BOSTON — Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), the largest provider of senior health care and communities in New England and an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, has received a $1.5 million gift from Marilyn and André Danesh. The gift will name Center Communities of Brookline’s 100 Centre Street building The Marilyn and André Danesh Family Residences at 100 Centre Street. Center Communities of Brookline, which is part of HSL, is a mixed-income senior supportive living community.

“The town of Brookline has been very good to us,” said André, who is a real estate investor and president of Allied Financial Corporation, a privately-owned investment firm. “We wanted to do something that would have an impact on our local community, the Jewish community, and a cause that we care deeply about. We believe strongly in HSL’s leadership and their ability to change the lives of older people.”

The Daneshes’ gift will be used across the entire HSL continuum to fund its health care, communities, research, and teaching. Every day, HSL serves more than 3,000 seniors of all faiths and income levels in the Greater Boston area.

“Marilyn and André are true leaders,” said Lou Woolf, President and CEO of HSL. “Thanks to their generosity, HSL will be able to improve its ability to help seniors live their best life in the best place. Donors like the Daneshes allow us to develop, implement, and share innovative approaches to caring for seniors.”

“Hebrew SeniorLife is a very caring community,” said Marilyn, a retired Brookline Public Schools French teacher. “The quality of the staff, collaboration with Harvard Medical School, research and teaching efforts, and multigenerational programs all work together to make HSL a unique organization that is helping so many seniors and their families.”

The Daneshes have been HSL supporters for more than 20 years. Marilyn is an HSL Trustee and a member of the Friends of Hebrew SeniorLife (formerly the Women’s Auxiliary) and the HSL Hospice Care Visiting Committee.

Center Communities of Brookline is home to 581 residents. The community offers independent apartment-style living with amenities including on-site dining, medical care, fitness and wellness programming, 24/7 security, and community activities. CCB serves seniors of all income levels, with market rate and federally-subsidized apartments available. For more information about CCB, visit www.hebrewseniorlife.org/center-communities-brookline.

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 https://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 received a $45,000 grant from BNY Mellon. The grant will support the Great Days for Seniors Adult Day Health Program at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston, an integral part of HSL. Currently the biggest gap in the program is a lack of access to the outdoors. This grant will help build a safe, secure, handicapped accessible outdoor patio and enhance the quality of programming for seniors enrolled in the program.

Since 1994 the Adult Day Health Program at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center (HRC) has provided key services to frail and elderly seniors living in communities throughout Greater Boston. Family caregivers who work and tend to other responsibilities outside of the home have looked to the Adult Day Health Program to provide nursing care and supervision for their elder family members. Long seen as providing a structured community setting and a place to be among peers, the program is seeing an increase in the number of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Seniors who would otherwise be isolated at home are supported by health care professionals, including registered nurses, social workers and recreation specialists. Seniors enrolled at HRC’s Adult Day Health Program have access to a wide range of medical services including physical, occupational and speech therapy.

“Seniors who are isolated at home, particularly low-income seniors, are especially vulnerable to depression,” said Mary Moscato, President of Hebrew SeniorLife Health Care Services and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center. “This grant from BNY Mellon will allow us to provide more daily programming leading to improved physical and emotional health for seniors in our care.”

“Our new outside patio area will allow us to offer activities including gardening, outdoor exercises and outdoor dining options. This area will allow us to attract new participants and serve more seniors. We’re delighted to be able to enhance the quality of programming for our seniors throughout the day,” says Suzie Kaytis, Director of the Adult Day Health Programs at HRC.

In addition to the Adult Day Health Program at HRC in Boston, HSL also operates an Adult Day Health Program located at Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly in Brighton. The Brighton program serves Russian-speaking seniors who need physical assistance and social support to remain living at home. HRC’s Adult Day Health Programs serve approximately 50 seniors each day.

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 and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, visit https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.

BOSTON – Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), the largest non-profit provider of senior health care and senior living communities in New England, has named Hinda Marcus as Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. Marcus has been a devoted volunteer leader at HSL for 20 years, having recently served on the HSL Board as Chair Elect and on the Research, Health Care Services and Development Committees.

