Long Shadows: Stories from a Jewish Home (2003)

The largest population of Holocaust survivors, per capita, outside Israel lives in Melbourne, Australia. These survivors are facing death and isolation for the second time, as they make the traumatic transition to an aged care facility. Dementia, memory loss and physical immobility contribute to a splintering of identity. Removed from their homes, their familiar routines, their families and the outside community, past horrors come flooding back. Exploring three levels of care from the most independent to the most dependent at Melbourne's biggest Jewish aged care facility, LONG SHADOWS examines the impact of institutionalisation for three survivors and their spouses. Harold, guides us flamboyantly through this teeming "tower of Babel" that houses up to 600 residents, and through his personal tale of tragedy and love. Evelyne, a child survivor aged 60, must face institutionalisation prematurely when an accident renders her dependent. And life inside the Dementia unit for Alzheimer's sufferer Dora shows how massive trauma effects sufferers of dementia and the people who love and care for them. All three stories are peppered with humour, delivered with honesty and underscore the importance of love for survival. LONG SHADOWS: Stories from a Jewish Home examines the implications of caring for ageing Survivors of the Holocaust.