment also bring together young veterans from all parts of Israel. These activities create bonds and form relationships which are highly beneficial in these young people’s rehabilitation and adaptation to their altered circumstances.
Dancing & Singing Troupes
Every Beit Halochem Centre has at least one singing troupe and one dance troupe led by a professional choreographer. Dance troupes are composed of men and women wheelchair dancers who are paired with standing partners who volunteer their time. The wheelchair dancers’ efforts are a true manifestation of the dream to dance and the victory of mind and spirit over the body. The troupe’s program includes a rich repertoire of song, dance, and stage performances including Israeli and international folk dances, Latino, and ballroom dancing. Colourful costumes complement their talented routines. There are also several couples of professional ballroom and Latino dancers who perform and compete on the international competitive circuit. These performers bring many medals and much pride to Beit Halochem and Israel. Beit Halochem singers perform regularly at national Remembrance Day ceremonies and represent the organization at national choir festivals. They also travel throughout Europe to represent Israel and Beit Halochem in international choir festivals.
Wheelchair dance is a victory of mind over body.
Individual Treatments
Conventional physiotherapy and hydrotherapy treatments combine the use of specialized equipment alongside a special exercise regimen. However, individual treatments, geared to the most severely disabled members, is a unique service. This approach has been developed at Beit Halochem over the years by therapists from different disciplines – mostly Wingate Institute’s Physical Education graduates. The goal of these treatments is to improve the member’s motor skills and muscle toning lost due to head and/or spinal injury and counter any deterioration caused by prolonged sitting in a wheelchair. These severely injured members are unable to work out in a fitness hall or be treated by the conventional physiotherapy regimen of exercise and equipment. Treatment sessions take place on mattresses and include exercises to enhance flexibility and movement span, strengthen muscles, and improve stability.
Members go on to represent Israel in the Paralympic Games.
Marine Sports
Sailing, rowing, kayaking, stand up paddling (SUP) all take place either at sea or on the Yarkon River in central Israel. Trained by professional coaches, some members go on to represent Israel in the Paralympic Games and at other international competitions. Both the equipment and the coaches’ salaries are funded by donors’ support.