“The landscape for health care, and senior care in particular, is changing rapidly,” said Lou Woolf, President and CEO, Hebrew SeniorLife. “Hinda is an experienced leader with a passion for our mission and an eye on innovation. These qualities will serve Hebrew SeniorLife well as we push to improve the quality of life for a growing number of seniors and their families.”

A Harvard Medical School affiliate, HSL serves more than 3,000 residents and patients daily in its eight senior living and health care sites around Boston and impacts many more around the globe through the work of its Institute for Aging Research.

Marcus is the President and CEO of Arnold Industries, a Canton, MA-based distribution company specializing in industrial fasteners, mechanical components and electronic hardware. She is also manager of Arnold Management LLC which owns Arnold Industries Cork Ltd. and Arnold Industries Shanghai Ltd.

“As someone whose family has received care at Hebrew SeniorLife, and as a long-time volunteer, I’ve seen how committed this organization’s leaders and staff are to providing best-in-class senior services,” said Marcus. “I’m honored to be taking on this role and look forward to engaging more with the community to expand our continuum of care and increase philanthropic support.”

Marcus’ dedication to Boston’s non-profit communities extends beyond her involvement at HSL. She serves on the Board of Women’s and Gender Studies at Brandeis University, and lends her support to many Boston-area cultural and medical institutions through the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Foundation. Marcus lives in Chestnut Hill with her husband, Arthur.

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 https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook, or read our blog.

BOSTON - For the fourth year in a row, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center (HRC) is named to the prestigious “Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts” (#19) by The Commonwealth Institute (TCI), an organization devoted to advancing businesswomen in leadership positions. 

With more than 1,400 employees at locations in Boston and Dedham, HRC is the flagship of the continuum of health care services offered by parent organization Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL).  HRC provides geriatric specialty care under a long-term chronic hospital license to meet the medical needs of older adult patients in a therapeutic and healing environment.

HRC is led by Mary Moscato, President of HSL Health Care Services and HRC, who along with her leadership team and staff deliver high-quality care to seniors in Greater Boston.

“We are honored to be named to TCI’s list for the past four years,” said Moscato.  “We are deeply committed to helping our patients live the highest quality of life possible, and we appreciate this recognition of our work.”

“In addition to our commitment to providing high-quality care to older adults, we’re equally committed to providing women with fulfilling career paths in health care,” Moscato continued. “There are many women nurse leaders and managers at HRC.  I’m proud to work with these women, and all of our staff, every day.  It’s a privilege to share this recognition with them.”

Launched in 2000, TCI’s Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts program is based on multiple selection criteria such as revenue, operating budget, number of employees, diversity, innovation, and more. TCI members are women CEOs, senior executives, executive directors, and entrepreneurs from a wide array of industries and backgrounds - corporate, start-up, and nonprofit. The latest group of honorees was recognized at an award breakfast today and will appear in the Boston Globe Magazine’s “Women & Power” edition on November 10.

About Hebrew SeniorLife

HSL is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. Founded in Boston in 1903, the nonprofit organization today provides communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. For more information about HSL, visit http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook, or read our blog.

BOSTON - Harvard Medical School affiliate Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of older adults in the Greater Boston area, announced today that it raised $1.2 million at EngAGE 2019. The event was held November 13 at Boston’s historic Fenway Park.

The annual event, designed to cue the conversation about aging, featured an all-star sports lineup: Jim Lonborg, Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer, and later, dentist; Chris Evert, retired World #1 American tennis legend, coach, analyst, and commentator; Sugar Ray Leonard, boxing icon, Olympic Gold medalist, philanthropist, and best-selling author; and Sean McDonough, ESPN and Boston Red Sox broadcaster.

According to Lou Woolf, CEO and President of HSL, “EngAGE 2019 was a high-spirited event in one of my favorite locations, Fenway Park. Joined by more than 375 dedicated HSL supporters, we were collectively inspired as sports legends shared their impressive journeys, and were reminded that exercise is central to living a healthy life, no matter your age. We’re humbled by the generous support from friends and donors that will help us continue leading the way in meeting the needs of seniors in Greater Boston and around the world.”

