Los Angeles Jewish Health: Energizing Senior Life

Each year, Chanukah invites us to look back at the courage of the Maccabees, a small band that fought not only for survival, but for the right to live openly and proudly as Jews. Their story reminds us that Jewish pride is not loud or boastful; it is steady, resilient, and deeply rooted in identity and purpose. In every generation, Chanukah lifts that message like a flame, and this year at Los Angeles Jewish Health, that flame of pride glowed especially bright.So many of our residents grew up in times and places where Jewish identity was something to be quiet about or carefully held inside. Not only in countries in a state of danger or upheaval, but even in American cities, in neighborhoods, clubs, parks, and workplaces, where subtle messages made it clear that being Jewish was something to soften or conceal. And yet, they persevered. They built families, communities, and lives of meaning, carrying their Judaism forward with quiet strength.Here, at LAJH, no one needs to tuck that part of themselves away. Being Jewish is safe. Indeed, here pride is not resisted; it is cherished. Our residents gather to celebrate, sing, study, light candles, and tell stories not only of the past, but of the journeys that brought them to this community. They are surrounded by peers, caregivers, and friends who honor their heritage and uplift who they are. The joy of Chanukah becomes not only a memory of courage but a living experience of belonging. The plethora of celebratory foods, entertainment, and spiritual celebration serves to enhance it all.And beyond our own story, Chanukah offers an ethical calling: just as we affirm the dignity of Jewish identity, we affirm the dignity of every person. The Chanukah lights teach that every individual should have the right to be themselves. Every human being should enjoy the freedom to live authentically, to feel proud of who they are, and to shine in the fullness of their own unique light. Images of Chanukah from across Los Angeles Jewish Health:

In his role as a staff member of the Activities Department at Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE program, Sergio Anleu has seen firsthand how the program helps its participants thrive. But it wasn’t until his own mother enrolled that he realized how truly transformative BCSC PACE could be.“In 2022, when my mom, Fabiola, was barely 60, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure,” Sergio says. “She worked as a nanny and was incredibly dedicated to her job, so even though she was having trouble breathing, she didn’t want to take time off to go to the hospital. Fortunately, a friend convinced her; the doctor said that if she had waited one more day, she would have collapsed and died.”For Fabiola, the diagnosis meant a radical lifestyle change. Even with the implantation of a defibrillation device, her heart would be too weak for her to continue working. She would have to retire immediately and dedicate her time and energy to keeping her body as strong as possible.“My entire world shifted overnight: On a Wednesday, I went to work; by Thursday, I learned I’d never be able to work again. I felt psychologically destroyed,” Fabiola recalls.Sergio and his two brothers were beside themselves with worry. Not only was their beloved mother facing an existential health crisis, but she would also require a level of daily support that the three siblings, who all worked full-time themselves, could not provide.“I had worked for LAJH for a number of years, but I was relatively new at BCSC PACE and wasn’t sure whether my mom would be eligible,” Sergio says. “When I found out she qualified, I was so relieved.”PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a health plan for those 55 and older who want to continue living at home, providing them with vibrant activity centers and dedicated care teams to help them stay healthy, active, and socially engaged.As Fabiola sees it, the care she receives has been nothing short of life-changing.Fabiola and Sergio Anleu“It’s hard to describe how amazing BCSC PACE is,” Fabiola says. “They give me meals and provide my medication, which gets sent directly to my house. They host activities like bingo, arts and crafts, Zumba and music therapy. They take me to the psychologist, where I receive counseling. They make sure I see my cardiologist every three-to-six months. We have outings to go shopping. If I’m not feeling well, they come pick me up so I can get to the doctor right away. And I’ve made friends! It’s all such a blessing.”BCSC PACE also gave Fabiola an emergency call device she can press if she falls when she is home alone, and the staff gets in touch immediately to make sure she is okay.“The support BCSC PACE offers is a game-changer; it gives my brothers and me a sense of security and peace of mind knowing Mom is so well-cared-for,” Sergio says.Three years into her participation in the program, Fabiola says she feels like a different person.“When I was diagnosed, I felt like the world had ended. But BCSC PACE has given me life again, lifting me out of my depression and surrounding me with such beautiful treatment and care,” she says. “I still have physical limitations, but now I have the desire to go on, to spend time with all the friends I’ve made here and enjoy all the things I can do.”Sergio has become accustomed to hearing these types of stories from other BCSC PACE participants and their families, but now they hit home in a different way.“My brothers and I consider ourselves so fortunate to be part of the BCSC PACE community,” he says. “My mom is the person who keeps us close, and without BCSC PACE helping her, I don’t know where our family would be. We are forever grateful.”Fabiola taking part in arts and craftsFabiola joined 11 other women who celebrated their Golden Quinceañera at BCSC PACESergio joins Fabiola for excercise class at BCSC PACE in ResedaHaving fun and making music at BCSC PACEThe Anleu family

