Hebrew SeniorLife Blog

Tips and resources to help you navigate the joys and challenges of aging, from Boston's trusted expert in senior care.

Flavonol-Rich Foods Like Apples and Blackberries Can Lower Chances of Developing Frailty

Research data suggests that there may be particular subclasses of flavonoids that have the most potential as a dietary strategy for frailty prevention.

Eating plant-based foods that contain dietary compounds called flavonols can lower your chances of developing frailty. 

Foods like apples and blackberries that contain flavonoids called quercetin may be the most important for frailty prevention. 

Approximately 10% to 15% of older adults experience frailty, a geriatric syndrome that leads to a greater risk of falls, fractures, disability, hospitalization, and mortality.  Current dietary recommendations for frailty prevention primarily focus on protein intake. However there are many other foods that may have health benefits.

“There may be some validity to the old saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor (or frailty) away,” said the authors. “Our findings suggest that for every 10 mg higher intake of flavonols per day, the odds of frailty were reduced by 20%. Individuals can easily consume 10 mg of flavonols intake per day since one medium sized apple has about 10 mg of flavonols.”

“Although there was no significant association between total flavonoid intake and frailty, higher flavonols intake (one of the subclasses of flavonoids) was associated with lower odds of developing frailty. Specifically, higher quercetin intake was the flavonoid that had the strongest association with frailty prevention. This data suggests that there may be particular subclasses of flavonoids that have the most potential as a dietary strategy for frailty prevention,” said coauthor Shivani Sahni, PhD, of the Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife; and Courtney L. Millar, PhD, of the Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife.

The authors suggest that future research should focus on dietary interventions of flavonols or quercetin for the treatment of frailty. Research is also needed in racially and ethnically diverse participants.

The findings were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition article “Higher Intake of Dietary Flavonols, Specifically Dietary Quercetin, Is Associated with Lower Odds of Frailty Onset Over 12-Years of Follow-Up Among Adults in the Framingham Heart Study.”  This is one of the first community-based studies that comprehensively examined the role of dietary flavonoids for frailty prevention.

Authors are Steven Oei, MSc1,2*, Courtney L. Millar, PhD2,3*, Thuy Nga Nguyen, RN, BSN4, Kenneth J. Mukamal, MD, MPH2, Douglas P. Kiel, MD, MPH2,3, Lewis A. Lipsitz, M.D.2,3, Marian T. Hannan, DSc, MPH2,3, Shivani Sahni, PhD2,3.

1Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands (SO).
2Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (SO, CLM, KJM, DPK, LAL, MTH, SS).   
3Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA (CLM, DPK, LAL, MTH, SS).
4University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (TNN).
*Co-first authors.

Detailed description of the research

This study utilizes data from the Framingham Heart Study – Offspring Cohort to determine the association between flavonoid intake and frailty onset. There were 1,701 individuals included in this analysis. All were free of frailty at baseline and followed from ~12 years to evaluate frailty status (evaluated by the Fried Frailty Phenotype). After ~12 years, 13.2% of the participants developed frailty. Total flavonoids intake was not significantly associated with frailty onset. However, flavonols intake (a type of flavonoid, in particular quercetin) was associated with lower odds of frailty onset. 

Funding information or grantor requirements

This study was funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) grant number R01 AG051728, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Framingham Heart Study (contract numbers HHSN268201500001I and N01-HC 25195). Dr. Millar was supported by the NIA/NIH T32-AG023480 and the Beth and Richard Applebaum Research Fund. Ms. Nguyen was supported by the NIA through the Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program. Dr. Kiel was funded by R01 AR041398 and R01 AR061445. Dr. Lipsitz was supported by R21 AG073886 from the NIA. He also holds the Irving and Edyth S. Usen Chair in geriatric medicine at Hebrew SeniorLife. Dr. Mukamal was supported by K24 AG065525.