All proceeds generated by EngAGE 2019 fund HSL’s work to provide exceptional health care, strengthen communities, conduct research, and teach new generations of geriatricians and other clinicians. HSL is the only senior care organization affiliated with Harvard Medical School and it is home to the only long-term chronic care teaching hospital in the United States.

Co-chairs for EngAGE 2019 were Jennifer and Jeffrey Drucker and Hinda and Arthur Marcus, all of Chestnut Hill (MA). For more information about EngAGE, visit www.hslengage.org.

About Hebrew SeniorLife

HSL is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. Founded in Boston in 1903, the nonprofit organization today provides communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. For more information about HSL, visit http://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook, or read our blog.

BOSTON – Several trends will dominate the senior services landscape in 2020. According to Louis J. Woolf, President and CEO of Harvard Medical School-affiliated Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of older adults, “It is an exciting time to be in senior services. Progress is being made on several fronts such as: value-based care, affordable housing with supports, innovative treatments and care for people living with Alzheimer’s, and tackling other hard issues like ensuring we have a diverse and trained workforce to care for the growing number of seniors who need our help.” 

According to Woolf, the following will be trending in 2020 for older adults and their caregivers:

1. Value-based care and new integrated care models: Will 2020 be the year of more value-based care across the full continuum from senior living, to health care, to what matters most at end of life? While we’re making very good progress, we are not quite there yet. Recognizing the power of this entire continuum in value-based care will move slowly in 2020. Providers will continue to shift focus from fee-for-service to outcomes and patient-centered care within traditional health care services, with increasing focus on prevention. But incorporating both ends of the spectrum - optimizing where seniors live and how they receive end-of-life care - is another level of inclusion and it is still in its early stages of formulation. It’s been said that value-based care takes a community. However, health care organizations continue to primarily look inward, and are not yet optimally integrating with non-traditional partners. A positive sign is that one large hospital in Massachusetts is piloting an in-house program offering rent support to patients at risk of homelessness. This is a terrific way to deliver better health, better quality of life, and lower costs. 
    
2. More affordable supportive housing solutions: A major contributor to extending the continuum would be recognizing that affordability, accessibility, and supportive services are critical needs in senior housing. They can’t come fast enough. HSL is working closely with the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission to demonstrate the health, satisfaction, and cost benefits of supportive services in senior affordable housing, and in 2020 the organization hopes to develop replicable models of care and payment for this most vulnerable population in these much-needed settings. For example, when people decide to live at HSL’s Center Communities of Brookline, they gain access on campus to a wellness nurse, a care coordinator, and a variety of other health and social services. These health services provide specialized care to keep residents healthy and independent.
    
3. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias: Awareness of Alzheimer’s disease is at an all-time high, as sadly, more older adults are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias on a daily basis. This attention has resulted in more organizations working on the diagnosis and management of the disease, as well as treatment protocols that hopefully will lead to a cure. Recently, the National Institute on Aging awarded a $53.4M grant to Hebrew SeniorLife and Brown University to form a research incubator with more than 30 top research organizations to fund and provide expert assistance for pilot trials and evaluate interventions for Alzheimer’s and dementia care. As this “collaboratory” proceeds, it will lead a nationwide effort to improve health care and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their caregivers.
    
4. Workforce shortages: Workforce shortages challenge the health care industry across the nation. In senior services, the situation is acute. At a time when we have a growing number of seniors, with more chronic conditions and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias, we are at the same time faced with fewer geriatricians, nurses, and direct care professionals embarking on senior services career paths. Jobs in senior care are demanding and emotionally hard due to chronic conditions, behaviors seniors can exhibit, and end of life.  In 2020, senior services organizations will focus more attention and respect on direct care staff and there will emerge public/private partnerships enacting real change, leveraging opportunities and removing barriers in recruiting and retaining the best care workers possible.  

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 https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook or read our blog.

