Hebrew SeniorLife Helps Seniors and Families Address COVID-19 Challenges

BOSTON – Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL) and the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research are being regularly sought out to provide guidance to older adults during the COVID-19 health care crisis. While we all are still learning about this virus, as occurrence begins to lessen in states like Massachusetts, seniors and their families want to know how they can begin to resume activities safely.

Dr. Lisa Samelson, member of the Newton Council on Aging and epidemiologist at HSL’s Marcus Institute and Harvard Medical School, recently moderated a panel discussion on Zoom co-sponsored by the Office of Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and the City of Newton Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Michael Mina, an epidemiologist, immunologist, and physician at the Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School, explored the concerns of older adults about re-engaging with the community as the state of Massachusetts begins to reopen. Dr. Mina has played a key role in COVID-19 test processing and in efforts to reduce risk in nursing homes for the state.

“Since older adults are at high risk for COVID-19, seniors and their families want to better understand how they can re-engage in the community while staying safe and healthy,” said Dr. Samelson. “This panel and others like it can inform seniors and families on ways to reduce their risk and ultimately participate again in the community with healthy outcomes.”

Since the COVID-19 health care crisis started, inquiries, requests for information, and questions from senior care organizations have come into HSL daily. In addition to consulting on important questions via phone and email, HSL has been freely sharing best practices in a dedicated section on its website, Resources for Senior Care Organizations, which includes materials, tools, protocols, and sample documents specifically aimed toward senior care organizations addressing COVID-19. 

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. 

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 nonprofit, 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.