Conflict of interest statement 

Dr. Kiel has received grant funding from Amgen and Solarea Bio. He serves on the scientific advisory board of Solarea Bio Inc., Reneo, and Pfizer, and on a Data Monitoring Committee for Agnovos, and receives royalties for publication by Wolters Kluwer. Dr. Lipsitz is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Gerontology Medical Sciences. Dr. Hannan has received funding to her institution from Amgen Inc., for work unrelated to this project. Drs. Mukamal and Sahni have received grant funding from the United States Highbush Blueberry Council for research unrelated to this project. Dr. Sahni further reports institutional grants from Dairy Management Inc. (ended September 2022) and Solarea Bio Inc. (ended March 2022), has reviewed grants for the American Egg Board’s Egg Nutrition Center and National Dairy Council. Dr. Millar, Mr. Oei, and Ms. Nguyen have no conflicts of interest to report related to this current work.

 

About Hebrew SeniorLife

Hebrew SeniorLife, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. Hebrew SeniorLife cares for more than 3,000 seniors a day across six campuses throughout Greater Boston. Locations include: Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-Boston and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-NewBridge in Dedham; NewBridge on the Charles, Dedham; Orchard Cove, Canton; Simon C. Fireman Community, Randolph; Center Communities of Brookline, Brookline; and Jack Satter House, Revere. Founded in 1903, Hebrew SeniorLife also conducts influential research into aging at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, which has a portfolio of more than $85 million, making it one of the largest gerontological research facilities in the U.S. in a clinical setting. It also trains more than 1,000 geriatric care providers each year. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit our website or follow us on our blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research

Scientists at the Marcus Institute seek to transform the human experience of aging by conducting research that will ensure a life of health, dignity, and productivity into advanced age. The Marcus Institute carries out rigorous studies that discover the mechanisms of age-related disease and disability; lead to the prevention, treatment, and cure of disease; advance the standard of care for older people; and inform public decision-making.

Plan Your Visit to Boston or NewBridge

Visiting Hebrew Rehabilitation Center - Boston

We look forward to welcoming you to our flagship campus, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center - Boston, located in the city’s Roslindale neighborhood.

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-Boston
1200 Centre Street
Boston, MA 02131

General Inquiries: 617-363-8000
Admissions: 617-363-8372
Volunteer: 617-363-8421

Due to an increase in internal respiratory virus activity, face masks are currently required at HRC-NewBridge and HRC-Roslindale for all visitors and employees. The decision to implement masking at this time was made to optimize staffing, reduce transmission of upper respiratory illnesses and maintain patient activities and gathering throughout the winter virus season. Visitors are required to wear a face mask in all patient care, common, and shared areas. This includes but is not limited to the hallways, activity rooms, and the Conservatory or Synagogue. Visitors are highly encouraged to wear a mask in patient rooms; however, masks will not be required in patient rooms at this time. Visitors are required to mask upon exiting a patient’s room.

Patients (as able to) are required to wear a mask upon exiting their respective units/floors. Patients are not required to wear a mask on their respective unit/floor unless the unit is restricted due to a respiratory illness.

Our Infection Control Team will continue to monitor internal and external respiratory virus activity and adjust masking protocols based on the risk. In the meantime, please wear a face mask upon entering the building; they will be available at the entrances. As always, please perform hand hygiene frequently and if you have any signs or symptoms of infection please postpone visitation.

Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and support and we will continue to provide updates as we have them.

Guest parking spots are available at our upper entrance off of Walter Street.

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center offers two entrances:

  • Our lower B1 entrance on Centre Street
  • Our upper entrance off of Walter Street, which offers a small amount of guest parking spaces.

Our front desk staff at either entrance can direct you to the patient or department you wish to visit.

You may prefer to use the B1 entrance on Centre Street for the following services, which are located on the ground level:

  • Outpatient Care
  • Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health
  • Great Days for Seniors Adult Day Health Program

Our flagship campus offers physical spaces and convenient amenities to make patients and visitors feel at home. Learn more about our common areas, dining options, gift shop, and other services.