BOSTON – Harvard Medical School affiliate Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of older adults, today announced Tammy Retalic, M.S., R.N., Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services, has been inducted into the Hall of Honor in the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards, a joint program of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living. The program, in its second year, recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the senior living and skilled nursing professions or who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the fields.

“The dedication and commitment shown by our Hall of Honor recipients truly sets them apart,” said McKnight’s Editorial Director John O’Connor. Nominations were judged by an external panel of industry experts. All winners will be honored at a May 7 awards dinner in Chicago. An educational forum will follow on May 8.

About Tammy Retalic, M.S., R.N., Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services 
Retalic manages a staff of 1,200 over a continuum of long-term chronic care and rehabilitation services on Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hebrew Rehabilitation Center campuses in Boston and Dedham. She joined HSL in 2003 with more than 25 years of operational and leadership experience in academic and community-based hospitals, post-acute care services, education, and training. She is the recipient of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association's Quality Compass Award, the 5-Star designation for skilled nursing facilities, and is a Senior Quality Leap Initiative top performer. She’s also earned the CareerSTAT Frontline Healthcare Worker Champion award and received more than $500,000 in workforce development initiative funds. Retalic is an accomplished speaker, and her expertise in the areas of clinical quality, employee engagement, workforce development, and leadership have been featured in many publications. 

Retalic received her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and an M.S. in nursing from Boston College. She is currently enrolled in a doctoral program.  She is a board member for the Organization of Nurse Leaders for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont, as well as an active member of the Senior Quality Leap Initiative, an international quality collaborative, and the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association's clinical information and advisory council.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Tammy for eight years,” said Mary Moscato, President, HSL Health Care Services and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center. “She stands apart because of her smarts, her ability to innovate, and above all, her compassion for people. Her accomplishments and leadership not only make her a valuable employee, but also she is the epitome of a Woman of Distinction. I’m proud to call her a colleague.” 

About Hebrew SeniorLife 
Hebrew SeniorLife, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, is a national senior services leader dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. The Boston-based nonprofit, founded in 1903, provides communities and health care for seniors, research into aging, and education for geriatric care providers. Visit https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook, or read our blog.

BOSTON – Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of older adults that cares for more than 3,000 seniors per day in the Boston area, took a bold, precautionary move to thwart the spread of COVID-19 this week: It has implemented a self-shelter at home directive across all of its five senior living campuses in Greater Boston. Effective immediately, all 1,700 residents on five of HSL’s campuses have been urged to self-shelter at home, and the organization has implemented significant supports and services to provide for its senior residents throughout the self-shelter at home period. The move was met with wide support from both the HSL community and local and state health officials.

HSL’s five senior living campuses are: NewBridge on the Charles, Dedham; Orchard Cove, Canton; Simon C. Fireman Community, Randolph; Center Communities of Brookline, Brookline; and Jack Satter House, Revere.

Lou Woolf, President and CEO of Hebrew SeniorLife said, “COVID-19 is already taking a heavy toll in Massachusetts, and despite vigilant efforts that started in late February to prevent the occurrence of the virus on our campuses, it has been felt deeply. Time is of the essence to self-shelter at home to protect our residents and staff from this threat. This is difficult news to deliver to our community, but we are confident it’s the right step to take in order to protect residents and employees as much as possible.”

Woolf says that the entire HSL community has rallied around its residents. Employees and volunteers deliver meals, make daily wellness calls, organize programs by phone, package and deliver groceries, sort mail, coordinate laundry, pick up essential supplies, walk dogs, and more. There was even an organized social distancing “parade” outside of the Jack Satter House with staff holding signs and offering words of encouragement to residents sequestered in their apartments.

Woolf added, “This is not something we are ‘doing’ to residents. This is a lifesaving action that we are doing with our residents, and they support.”