Once again, Los Angeles Jewish Health received prestigious recognition from U.S. News & World Report, ranking as one of its “Best Nursing Homes of 2026.” Based on the publication’s analysis of almost 15,000 nursing homes nationwide, which evaluated data about staffing, quality of care, and health and safety inspections, LAJH earned accolades for multiple skilled nursing facilities.Both the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center and the Mark Taper Building were awarded the highest possible rating—“high performing”—in acknowledgment of the extraordinary service they provide.“This distinction affirms the core values that have guided us for more than a century,” says LAJH CEO and President Dale Surowitz. “We’re grateful that the compassionate, high-quality care our staff provides is being recognized nationally. It highlights our role not only as a leader in Los Angeles, but as an example of excellence and innovation in senior care across the country.”Ilana Springer, LAJH’s senior vice president of in-residence services, notes that the U.S. News ranking is a testament to LAJH’s passionate focus on its vital mission.“We are honored by this recognition, which reflects our emphasis on providing quality care and our consistent and intentional work to continue improving outcomes, while maintaining our caring environment,” she says.One of the challenges for any skilled nursing facility is staying abreast of the industry’s constantly changing standards and regulations—a challenge LAJH meets through collaborative partnerships among its dedicated staff.“Our team members, who are genuinely committed to serving our residents with compassion and respect, make achievements like this possible,” says Charlette Ofrecio, administrator of the Mark Taper Building. “We take pride in being trusted healthcare providers for those who need us most, and we continually strive to exceed the usual standards of care.”The Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical CenterThe Mark Taper Building 

For nearly 20 years, Hangnga Vu, MD, has been a source of vital care and comfort for residents at Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH). They rely on her profound knowledge and skill to help them meet critical daily health challenges—and, over the course of two decades, she has come to rely on them for the abundant grace and wisdom they offer.Recently, after recovering from a minor virus that triggered a bout of vertigo, Dr. Vu realized just how powerful that grace and wisdom could be.“After getting better from being sick, I was back at work and participating in an event celebrating LAJH’s Staff Appreciation Week. My colleagues and I were dancing a little, which must have caused my vertigo to resurface,” she says. “Later that day, I was meeting with a resident when I lost my balance and tipped over a glass of water that had been sitting on my desk. The liquid spilled everywhere.”Dr. Vu was initially uncomfortable in her moment of vulnerability in front of a resident—until the resident demonstrated the kind of compassion and understanding that often comes with age.“He said, ‘You did well, Dr. Vu. You handled that nicely,’” she recalls. “In that moment, I knew he was caring for me as much as I was caring for him. I was also incredibly grateful to my medical assistant, who treated me with such gentleness and respect.”As Dr. Vu sees it, the reciprocal relationship between providers and patients is just one of the many things that makes LAJH special.“I’ve worked for other healthcare organizations, and I can tell you that you usually get 15 minutes with a patient, and that’s it,” she says. “LAJH is different: Even though we know cost-effectiveness and efficiency are important, we place even more emphasis on quality care and love. Our productivity is measured by the wonderful care we provide and by how happy our residents are to be here.”Inspired by her experience, Dr. Vu wrote a poem that was published this fall in the newsletter of the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical (PALTmed) Association. It is our privilege and pleasure to share it with Connections readers today.Hangnga Vu, MDMessy Grace: A Flood of Careby Hangnga Vu, MDToday at work, we had Appreciation Lunch — music, food, dancing… I joined in for a few steps, playing along like I had rhythm.Just a few steps — and the stars spun above me under the hot California sun.In the middle of clinic — while talking, while examining — I knocked over a full cup of water across the desk, drenched the papers, flooded the floor…My head spun. My heart, too.The patient sat there — not upset at all — watching me as if witnessing a gentle… summer flood.My medical assistant, remained calm. No sighs, no scolding. She simply smiled — and began mopping the floor, as if picking up the day, piece by piece.The patient looked at me and said: “You did well, Dr. You handled it nicely.”I laughed, a little stunned Because yes… I had just received a performance review on flood management.And just like that — doctor and patient set the stethoscope aside, and shared a moment simply… human. The assistant turned to me and said:“Dr, you should sit down. I don’t want you to fall. I can do it easily.”Then she held my hand. One hand cleaned, the other — and her heart — steadied me.At that moment, I knew I was being cared for. Not because I was flawless — but because I was surrounded by people kind enough to lift me even when I was messy.I told them, honestly:“In that moment, I was just… myself. No filters. And still — gently held.”Today was Staff Appreciation Week. But I believe — I was the one most deeply appreciated.I have some nice photos: with another medical assistant, with a few lovely patients. But none with this patient, the one who shared the messiest part of my day.And maybe that’s the point:The deepest kindness often needs no proof. Just a quiet presence — and a floor gently wiped. Thank you, B. Thank you, TP. Thank you to those who didn’t appear in any photos today, but left a print… right in my heart. 