Contact our front desk to obtain the most accurate address for the recipient. Before sending outside food, plants, or flowers, please contact the patient’s floor coordinator to learn of any restrictions. Latex balloons are not allowed due to latex allergies.

Pets may be allowed in certain areas of Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, following a health verification process for the animal. A Pet Visitation Health Certificate must be completed by your veterinarian and submitted for approval. Contact our security desk for details. Pets are not allowed in our post-acute care units.

We count on our volunteers to improve the quality of our patients’ lives in a variety of ways. Learn more about becoming a Hebrew Rehabilitation Center volunteer and apply online here.


Visiting Hebrew Rehabilitation Center - NewBridge

We look forward to welcoming you to Hebrew Rehabilitation Center - NewBridge, located in the Gloria Adelson Field Health Center on the NewBridge on the Charles campus, on the Dedham/Needham line.

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-NewBridge 
7000 Great Meadow Road
Dedham, MA 02026

General Inquiries: 781-234-9700
Admissions: 617-363-8372
Volunteer: 781-234-9317

Due to an increase in internal respiratory virus activity, face masks are currently required at HRC-NewBridge and HRC-Roslindale for all visitors and employees. The decision to implement masking at this time was made to optimize staffing, reduce transmission of upper respiratory illnesses and maintain patient activities and gathering throughout the winter virus season. Visitors are required to wear a face mask in all patient care, common, and shared areas. This includes but is not limited to the hallways, activity rooms, and the Conservatory or Synagogue. Visitors are highly encouraged to wear a mask in patient rooms; however, masks will not be required in patient rooms at this time. Visitors are required to mask upon exiting a patient’s room.

Patients (as able to) are required to wear a mask upon exiting their respective units/floors. Patients are not required to wear a mask on their respective unit/floor unless the unit is restricted due to a respiratory illness.

Our Infection Control Team will continue to monitor internal and external respiratory virus activity and adjust masking protocols based on the risk. In the meantime, please wear a face mask upon entering the building; they will be available at the entrances. As always, please perform hand hygiene frequently and if you have any signs or symptoms of infection please postpone visitation.

Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and support and we will continue to provide updates as we have them.

Follow signs to the Health Center. Ample parking is available outside our entrance at 7000 Great Meadow Road. 

As you enter through the first set of sliding doors, turn left for outpatient care or right for inpatient rehabilitative services and long-term chronic care. Our front desk staff will direct you to the location of the patient you wish to visit.

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center on the NewBridge on the Charles campus in Dedham offers physical spaces and convenient amenities to make patients and visitors feel at home. Learn more about our common areas, dining options, gift shop, and other services.

Please note that Nosh, our deli-style dining option in the NewBridge community center, is currently open to visitors for takeout only.

Contact our front desk to obtain the most accurate address for the recipient. Before sending outside food, plants, or flowers, please contact the patient’s floor coordinator to learn of any restrictions. Latex balloons are not allowed due to latex allergies.

Individual pets may be allowed in certain areas of Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, following a health verification process for the animal. A Pet Visitation Health Certificate must be completed by your veterinarian and submitted for approval. Contact our security desk for details. Pets are not allowed in our post-acute care units. 

We count on our volunteers to improve the quality of our patients’ lives in a variety of ways. Learn more about becoming a Hebrew Rehabilitation Center volunteer and apply online here.

Patient and Family Advisory Council Report

Each year, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center issues a report about the activities, recruitment, and engagement of our Patient and Family Advisory Council. You can view a copy of the report on Health Care for All's website. 

View a copy of the report

Frailty Is a Major Determinant of Postoperative Outcomes in Older Adults, Regardless of Surgery

Study shows significant impact of frailty on mortality and home time loss.

A new study of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older undergoing non-cardiac surgeries has revealed that frailty is a significant predictor of postoperative outcomes, regardless of the type of surgery performed. Frail patients faced notably higher mortality rates at 30- and 365-days post-surgery, increased readmission rates at 30 days, and substantial home time loss over a year compared to their robust counterparts after major and minor surgical procedures.

