Hebrew SeniorLife

03/18/2026

Patients at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center - NewBridge were treated to a performance by the Tufts Jackson Jills, Tufts’ oldest all-female a ca****la group, founded in 1963. The 11-member ensemble entertained with high-energy performances and unique arrangements of contemporary pop songs. They ended their set with two familiar songs: “Sentimental Journey,” made popular by Doris Day, and “Shadows of the Night,” made popular by Pat Benatar. Life Enhancement Coordinator Emily Perlman joined them for these last two songs, as she sang in the Jackson Jills when she was in college in the late 1980s.
We look forward to having this talented group back soon!

03/17/2026

🧠 Dementia doesn’t just affect one person — it affects an entire family.

In a new blog post, Hebrew SeniorLife President and CEO Adam Scott reflects on how his grandfather’s experience with dementia shaped his understanding of what families truly need when facing memory loss: guidance, coordination, and compassionate support.

Today, about 1 in 9 Americans over age 65 is living with dementia, and families are often left navigating a fragmented system of specialists, services, and difficult decisions. At Hebrew SeniorLife, we believe care should work differently.

At Hebrew SeniorLife, memory care isn’t defined by a single program or building. Instead, it’s a continuum that connects clinical expertise, innovative research, residential and community-based services, and comprehensive support for caregivers — helping families find answers, guidance, and continuity through every stage of the journey.

Learn more ➡️

A personal reflection on how memory care can better support people living with dementia and their caregivers

03/16/2026

🌐 What does it mean to provide truly culturally competent care for older adults? A new article in Provider Magazine explores how communities across the country are honoring cultural traditions through activities, food, and environment — staples of Hebrew Rehabilitation Center's services for Russian-speaking older adults.

Boston has the largest Russian-speaking population in Massachusetts, and the program is a vital resource for Russian-speaking older adults in the region, providing culturally and linguistically supportive care, community events, and long-term chronic care services — all with staff who are fluent in both English and Russian.

"Patients feel more engaged if they see that the provider understands their needs and preferences," said Alexandra Dashevskaya, director of bilingual services. "A trust relationship is important and contributes significantly to better treatment and outcomes."

From concerts and poetry to gardening and a welcoming environment filled with familiar touches, the program helps patients feel at home — and gives families peace of mind knowing their loved ones' cultural needs are understood and respected.

Read the full article ➡️ https://bit.ly/4sLs9vr

03/13/2026

March is National Nutrition Month! Organized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” reminds us that nutrition has the power to help individuals and communities thrive, and that building healthy habits today can help you feel great now and in the future.

Dietitians at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston and NewBridge, as well as this year’s class of dietetic interns, will celebrate National Nutrition Month at nutrition fairs on both campuses. Going off the theme for 2026, this year’s fairs will focus on the power of nutritional knowledge, mindful eating, and fueling your body with person-specific goals. Earlier this month, the dietetic interns visited the Massachusetts State House to participate in the Massachusetts Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ annual Day on the Hill. Swipe to see our teams of dietitians and dietetic interns!

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists play a critical role in empowering people to make confident, intentional decisions about the foods they consume. If you want one-on-one nutrition counseling to get help with anything from managing a chronic condition to general guidance for a healthy lifestyle, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center offers outpatient medical nutrition therapy with experienced Registered Dietitians. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hK9jj9

03/12/2026

Olé! 💃🏽 The passion, history, and rhythm of Spain recently made its way to Hebrew Rehabilitation Center – NewBridge! Flamenco dancer Yosi Karahashi demonstrated the art form, performing to songs like "Nuestras Sevillanas," "Alegrías Sin Taconeo," and "Habanera." She also discussed the history and development of flamenco and incorporated props such as a mantón, an abanico, and castanets into her routine. Afterward, she taught the basics of the dance to residents.

Patients reminisced about their own experiences with flamenco, including one who recalled seeing José Greco perform. Karahashi's teacher was one of José's daughters, Lola Greco. At Hebrew Rehabilitation Center – NewBridge, there’s always room to learn something new, share a memory, and move to the music. 🎶✨

03/11/2026

Jack Satter House was recently joined by Peace Islands Institute Boston for its third annual interfaith iftar – a meal Muslims eat at sunset to break the daily fasts during Ramadan. After a powerful keynote speech by Rabbi Lior Nevo, Revere City Council President Anthony T. Zambuto, Vice President Angela Guarino-Sawaya, and Councillor Ira Novoselsky spoke about how meaningful and beautiful it was to celebrate together, regardless of faith. The Jack Satter House Choral Group performed “Over the Rainbow” while everyone enjoyed their meals.