• “We are so very grateful as a family to have our mom get the level of care and protection you and the entire staff have shown in this recent crisis. It is truly above and beyond expectations, but not out of line with the ongoing excellent care and service HSL has provided her and my dad, since the very start of their membership. Thank you all.” – Nancy D., Daughter of Dorothy G., Orchard Cove resident
   
• “Management is imposing a series of strategies to maximize social distancing on the campus, limit the potential spread of virus internally, and effectively constrain people to their apartments or cottages. Examples of these include food delivery to our units, grocery delivery from Nosh store, mail delivery, delivery of packages left at the main desk eliminating the opportunity to shop on our own, and approaches such as closing the library and closing the pool. These tactics add complexity to our lives, but they are essential to protect us. Our management team and the entire staff, from top to bottom, here at NBOC and at HSL, are working incredibly hard to achieve these goals. The commitment at all levels is extraordinary.” - Mike R., NewBridge on the Charles resident
   
• “Whatever you need, they’re doing it before you even think about it – they’re fulfilling everything. I don’t know how to bring it across – unbelievable! I keep saying that but I feel blessed. I feel so safe, everybody – every single employee from Jack Satter House and Hebrew SeniorLife. We get calls every day asking if there is anything else we need. After they’ve done everything, we get a call asking what else we need. I wish every place could have the type of people we have, they’re a Godsend!” – Paula W., Jack Satter House resident

The directive requires all residents to stay in their own apartments. During the self-shelter at home, HSL will continue to do its very best to make sure residents have everything needed to live the best life possible given the circumstances. Services during this time include trash pick-up, mail delivery and pick-up, delivery of groceries, medications, other essentials, dog-walking, and more, as described here.

Woolf continued, “Each of our campuses is beloved by the community it serves, and across our organization. We all pray for those facing COVID-19 and work to fight the virus on every level.”

HSL realizes there are many senior care organizations across the United States that are struggling with how to best protect the seniors they care for during the COVID-19 epidemic. HSL has created a “Resources for Senior Care Organizations” section of its website to share its best practices widely.

About Hebrew SeniorLife
Hebrew SeniorLife is a national senior services leader dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. As New England’s largest nonprofit provider of senior health care and living communities, and the only one affiliated with Harvard Medical School, HSL cares for more than 3000 seniors a day across six campuses throughout Greater Boston. Our locations include: Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, Boston and 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, HSL also conducts influential research into aging and trains more than 1,000 students in geriatric care each year. Visit https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook, or read our blog.

BOSTON – Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of older adults, is offering hotel accommodations for all direct care staff at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston and Dedham effective immediately. This effort comes on the heels of other measures implemented by HSL to support the health and safety of its direct care workers, including aggressive efforts to secure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Mary Moscato, President, Hebrew SeniorLife Health Care Services and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center (HRC), said, “Our direct care team is the foundation of Hebrew Rehabilitation Center. Many have been with us for decades, and we truly appreciate the long hours they are putting in to ensure seniors are safe and living their best quality of life under these very difficult circumstances.

“Since the pandemic began, our first priority has been safety, and we have given our very best effort to equip all direct care staff members with PPE, such as masks and gloves. We are now working to address as many of their housing, clothing, and nutritional needs in recognition of their intense focus on patient care during the pandemic.”

HRC reserved a block of hotel rooms at Island Hospitality Management’s Residence Inn by Marriott-Dedham for direct care staff who work at HRC-Boston (Roslindale) or HRC-Dedham. HRC’s direct care staff numbers around 820 and includes: physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, PCAs/CNAs, and a range of therapy positions. Staff members who want to remain close to work, have back-to-back shifts, or want to stay in a hotel apart from their families can do so through a simple request process. HRC is covering the full cost for the accommodations. Each room has a kitchenette and laundry, and a daily complimentary light breakfast is available from the hotel. Daily roundtrip transportation is being provided by HRC for staffers who don’t have a car or who rely on public transportation to get to work.

In addition to offering accommodations, HRC is proactively providing other benefits to direct care staff. All direct care staff are being provided with healthy meals delivered to their floors and HRC households, so they don’t have to leave their floors during their shifts and can remain nutritionally strong. Additionally, there are free healthy meals in HRC vending machines on both campuses as well as free coffee/tea stations. HRC is also ordering two sets of designer scrubs for each member of the direct care team.

