Courtesy of JFS.
Former rabbi Barry Kogan enjoys the “people you meet, the books you see, the pictures you see” at Jewish Family Service’s Adult Day Services, which supports adults with cognitive issues
Submitted by JFS
When Barry Kogan walks into Jewish Family Services’ Adult Day Services (ADS), a lightness follows him. He is quick with a joke, delighted by a stack of books and finds wonder in every detail — his world, as he describes, is “brought to you again and again by the people you meet, the books you see, the pictures you see. And it makes life worthwhile.”
Living with dementia has not dulled Barry’s vibrant soul. A retired rabbi, husband and father, he is the personification of a life still full — curious, compassionate and deeply engaged. “Wherever I turn, I discover something new that I hadn’t seen before,” he says, a glint of adventure in his voice. JFS Adult Day Services offers a safe, comfortable environment where staff help older adults impacted by memory challenges enhance their quality of life through connection and regular physical, social and cognitive activities.
For Barry, every day at ADS is a chance to connect, joke and learn, reminding all around him that humanity remains intact, no matter the diagnosis. “Just meeting people and talking with them keeps you active and interested in what’s going on around you,” Barry says.
His daughter, Ilana, describes how much these connections mean: “He enjoys talking with the people here. He really engages with them. When I drop him off, I hear him making jokes with people. He loves it, and the good mood has been really key.” Barry returns home each day in “such a good mood, thanking my mom for sending him here, and he’ll literally say, ‘Thank you so much for this. I love it, being there.’”
A Warm Destination
Adult Day Services is more than a safe space — it is a launchpad for joy and renewal. The staff, led by dedicated professionals, infuse each day with purposeful activities and heartfelt connections. Barry’s family is quick to share the impact: “He has loved being here. It’s had a huge impact on my dad. He’s loved the activities, the music programs, the art programs. They really help him feel good about what he’s still able to do,” Ilana shares.
And the benefits ripple outward. For Barry’s wife, the program has been a tremendous gift, her daughter says. It gives her precious, needed time, as well as a mental break. From art to music, nature outings to laughter-filled group moments, ADS staff bring both expertise and affection. As Barry puts it, “having a meaningful, wonderful, and indeed enjoyable life, from beginning to end” — that is what he finds here.
Everyone Deserves Dignity
Barry’s story is proof that a diagnosis does not erase the richness of a person’s spirit. In his own words: “Continuous activity, reflection, enjoyment and appreciation of just how valuable people can be in your life.” Through the embrace of his family and Adult Day Services, Barry is seen, valued and enabled to flourish.
