Physically and emotionally, Lions Gate is best for Mom. We were so relieved when we found a place that gave her grace and dignity with the best care.

Carol Freilick and her sister, Janice Askinazi, always knew their mother, Jean Fogel, was resilient. Jean’s parents emigrated to the United States from Hungary, and she grew up during the Depression, the youngest of five siblings in a close-knit family. “My parents met as teens,” said Carol, “but then my father, Buddy, was shipped off to the Navy during World War II. My parents reconnected when they were in their 20’s and were married in 1947. They were happily married for 72 years. No matter what life handed them, they always had each other.”

After Buddy passed at age 97, Jean continued to live independently for a few years. “While she was living alone, she suffered a fall,” said Carol. “She ended up having a stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. We realized Mom needed more care than we could provide at home. After careful consideration, Lions Gate Nursing Care was the best choice for her.

Carol and her sister knew their mother would be in good hands. “Lions Gate has a 5-star rating, and we wanted the care she received to be exceptional,” said Carol. “Mom knew people who had lived at Lions Gate over the years, and they had all had wonderful experiences. And most important of all, we knew Mom would be most comfortable in a community that honored Jewish traditions. That means a lot to her. Mom has been living at Lions Gate for three years now, and she has been very happy. The members of her care team are wonderful. When you have an aging parent that requires as much support as my mother does, the relief you feel when you find a place that cares for people with grace and dignity is tremendous. I am so grateful that she lives at Lions Gate. It has made all the difference.”

“I love Lions Gate,” said Jean. “I feel very safe here.”

Carol and her sister visit Jean during dinner time. “Mom is busy during the day,” said Carol. “She reads the Philadelphia Inquirer every morning. She enjoys taking the Horticulture Therapy class, working on arts & crafts projects, and playing BINGO. She also loves all the music entertainment they have. When choosing a community that meets your parent’s health needs, the focus is often on care and well-being. It’s easy to overlook the importance of social activities and entertainment programs that can enhance their quality of life. It’s so important. Lions Gate does a wonderful job keeping everyone active.”

Jean is 98 years old, and still going strong. “She’s a real fighter,” said Carol. “She has never once complained about her situation since she had her stroke. She’s just so good-natured. Living at Lions Gate keeps her optimistic. She’s thriving here!”