In her new role as senior vice president of Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE program, Jasmine Young brings a unique combination of clinical insight, strategic innovation, and organizational acumen that sets a benchmark for excellence. She is a distinguished senior healthcare executive whose career reflects more than two decades of transformative leadership, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of older adults.From a young age, Jasmine was guided by the profound wisdom and support of her grandmother, mother, and extended family, each of whom instilled in her a deep respect for elders, a reverence for service, and a belief in the power of compassionate care. This intergenerational foundation shaped her calling to pursue a lifelong purpose in healthcare.“Helping seniors age gracefully and independently is the mission statement I wake up to every day,” she affirms.Jasmine YoungJasmine’s expertise in the PACE model is both comprehensive and distinguished. She has held major leadership roles at San Diego PACE and WelbeHealth, where she played an instrumental role in scaling WelbeHealth PACE, now the largest PACE program in the nation. Her advancement from director of operations to associate vice president, chief of staff, and now senior vice president reflects her exceptional ability to strengthen organizations, elevate performance, and build mission-driven teams that deliver outstanding care.Her impact extends across the broader healthcare ecosystem. During her time at L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, Jasmine cultivated a deep understanding of the medical, social, and behavioral needs of older adults in diverse communities. She has worked closely with medical groups, health systems, and community partners throughout Los Angeles County and San Diego, giving her an unmatched familiarity with the Southern California healthcare landscape.“Jasmine is a seasoned executive leader with a consistent record of transforming organizations, driving operational excellence, and scaling programs,” says Larissa Stepanians, chief operating officer at Los Angeles Jewish Health. “Her depth of experience positions her exceptionally well to lead our current PACE sites and to drive successful expansion into new communities across Southern California.”A proud Northern California native with strong professional roots in the southern region of the state, Jasmine earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She later completed a dual master’s degree at the University of Southern California in social work and business, with concentrations in gerontology, organizational leadership, and development. Her academic preparation, combined with her personal purpose, fuels her dynamic and compassionate approach to leadership.At BCSC PACE, Jasmine is committed to advancing the program’s legacy of excellence while expanding access to high-quality, culturally responsive services for seniors in Los Angeles, the South Bay, the San Fernando Valley, and the Coachella Valley. She aims to elevate the organization’s signature strengths and replicate its successes in communities where vulnerable seniors need it most.“Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE and Los Angeles Jewish Health are already doing tremendous work,” Jasmine says. “My goal is to elevate that impact even further. We have so much to offer, and I am privileged to be here, committed to making a meaningful difference and advance our mission.”