Published in Anaesthesia, the study, “Impact of peri-operative frailty and operative stress on post-discharge mortality, readmission and days at home in Medicare beneficiaries,” found:

  • Higher Mortality Rates: Patients with greater frailty experienced significantly higher mortality at both 30 days and 365 days post-surgery.
  • Increased Readmissions: Frail patients had higher readmission rates within 30 days of their procedures.
  • Substantial Home Time Loss: Frail patients lost more home time over the course of a year after surgery, primarily due to extended stays in skilled nursing facilities and increased days lost to death.

The study evaluated a nationwide retrospective cohort study that included Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who underwent 565 non-cardiac surgical procedures defined by the Operative Stress Score (OSS) from 2015 to 2019 for various levels of operative stress. Researchers found that the variation in postoperative outcomes due to frailty was much greater than by operative stress category. Incremental home time loss associated with frailty was mainly attributed to more days spent in skilled nursing facilities and days lost to death.

According to Chan Mi Park, MD, MPH, a clinical investigator at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife and lead researcher for the study, “Our findings indicate implications for health care providers before patients undergo surgery. First, frailty assessments should become a standard part of pre-operative evaluations for older adults to better predict and manage postoperative risks. Second, a multidisciplinary care team should develop a peri-operative care plan for each patient. Third, the medical team should have detailed with patients and their families about expected postoperative courses, especially concerning home time loss.”

The study's findings are consistent with previous research from the United States Veterans Administration Surgical Quality Improvement Program, reinforcing that frailty, rather than surgical stress, plays a critical role in postoperative outcomes. Notably, frailty's impact was evident even in traditionally “low-risk” surgeries, challenging conventional views on surgical risk in older, frail patients.

Co-authors of the study include:

  • Jessica J. Lie, MD, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia
  • Laiji Yang, MPH, data scientist II at the Marcus Institute, Hebrew SeniorLife
  • Zara Cooper, MD, MSc, professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School and director for Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Center for Surgery and Public Health (CSPH)
  • Dae Hyun Kim, MD, MPH, ScD, director of the Frailty Research Program at the Marcus Institute, Hebrew SeniorLife

About Hebrew SeniorLife
Hebrew SeniorLife, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. Hebrew SeniorLife cares for more than 4,500 seniors a day across campuses throughout Greater Boston. Locations include: Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-Boston and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-NewBridge in Dedham; NewBridge on the Charles, Dedham; Orchard Cove, Canton; Simon C. Fireman Community, Randolph; Center Communities of Brookline, Brookline; Jack Satter House, Revere; and Leyland Community, Dorchester. Founded in 1903, Hebrew SeniorLife also conducts influential research into aging at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, which has a portfolio of more than $98 million, making it one of the largest gerontological research facilities in the U.S. in a clinical setting. It also trains more than 500 geriatric care providers each year. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit our website or follow us on our blog, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn.

About the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research
Scientists at the Marcus Institute seek to transform the human experience of aging by conducting research that will ensure a life of health, dignity, and productivity into advanced age. The Marcus Institute carries out rigorous studies that discover the mechanisms of age-related disease and disability; lead to the prevention, treatment, and cure of disease; advance the standard of care for older people; and inform public decision-making.

We're Here to Help

Please explore the questions below to see if this page contains the information you are looking for. If you still need help, we are a call away.

General Questions

We welcome people from every type of background, faith, or religion. Our health care services and senior living communities are open to all.

Our spiritual care programs serve people of all traditions and backgrounds; learn more here.

Communal opportunities for religious life vary among our locations based on the needs of each community. We continually strive to connect each resident, patient, and family member with the spiritual resources that resonate the most with them. Learn more about our approach to spiritual care.

Yes. We have an extensive emergency operations plan which addresses natural, mechanical, technical, and man-made disasters. Our staff receives regular emergency management training, and patients and residents have 24/7 access to staff for emergencies.