03/10/2026

🥗 The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include an updated food pyramid designed to help people put nutrition recommendations into practice. But what do these guidelines mean for older adults?

In a new blog post, Hebrew SeniorLife dietitian Alegria Cohen, MS, RD, LDN, takes a closer look at the updated guidance and explains how it can be thoughtfully applied to support healthy aging.

The article explores topics such as:

✅ The emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods
✅ Why adequate protein is important for maintaining muscle and strength as we age
✅ How foods like dairy, red meat, and other protein sources can fit into a balanced diet
✅ Why nutrition guidance works best when it’s tailored to individual health needs

Healthy eating isn’t about following a single chart — it’s about understanding the guidance and using it in ways that support your own long-term health and wellbeing.

Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b34Nvw

03/09/2026

🏡 Hebrew SeniorLife Executive Vice President for Senior Living Kim Brooks (pictured fifth from left) served on the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities' Special Commission on Senior Housing, which recently released its 2025 Commission Report outlining key policy and program recommendations to expand affordable housing for older adults in Massachusetts.

Kim also co-chaired the Place-Based Services workgroup, which offered recommendations for expanding access to supportive services on-site in affordable housing for older adults. Hebrew SeniorLife's Right Care, Right Place, Right Time (R3) program, which embeds wellness teams in affordable housing communities, is a proven model for this kind of place-based care. By bridging housing and health care, R3 helps older adults proactively manage their health, reduce social isolation, and maintain their independence longer.

The report identifies critical challenges, including rising housing costs, a growing population of older adults on fixed incomes, and the need for more accessible and adaptable housing. It puts forward 10 recommendations across four key areas: finance and development, place-based services, accessibility and maintenance, and housing lifecycle management.

Kim is pictured alongside Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and other members of the commission at a recent reception hosted by the Governor's office.

At Hebrew SeniorLife, we are proud to contribute to a Massachusetts where every older adult has access to safe, affordable housing that supports healthy aging.

Read the full report 👉🏼 https://www.mass.gov/EOHLC

03/08/2026

We can do it!

Residents and staff at Jack Satter House flexed their muscles for International Women’s Day. Donning the famous red bandana and jean jacket with rolled-up sleeves, the women of Jack Satter House did their best Rosie the Riveter impressions.

Today, International Women’s Day, we pay special recognition to the social, political, and cultural achievements of women. The day also brings awareness to the need to promote and accelerate gender equality. This year’s theme is “Give to Gain,” emphasizing how generosity and collaboration from people, organizations, and communities can foster more opportunities and support for women.

03/06/2026

🧠 Depression is not a normal part of aging — but it can look very different in older adults.
In a new interview with Canton Community Television, geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Mohit Chopra of Hebrew SeniorLife's Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health discusses persistent depression in older adults, including:

✅ Why depression in older adults often shows up as withdrawal and loss of interest rather than sadness
✅ The link between untreated depression and increased risk of dementia
✅ Treatment options, including therapy, medication, and newer technologies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
✅ How lifestyle changes like exercise, socialization, and spending time in nature can be as effective as some medications
✅ When to seek help beyond your primary care physician

If you notice a loved one losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, withdrawing socially, or experiencing changes in appetite or sleep, these could be signs of depression — not just "normal aging."

The Wolk Center for Memory Health is an outpatient resource that can help when standard treatments aren't enough.

📺 Watch the full interview ➡️ http://cctv-vod.cablecast.tv/internetchannel/show/3988

03/05/2026

New research sheds light on a critical factor in nursing home safety: staffing.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association found that nursing homes with higher staffing levels report significantly fewer injurious falls among long-stay residents.

Analyzing data from more than 1.1 million Medicare beneficiaries across 11,183 nursing homes, researchers found that maintaining recommended certified nursing assistant (CNA) staffing levels was associated with lower fall-related injuries — while understaffing increased risk.

The study also revealed that well-staffed homes that increased hours for both CNAs and registered nurses saw meaningful reductions in injurious falls.

“Ensuring resident safety in nursing homes is a multifaceted challenge,” said Sarah Berry, MD, MPH, a co-author of the study and a senior scientist at Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research. “Greater staffing — especially meeting recommended CNA and RN hours — can protect residents from injurious falls.”

Falls remain one of the most serious safety concerns for older adults in long-term care settings. This research underscores the importance of thoughtful, well-resourced staffing strategies to help protect residents and improve outcomes.

Read the full news release ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b3D1NY