BOSTON – Harvard Medical School-affiliated Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of older adults in the Greater Boston area and beyond, has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) for its successful “R3 Initiative,” more formally known as “Right Care, Right Place, Right Time: Effectively Integrating Senior Care and Housing.”

The R3 Initiative was selected as one of 15 innovative, winning proposals in HPC’s highly competitive SHIFT-Care Challenge, which invests in evidence-based health care delivery models. This marks the second time that Hebrew SeniorLife has been recognized by HPC for its work in affordable senior housing.

According to HSL President and CEO Lou Woolf, “We see great promise in our R3 initiative as both a local and national model. The fact that the Commonwealth’s Health Policy Commission has twice recognized R3 is further proof that we are on track in introducing a new integrated model of housing and health care that highly benefits our seniors in a very cost-effective manner.” “With this additional grant, we will continue to have a tremendous impact on residents and their families, and have the opportunity to enhance the model based on what we’ve learned over the past 18 months,” said Kim Brooks, Chief Operating Officer of Senior Living at HSL.

“With the SHIFT-Care Challenge investments, we continue the HPC’s commitment to promoting sustainable, transformative care models that reduce the overuse of expensive sites of care, a known contributor to the high cost of health care in Massachusetts,” said David Seltz, HPC Executive Director. “By focusing on social and behavioral health needs in our communities, these innovative projects will enable these patients to receive more holistic person, family, and community-centered care.”

Debuting in 2016, R3 integrates health care and affordable senior housing in the Greater Boston area. Embedded wellness teams and community organizations partner to support senior independence, prevent or reduce hospital and long-term care transfers, and maintain quality of life. HSL has been measuring and tracking every stage of the R3 pilot to establish a best-practice model that redefines and integrates senior affordable housing and healthcare for the overall benefit of seniors, with an eye toward creating a sustainable, replicable national model that improves quality of care and reduces costs.

Senior living communities participating in R3 include:

• Center Communities of Brookline (3) and Simon C. Fireman Community – Hebrew SeniorLife
• The Village at Brookline – WinnCompanies
• Winter Valley and Unquity House - Milton Residences for the Elderly

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. Founded in Boston in 1903, the nonprofit, non-sectarian organization today provides communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.

BOSTON — Hebrew SeniorLife’s Institute for Aging Research has announced the establishment of the Interventional Studies in Aging Center (ISAC), the mission of which will be to develop and support clinical trials and intervention studies preserving and improving the health and quality of life of older individuals.

Under the direction of Susan Mitchell, M.D., M.P.H., and Thomas Travison Ph.D., the center will stimulate the methodology and rigor of potentially high impact clinical trials in aging, with particular focus on non-pharmacological interventions tested using cluster and/or pragmatic trial designs. The center will support all types of trials with a particular focus on those that include diverse older patients with comorbid conditions, who are often excluded from more typical clinical trials. The trials will also take place in more “real world” settings such as senior living communities, or nursing homes.

Susan Mitchell, Co-Director of ISAC said, “Clinical trials are important to the advancement of health care because they are considered the gold standard of research methodology to test whether a specific intervention works or not. In classic clinical trials, they typically pick relatively healthy patients. At ISAC, we want to test our interventions on real, older adults with other diseases and conditions, such as, diabetes. In other words, we’re testing these interventions on patients as they are, and in settings in which they typically receive care.”

Thomas Travison, also Co-Director of ISAC added, “What’s unique about ISAC is that we are part of Hebrew SeniorLife, and located inside Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, and we have a diversity of applications across different projects, ranging from the Aging Brain Center, to palliative care, to musculoskeletal health and beyond. We have tremendous expertise inside the organization that ISAC can take advantage of, and interface with, in order to complete projects that affect all different aspects of the lives of older adults. We want to be sure that in this period of history, where a much higher percentage of the population will be older than in the past, that modern health science addresses the needs of older adults.”

To contact ISAC about proposed studies or for advice regarding research methodology, send an email to trials@hsl.harvard.edu or visit our website at www.instituteforagingresearch.org

About Institute for Aging Research

Scientists at the Institute for Aging Research 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 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. The Musculoskeletal Center within IFAR studies conditions affecting bone, muscle, and joint health with aging.

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. Founded in Boston in 1903, the nonprofit, non-sectarian organization today provides communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.

BOSTON — Elizabeth Samelson, Ph.D., Associate Scientist at Hebrew SeniorLife’s Institute for Aging Research, was recently selected to join the GRASP leadership team as an Advisor. In this role, Dr. Samelson will support junior faculty in their efforts to obtain independent research funding through educational programs, project management techniques, and small group and individual grant writing guidance.