Hebrew SeniorLife is also a member of the Boston Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, a collaboration of public health and health care partners in the Boston region who coordinate, plan for, and conduct unified response to and recovery from emergencies. Our Director of Security and Emergency Management serves on the coalition’s executive committee.

Health Care

Questions about health care services and patient care.

Health Care Options

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center is licensed as a long-term chronic care hospital, which means we offer clinical services beyond those typically offered by skilled nursing facilities. It combines comprehensive therapeutic programs and clinical services for seniors with chronic and sometimes complex diagnoses, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. In-house staff includes medical directors, physicians, social workers, and rehabilitation professionals, as well as nurses. 

For more details, read our blog post, “What is a Long-Term Chronic Care Hospital.”

Inpatient post-acute care at Hebrew SeniorLife refers to rehabilitative care that is sometimes necessary after a hospitalization, surgery, or illness, when a patient is recovered enough to leave an acute care hospital, but not yet ready to return to their living situation. Post-acute care can also be helpful when intensive physical, occupational, speech, and other therapies are needed to regain mobility and function.

We offer post-acute care at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston and Dedham. 

Hebrew SeniorLife offers in-home care to address a variety of needs, including medical and non-medical care.

  • Home Health: Following an acute episode, which may or may not include a hospitalization, your doctor can prescribe a temporary period of skilled care by visiting nurses who come to your home. You need to be homebound to qualify for this benefit under Medicare or other insurance. Learn more about home health.
  • Rehab Therapy at Home: As your recovery progresses and you are no longer homebound, you can continue to receive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology in your home through our “Therapy House Calls” service. You don’t need to use home health first to be eligible for rehab therapy at home. Learn more about “Therapy House Calls.”
  • Private Care: This is non-medical home care that can be engaged for an unlimited period of time. An aide comes to your home at scheduled times to help with things like dressing, housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication assistance. No referral is required. This can sometimes be covered by long-term-care insurance. Learn more about private care.

Hospice care focuses on maximizing the quality of life for people (and their caregivers) who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Generally, patients qualify for the hospice benefit through Medicare when they are expected to live for 6 months or less. Patients may be discharged from hospice care if their terminal condition improves, if they wish to return to curative treatment, or if they elect to resume daily life without any medical intervention. Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hospice Care is provided in a patient's home with a care team that supports the family.

Geriatricians are physicians that specialize in health conditions that commonly affect older adults, such as osteoporosis, falls, and memory loss. In addition to being board-certified and completing a residency in internal medicine or family medicine, geriatricians also complete a separate geriatrics fellowship (one to two years of additional training). Though geriatricians care for the gamut of seniors from the healthiest to the frailest, they are particularly skilled at handling complex multisystem conditions that are common in older patients.

At Hebrew SeniorLife, geriatricians work as part of integrated care teams with other clinicians and specialists who are also experts in the care of older adults. Many of our geriatricians are also Harvard Medical School faculty and participate in research and education projects to advance the field of senior care.

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center

We provide the following rehabilitation services: 

  • Physical therapy 
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech-language pathology
  • Expressive therapy 

All patients receive an assessment to determine which services may be helpful as part of their care plan.

Nursing staff is on-site at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center at all times, and other specialists are on call should the need arise. Routine checks are individualized according to the needs of the patient. Hebrew Rehabilitation Center does not use restraints, bed alarms, or chair alarms.

Each floor has patients with varying cognitive and physical abilities. Along with extensive programming on each floor, we offer center-wide social activities for patients of all abilities. This provides opportunities for interaction with patients from other floors who may have common interests. We constantly assess a patient’s needs and interests, and encourage them to participate in appropriate activities. It is the patient’s choice to attend.

Memory support units at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center are secured. Hebrew SeniorLife also offers secure memory care assisted living residences at NewBridge on the Charles.

Patient rooms at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center come completely furnished, but seniors are encouraged to bring personal items to make their space feel like home. 

All medications must be approved by a Hebrew SeniorLife provider and pharmacist.