“The health, well-being, and safety of our direct care providers are top priorities for Hebrew Rehabilitation Center. We will continue to look for ways to support direct care staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, and show deep appreciation for the commitment and hard work they deliver 24/7,” Moscato said.

Staff welcomed this latest move. According to Julie, an employee of HRC-Boston, “I think this is amazing. I can tell that management is doing everything in its power to support us, thinking creatively, and working around the clock. It really makes a difference. So thank you.”

About Hebrew SeniorLife
Hebrew SeniorLife is a national senior services leader dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. As New England’s largest nonprofit provider of senior health care and living communities, and the only one affiliated with Harvard Medical School, HSL cares for more than 3000 seniors a day across six campuses throughout Greater Boston. Our locations include: Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, Boston and 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, HSL also conducts influential research into aging and trains more than 1,000 students in geriatric care each year. Visit https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org, follow us on Twitter @H_SeniorLife, like us on Facebook, or read our blog.

BOSTON – On March 24, HSL announced two confirmed COVID-19 cases among its residents at Jack Satter House. We have since received notice from City of Revere Public Health that five additional residents have confirmed cases. Of total cases at Jack Satter, five are hospitalized and sadly, one is deceased, though the cause of death for this resident has not been determined. To protect the residents’ privacy and confidential health information, no more resident details can be provided.

Woolf, President and CEO of Hebrew SeniorLife said, “Our prayers are with the residents diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as the family that is grieving the loss of their loved one. May their memory be a blessing.”

Due to rapidly escalating COVID-19 cases across the city – 33 cases as of today -- the City of Revere today issued further guidance to Jack Satter House. Effective this morning, Jack Satter House residents are directed to quarantine in their apartments and not leave their apartments. Additionally, the City issued additional guidance to all senior facilities across the city.

“We know that this virus is so aggressive, that it can get past the most diligent practices,” Woolf continued. “Despite the strictest guidelines in place at Jack Satter House, including no visitor policies, suspension of communal dining, deep infection control screening for all employees that include temperature checks, we are seeing an escalation of cases. Even opening a package ordered online can spread the virus. We appreciate the support of the City of Revere in their actions today and will focus all of our resources on stopping the spread of COVID-19 at Jack Satter House.”

What this means for Jack Satter House:

• The residence is in quarantine, effective immediately.
• Each resident must stay inside their apartment; there is no access to common space.
• If a resident leaves the building, they will not be able to return until the quarantine is lifted. Even if they leave with a family member, they will not be able to return.
• Jack Satter House is providing a 7-day a week meal plan during the quarantine period.
• To protect the safety and well-being of residents, extra security staff has been added.
• Staff and a limited number of health aides on an exception basis can enter daily. Each will follow the strict infection control procedures in place, including rigorous screenings and temperature checks. We are bringing additional HSL aides to care for residents during this time.
• A staffer phone bank has been deployed for daily check-ins with each resident.
• We are working with those staff who may need to be in self-isolation as a result of the confirmed resident cases.

Preventive Measures
As we’ve shared with the HSL community continuously since the COVID-19 outbreak began, we are completely focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19 at all of our communities and protecting the health and safety of all.

“In many cases, the strong levels of precaution that HSL has put in place go well beyond guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control, because we know the swifter and more aggressive our response, the better the outcome for our community,” added Woolf.

HSL’s proactive response to COVID-19 to date includes (but is not limited to):

• Aggressive no visitor policy across all campuses, per Governor Baker’s State of Emergency orders, and CDC/CMS guidance.
• Mandatory screenings including a temperature check for all employees, private aides, and visitors who are allowed on an exception basis (e.g., end of life).
• Suspension of programs and services, such as volunteer and multigenerational programming, outpatient and adult day health programs, group fitness programs, and communal dining.
• For emotional, physical and spiritual well-being, replacement of in-person gatherings with video and live streaming programming.

“We are working closely with the City of Revere to ensure compliance and thorough communication to our residents and staff, as well as the public,” Woolf continued. “Pandemics call for serious measures. We firmly agree with the measures that the City of Revere is taking at this time for senior living communities. We ask everyone to support this measure to keep seniors throughout Revere and across the nation safe.”