Harvard Catalyst works with Harvard schools and academic healthcare centers (hospitals) to build and grow an environment where discoveries are rapidly and efficiently translated to improve human health. They catalyze research across all clinical and translational domains by providing investigators with opportunities such as pilot funding, free resources, educational programs, over a dozen courses, and a range of web tools that assist in data collection and team collaboration efforts.

Dr. Samelson received an MPH from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Ph.D. in Epidemiology from Columbia University, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in musculoskeletal epidemiology at Boston University School of Medicine. Dr. Samelson’s major areas of research include the natural history, mechanisms, and clinical implications of excessive curvature of the thoracic spine (hyperkyphosis), the use of quantitative computed tomography (QCT) to measure features of skeletal fragility, the epidemiology of osteoporosis and related fractures, and the links between bone and vascular calcification. Dr. Samelson co-directs the Advanced Aging Research Training Seminar Series (AARTSS) in the Harvard Translational Research in Aging Training Program at Hebrew SeniorLife’s Institute for Aging Research.

About the Institute for Aging Research

Scientists at the Institute for Aging Research 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 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. The Aging Brain Center within IFAR studies cognitive aging and conditions affecting brain health.

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. Founded in Boston in 1903, the nonprofit, non-sectarian organization today provides communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.

BOSTON — Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), the largest provider of senior health care and communities in New England and an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, has named Jeffrey D. Drucker of Chestnut Hill as Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. Drucker has been a volunteer leader at HSL for 18 years, including previous positions as chair of the Development Committee, a member of the Finance Committee, and President of the Friends of HSL.

“This is a critical time for health care, particularly senior care,” said Lou Woolf, President and CEO of Hebrew SeniorLife. “Jeff is a smart and dedicated leader who is committed to redefining the experience of aging for today’s seniors, and future generations. He’s the perfect person to lead Hebrew SeniorLife as we expand our impact on seniors in Greater Boston, across the country, and around the world.”

HSL serves more than 3,000 residents and patients daily through its nine senior living and health care sites around Boston and impacts many more around the globe through the work of its Institute for Aging Research, and sharing of best practices.

Drucker has been developing, managing and investing in real estate in a variety of property types for over 17 years through various family-owned entities including The Atlantic Interests Limited Partnership and Gerard Management Group, Inc., where he is a principal.

“As a third-generation volunteer for Hebrew SeniorLife, I know how important this organization is to so many families,” said Drucker. “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of Board Chair and look forward to helping HSL innovate senior care, deepen its engagement with the community, and increase philanthropic support.”

Drucker is also a member of the Board of Trustees at the Belmont Hill School serving as a member of the Executive Committee and the Chair of the Facilities Committee. He serves as a Member of the Corporation at the Winsor School and is a member of its Facilities Committee. A native of Newton, Drucker is a graduate of Emory University and holds an MBA from Babson College.

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. Founded in Boston in 1903, the nonprofit, non-sectarian organization today provides communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.

BOSTON - Hebrew SeniorLife, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School and area senior services provider, announced today that it raised $1.25 million at this year’s annual EngAGE forum, surpassing previous years’ fundraising totals. The event featured Meredith Vieira, Emmy award winning host, executive producer, and former co-anchor of Today on NBC, who headlined alongside Rita Moreno, octogenarian singer, dancer and actor, and Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner. WBZ-TV’s Dr. Mallika Marshall also participated in the event, interviewing Meredith Vieira on stage in front of the intimate audience.

The annual signature event, which was attended by nearly 400 people, was held on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017 at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston’s South End.

Vieira and Moreno led conversations on healthy aging, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease, a subject close to Vieira’s heart. Vieira has been a tireless advocate for people with Alzheimer’s disease - an illness that tragically claimed her father, brother and aunt.

Dr. Gary Epstein-Lubow, medical director of Hebrew SeniorLife’s planned center of excellence for Alzheimer’s disease and memory care, also spoke at the event.

“At Hebrew SeniorLife, we see aging as an opportunity – a time to pursue new interests, achieve goals, and find a deeper connection to one’s community. That’s why we are committed to helping seniors live healthy, fulfilling lives and to supporting the people who care for older adults,” said Lou Woolf, HSL President and CEO. “EngAGE is an evening to examine new and innovative approaches so we can all live better as we age.”

All proceeds generated by EngAGE fund HSL’s work to provide exceptional health care, strengthen communities, conduct research, and teach the next generation of geriatricians and other clinicians. Jeffrey and Jennifer Drucker and Hinda and Arthur Marcus, all of Chestnut Hill, were co-chairs for this year’s event.

For more information about EngAGE, visit www.hslengage.org.