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center offers translation services for all languages 24/7 through in-house, on-call, and telephone interpreter services. Most written materials are available in both Russian and Spanish. 

Learn more about our Russian Bilingual Program.

Families of Hebrew Rehabilitation Center patients are encouraged to accompany loved ones to specialists. If families are unable to attend, and if it is a medically necessary appointment, we will provide an accompanying staff member. Hebrew SeniorLife does not escort senior living residents to doctor’s appointments. 

Family members are a crucial part of the care team. We strive to meet every individual need, but you as a family member know your loved one best. That’s why we encourage you to partner with the care team to share your input about your loved one’s likes and desires, or any observed changes.

We hope you will visit, take your loved one to the café, spend time outdoors, attend activities, or participate in religious services. You might also enjoy getting to know your loved one’s friends - invite them to visit with you, start a Scrabble game, or have a conversation about current events. You’re part of the community, and we want you to feel at home here.

You can expect to be contacted for the following: 

  • Change in medical/mental status
  • Significant medication change
  • Semi-annual care coordination meetings
  • Quarterly check-ins from floor team leadership
  • Outbreak of illness and temporary floor closures
  • Invitation to events
  • Significant organizational changes/updates

We also send families a quarterly email newsletter to keep you updated on news and events, and provide tips for you in your role as caregiver.

The Health Care Proxy Agent will be the point of contact. If the Health Care Proxy or patient request involvement of another family member, this needs to be communicated to the health care team. Any medical decision would still be the responsibility of the Health Care Proxy.

Visitation policies can change based on COVID-19 activity in Massachusetts and restrictions may be put in place from time to time for infection control purposes. Family members are kept up to date with regular communications. Our goal is always to support as much in-person visitation as is safely possible. Per MA Department of Public Health regulations, our skilled nursing Rehabilitative Services Unit is open for visitation. Read more about our visitation policy.

Patients may leave for up to 6 hours per day. Medical approval by a provider and 48 hours of notice to the nursing team are required.

Yes. Patients can receive mail, packages, flower deliveries, etc. It should be addressed with their name. Contact the front desk for specific instructions. Latex balloons are not allowed.

Senior Living Communities

Senior Living Options

Also known as "life plan communities," continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) provide a continuum of care, often including independent living, assisted living, and nursing care, all in one location. A CCRC or life plan community is appealing because it offers a full range of residences, services, and health care options as seniors’ needs change over time. 

While the cost of living in this type of community can be higher than in other types of senior living options, residents have a lifelong assurance of knowing that increased assistance and health care services are available if needed. In general, this type of community requires both an entrance fee and a monthly fee. Hebrew SeniorLife offers two CCRCs: NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham and Orchard Cove in Canton.

Assisted living is a social model of care that provides a greater level of support than in-home care, day programs, or independent living. Assisted living residences, which are sometimes part of CCRCs, can also provide specialized programs for people living with dementia. 

Assisted living residences typically provide meals, housekeeping, programming, a predetermined number of hours of assistance with daily activities, nursing support and assessment, and 24-hour staffing from certified nursing assistants. Assisted living is most often a private pay, rental model. 

Hebrew SeniorLife offers assisted living and memory care assisted living at NewBridge on the Charles. We also offer a similarly supportive care level, called enhanced living, at Orchard Cove.

Learn more about assisted living in our blog post, “Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: How Do You Know Which Is Best for Your Aging Parent.”

Independent living communities are for seniors looking for an active lifestyle without the hassles of home maintenance. Many include services to make life easier, but no personal care is provided. Independent living communities may be designed as multiple buildings spread out on large campuses, with a central gathering area for programming and some meals.

Hebrew SeniorLife offers five independent living communities for seniors in the Boston area, for a variety of lifestyles and budgets: Orchard Cove in Canton, NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham, Center Communities of Brookline, Simon C. Fireman Community in Randolph, and Jack Satter House in Revere. 

You can learn more about the differences between these two options in our blog post, “Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: How Do You Know Which Is Best for Your Aging Parent.”

Admissions, Affordability & Moving-in

The minimum age for most Hebrew SeniorLife senior living communities is 62, with lower age thresholds for assisted living, memory care assisted living, and our subsidized apartments for younger disabled individuals. Spouses may be younger than 62. There is no minimum age for our inpatient and outpatient health care services. Please contact each community directly to learn specific guidelines.

Unlike many senior living communities, NewBridge on the Charles and Orchard Cove welcome couples with differing care needs. We provide personalized support that allows relationships to thrive regardless of one partner’s chronic physical or cognitive issues. This is part of our commitment to helping you live your best life.

Hebrew SeniorLife offers senior living options for every budget. We invite you to contact communities directly to learn more about pricing models. NewBridge on the Charles and Orchard Cove, our continuing care retirement communities, are exclusively private pay. Center Communities of Brookline offers both private pay and subsidized senior living options, and Simon C. Fireman Community and Jack Satter House offer only subsidized living. Please contact individual communities to learn more. We are happy to provide confidential consultations based on your unique situation.

We offer subsidized residences at Center Communities of Brookline, Simon C. Fireman Community in Randolph, and Jack Satter House in Revere.

The continuing care retirement communities of Hebrew SeniorLife, NewBridge on the Charles and Orchard Cove, offer many convenient services including dining, local transportation, and housekeeping as part of a monthly fee paid by residents. 

In our supportive senior living communities —  Center Communities of Brookline, Simon C. Fireman Community, and Jack Satter House — these additional services are not included in the monthly rent, but may in some cases be added for an additional fee. Health care services are paid for separately. 

Occupancy rates vary by location and change over time. Please contact individual communities to learn more about availability.

At the continuing care retirement communities of Hebrew SeniorLife, NewBridge on the Charles and Orchard Cove, the wait list is typically 6 to 12 months, although that can vary significantly if a specific unit style is desired. Our supportive senior living communities may have longer wait lists. Please contact individual communities to learn more about current wait list times.

Pets are allowed in most Hebrew SeniorLife communities, with rules varying by location. Please contact individual communities to learn the specific restrictions.

NewBridge on the Charles and Orchard Cove, our continuing care retirement communities, offer complimentary transportation within 5 miles for doctor's appointments, with farther trips available for a fee. Hebrew SeniorLife's other senior living communities do not offer personal transportation for appointments.

Yes. Mail is put in each resident’s mailbox. Newspapers are delivered to the residents’ doors. Packages will be held at the concierge desk. 

Tribute Gifts

Remember the special people and moments in your life with a gift to Hebrew SeniorLife. You can make a gift to remember a loved one or perhaps to recognize the care that a family member received at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center.

A gift to Hebrew SeniorLife is also a meaningful way to honor special occasions like birthdays, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and anniversaries. We’ll notify the tribute recipient or their family of your thoughtful gift.

Make a Tribute Gift

Gifts in Memoriam

We deeply appreciate those who choose to direct donations to Hebrew SeniorLife to honor the life of a loved one. Here is some suggested wording:

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of [deceased name] to Hebrew SeniorLife, Development Department, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131 or via hebrewseniorlife.org/TributeGift.

Please notify us at 617-971-5775 or email MadelineGarcia@hsl.harvard.edu so we can thank those who give.

Memorial Tablets or Perpetual Yahrzeit Observance

Memorial tablets, located in the synagogue at our Boston campus, are cast in bronze and inscribed with the individual’s name and date of death. Every plaque bears a small light, which is lit on the anniversary of your loved one’s death based on the Hebrew calendar.

The perpetual yahrzeit observance will memorialize your loved one during the week of the anniversary of their death with the recitation of the traditional memorial prayer. You’ll be notified of the yahrzeit date by mail.

To remember a loved one with a memorial tablet or observance, contact Dena Groutsis at 617-363-8206 or DenaGroutsis@hsl.harvard.edu.