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. Based in Boston, the non-profit, non-sectarian organization has provided communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers since 1903. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.

BOSTON – Hebrew SeniorLife Home Care (Greater Boston) has been recognized as a top-performing Medicare-certified home health agency by HomeCare Elite® for 2017.

HomeCare Elite is an annual compilation of the most successful home care providers in the United States. This market-leading review from ABILITY® Network and DecisionHealth names the top 25 percent of agencies in home health performance measures. HomeCare Elite also recognizes the Top 100 and Top 500 providers nationwide.

Maureen Bannan, Executive Director, Home and Community Based Services at Hebrew SeniorLife said, “This is our first time being recognized by Home Care Elite and of course we can attribute this honor to the hard work and dedication of our staff, who are fully committed to providing the best care to the seniors we serve throughout Greater Boston.”

Hebrew SeniorLife Home Care offers a comprehensive range of services to assist seniors in the Greater Boston area with their recovery following surgery, illness or hospital stay or to manage chronic illness and is staffed by seasoned professionals who specialize in the needs of older adults.

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. Based in Boston, the non-profit, non-sectarian organization has provided communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers since 1903.

BOSTON – Hebrew Rehabilitation Center has been ranked number fifteen on the “Top 100 women-led businesses in Massachusetts for 2017” by The Commonwealth Institute. Headed President Mary Moscato, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, with nearly 1,000 employees at locations in Boston and Dedham, is a major component of parent company Hebrew SeniorLife’s continuum of health care and senior living communities providing services to seniors in the Greater Boston area.

This is the second year in a row that Hebrew Rehabilitation Center has been named to the top 100 women-led businesses. Mary Moscato and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center were honored this year, placing 15th on the list.

Says Moscato, “We could not be more honored to be named, yet again, to the Top 100 women-led businesses list by The Commonwealth Institute. Our continued presence on this list is truly a testament to the exceptional staff at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center. Together, we take tremendous pride in improving the lives of our residents, patients, and their families. I am so grateful for their dedicated work in making Hebrew Rehabilitation Center a compassionate and caring place for seniors to receive care.”

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center was recognized (along with other top women-led businesses) at an award breakfast at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston on Friday October 27. The Top 100 ranked list will appear in the Women and Power edition of The Boston Globe Magazine on October 29.

About Hebrew Rehabilitation Center

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is a national senior healthcare leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching and redefining the possibilities of aging. Founded in Boston in 1903, the nonprofit, non-sectarian organization today provides inpatient, outpatient and community based healthcare services for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. For more information about Hebrew Rehabilitation Center http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.

BOSTON — Susan Mitchell, MD, MPH of Needham, Massachusetts has been selected by the National Advisory Council on Aging to receive The National Institute of Health’s Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) award in recognition of outstanding achievements as a principle investigator on National Institute of Aging (NIA) research projects.

The objective of the MERIT Award is to provide long-term, stable support to investigators whose research competence and productivity are distinctly superior and who are likely to continue to perform in an outstanding manner. The provision of long-term stable support to such investigators is expected to foster their continued creativity and spare them the administrative burdens associated with preparation and submission of full-length research grant applications. This may allow investigators the opportunity to take greater risks, be more adventurous in their lines of inquiry, or take the time to develop new techniques.

"I am extremely grateful for the generous support from the NIA over the course of my career. I am honored to receive this award. I am also deeply appreciative of my dedicated and talented research team at Hebrew SeniorLife and generous collaborators, who have enabled my work throughout the years," said Dr. Mitchell.

Dr. Mitchell is a senior Scientist at Hebrew SeniorLife’s Institute for Aging Research and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston. She is a clinical epidemiologist and board certified geriatrician and internist in Canada and the United States. Dr. Mitchell's research interests focus on decision-making, health outcomes, and resource utilization for older people near the end-of-life, particularly those with dementia. She is the principal investigator on several large research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health to study the end-stages of dementia and has been a lead author on many articles in top peer-reviewed journals related to this topic.

Dr. Mitchell’s work has been a cornerstone in the recent decline in feeding tube use in patients with end-stage dementia. Dr. Mitchell’s work on this topic has been published in prestigious peer reviewed journals, including JAMA and has received national attention in the New York Times and several other publications.

Dr. Mitchell is active in the mentorship of young investigators and is the recipient of a NIH-NIA K24 Mid-Career Investigator Award. She is also an attending geriatrician at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

About Institute for Aging Research

Scientists at the Institute for Aging Research 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 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. The Aging Brain Center within IFAR studies cognitive aging and conditions affecting brain health.

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. Based in Boston, the non-profit, non-sectarian organization has provided communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers since 1903. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.