Help Seniors Live Their Best Lives

Support for the annual fund powers Hebrew SeniorLife's health care, communities, research, and teaching. As a donor, you’re improving the quality of life for people as they age – regardless of their health, religion, or financial means.

Your donations to the annual fund support critical programs across Hebrew SeniorLife, including:

  • Specialized care for seniors and families facing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
  • Expressive therapies that use music, art, and movement to heal
  • Spiritual care for residents, patients, and families of all faiths
  • Communities for all income levels that include supports like dining, exercise, and wellness programs
  • Teaching and education programs to train the next generation of geriatric caregivers
  • Life-changing research into common conditions of aging

Whether a person has an aging parent or not, I think giving to Hebrew SeniorLife is a beautiful way to honor the older generation.
- Andie Finard

Give to the Annual Fund

Smiling staff with older adult in wheelchair at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center

Help Us Deliver Extraordinary Care…Every Day

The Annual Fund for Hebrew SeniorLife provides unrestricted operational support that powers our work in health care, senior living communities, research, and teaching.

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Two older women look through a large book in the library.

Matching Gifts Can Make a Big Difference

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150,000

meals served to vulnerable seniors each year

57

hours of expressive therapy programs each week

123

courses available for professional development

Demographics are shifting. By 2035, there will be more than 78 million people older than 65 living in the United States, and the number of seniors will surpass the amount of children for the first time since the Census has been recorded.

An aging population mixed with an ever-changing health care system means the challenges facing senior care are unprecedented.

Hebrew SeniorLife is the largest nonprofit senior care provider in New England, and we are the only long-term chronic care teaching hospital in the United States. Through our Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, we are also researching how to transform the human experience of aging. But we can't do any of this work without you.

Help Fund Hebrew SeniorLife - A Top Boston Nonprofit

We rely on philanthropic support to help fund every aspect of our care for seniors. We place special emphasis on caring for the most underserved seniors in our community, including those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or elder abuse, and low-income seniors. From critical health care programs and geriatric education to everyday needs such as social and wellness activities, your gift allows us to provide seniors all the care they deserve.

When you donate to Hebrew SeniorLife, you’re making a donation that helps Boston-area seniors live their very best lives. You’re also helping future generations of seniors live healthier, more fulfilling lives — thanks to the advances in research and care you’re helping to fund.

Make Your Donation

Fiscally Responsible. We Promise.

We know that when you give to a charitable organization, you are putting your trust in that group. We value every donation, large or small, and promise to use our resources wisely so services have the greatest possible impact.

Our financial information is available for download:

How You Can Help Seniors in Boston

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Power a Dream for a Senior

Dreams come in all shapes and sizes. From riding a motorcycle to going to a Patriots game or simply lunch on the beach, our Power a Dream program funds meaningful dreams of the seniors in our care.

Fulfill a dream today
Compassionate doctor talking with older woman using walker in Hebrew Rehabilitation Center hallway

Ways to Give

You can support our mission in many ways, from making a one-time gift in honor of a loved one to setting up a recurring monthly donation.

Explore All Giving Options
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Gifts in Honor of a Loved One

Remember the special moments and people in your life with a gift in their name.

Honor a Loved One
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Annual Fund

Your contribution to the Annual Fund has an immediate impact on how we help more than 4,500 seniors each day.

Support the Annual Fund
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Bequests and Life Income Gifts

Plan for your future, increase your earnings, and support a life-changing organization through a bequest or life income gift; your legacy will help improve the lives of thousands of people every day.

Research Your Options

4,500

seniors served each day

80%

of residents in our supportive living communities are low-income

500

students learn here each year

What People are saying about Hebrew SeniorLife

  • "Our hope is that the gift will enable the Marcus Institute to translate research to public policy. What we learn should be disseminated beyond our walls to our patients and residents and globally."

    Hinda Marcus

  • "Hebrew SeniorLife has an outstanding reputation. I am proud to support an organization that is run well and has programs that make a difference."

    Margot Pyle

  • "Innovation and research at HSL will help us all live better, more meaningful and active lives as we age."

    Rick Henken