Press Coverage
The Latest News From RiverSpring Living
Sparking conversation about what it means to grow older.
RiverSpring Living’s innovative programs and services have transformed the lives of thousands of older adults we serve, and reflects a commitment and dedication to our mission of care. Check out how RiverSpring Living is sparking conversation and changing perceptions about what it means to grow older in this recent news coverage.
FEATURED ARTICLES
RiverSpring Health Plans Member Celebrates 110th Birthday
March 27, 2021 | NY1
RiverSpring Health Plans member Josephine Melecio is celebrating a huge milestone–her 110th birthday! Originally from Puerto Rico, she came to America as a young woman and worked for many years in a factory making shoes and handbags. She then worked the overnight shift at a nursing home until she retired at the age of 90. She currently lives with her daughter Shirley on the Upper West Side with support from a home health aide provided through RiverSpring Health Plans.
Hebrew Home Family Visitation Resumes
March 26, 2021 | WCBS
Hebrew Home resident Harriet Krakowsky shares what got her through the pandemic and her excitement to finally see her family again in person.
Symbol of Strength at the Hebrew Home
March 12, 2021 | WNBC
Frontline workers at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale raised their vaccinated arms in solidarity, marking the first anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hebrew Home at Riverdale Marks COVID Anniversary
March 12, 2021 | WCBS
Front-line workers at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale showed the need to continue to stay apart, but united until the fight is over, CBS2’s John Dias reports. Hebrew Home LPN Delevita Graham joined in with her colleagues in raising their vaccinated arms as a symbol of resilience, optimism and solidarity.
Hebrew Home at Riverdale Marks One Year of the COVID Pandemic
March 12, 2021 | WABC
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale marked the one-year anniversary of the pandemic by saluting employees for their courage, perseverance and optimism. Front-line workers gathered on the front lawn as a sign of unity. President and CEO Daniel Reingold said his gratitude runs deep and asked them to raise their vaccinated arms as a sign of their continued commitment.
Hebrew Home Healthcare Heroes Show Sign of Optimism
March 12, 2021 | NY1
One year into the pandemic, staff at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale showed off their vaccinated arms. President and CEO Daniel Reingold lauded employees’ commitment and dedication to the care and safety of residents.
Hebrew Home at Riverdale Commemorates Pandemic One-Year Anniversary
March 12, 2021 | N12BX
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale commemorated the one-year anniversary of the pandemic with a show of solidarity. Front-line workers gathered on the front lawn and raised their vaccinated arms to show that New Yorkers are resilient and remain optimistic.
NY1 features Healthcare Hero and RiverSpring Health Plans Member
February 25, 2021 | NY1
Home health aide Marie Deolall has cared for her 101-year-old RiverSpring Health Plans member Suzette Marcelin throughout the pandemic. Marie makes sure everything is sanitized and takes every precaution for herself as well as Suzette, whom she has come to care for like a member of her own family.
Romance Blossoms for Seniors During Quarantine
February 25, 2021 | NY Times
At Hebrew Home, Gloria Duncan and Al Cappiello, both 71, who’ve been together for about four years, said the pandemic and quarantining has changed their relationship “for the better.”
Pet Therapy Dogs Bring Joy to Hebrew Home Residents
January 8, 2021 | Inside Edition
Inside Edition features the impact of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale’s pet therapy program. Residents missing in-person interaction with their families find comfort in visits from affectionate four-legged friends.
Dogs provide much-needed love and affection at this nursing home during the pandemic
January 7, 2021 | Good Morning America
“There’s limited touch for them. So with the dogs… they can have that tactile sensation which they’re longing for and missing,” shared Catherine Farrell, head of Hebrew Home Therapeutic Activities.
Pet Therapy at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale
December 22, 2020 | WAGA Fox 5 News
Jackie Ibanez of Fox news reports about the benefits of pet therapy programs like the one at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, especially during a time when human-to-human interaction is limited.
Four-legged Therapists Visit Hebrew Home Residents
December 22, 2020 | KDFW Fox 4 News
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale pet therapy program allows residents to enjoy face-to-face interaction and tactile sensation — both of which bring comfort and smiles during a time when they’re missing in-person family visits.
Pet Therapy Dogs Bring Smiles to Hebrew Home Residents
December 22, 2020 | WSVN
Dogs bring emotional support through therapy sessions at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale. While residents are unable to visit with their families, dogs provide much-needed face-to-face interaction and tactile sensation, as Catherine Farrell, Director of Therapeutic Arts and Enrichment Programs, explains.
Hebrew Home Residents and Staff Receive Vaccinations
December 21, 2020 | CNN Live
CNN Correspondent Jean Casarez reports live from the Hebrew Home as nursing home residents and staff begin to receive their vaccines.
Nursing Home Residents Get First Shot of Vaccine
December 21, 2020 | NY Times
Harriet Krakowsky, 85, had two great-grandchildren born this year but has not yet seen them in person. “My goal is to live long enough to meet them,” she told me.
On Monday, she was one of the first people in her nursing home to receive the coronavirus vaccine.
Residents and Staff at Hebrew Home to Receive COVID Vaccines
December 21, 2020 | WNYW
Fox 5 NY talks to RiverSpring Living President and CEO Daniel Reingold about the historic coronavirus vaccine rollout at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale.
Hebrew Home One of the First Nursing Homes in the State to Begin Vaccinating
December 21, 2020 | WNBC
Of the 600 doses of coronavirus vaccine that will be distributed at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale over the next couple of days, resident Kelley Dixon was the first to receive it.
Resident Kelley Dixon First to Receive Vaccine at Hebrew Home
December 21, 2020 | WCBS
“I’m going to Yonkers to see my grandkids.” Kelley Dixon, a 78-year-old resident is the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale and tells CBS New York what he plans to do first once the pandemic restrictions are lifted.
Nursing Home Residents Begin to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
December 21, 2020 | NY1
NY1 broadcasts livestream of first vaccines given at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale.
Vaccine at the Hebrew Home
December 21, 2020 | News12BX
On December 21, 2020 the Hebrew Home at Riverdale became one of the first nursing homes in the nation to begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine.
Hebrew Home Ready to Receive Covid Vaccine
December 18, 2020 | FNC Bill Hemmer Reports
Fox News National Correspondent Bryan Llenas interviews Hebrew Home residents and staff ready to receive the Covid vaccine.
Vaccine Can’t Come Soon Enough for Hebrew Home Residents
December 18, 2020 | FBN Cavuto Coast to Coast
FOX NEWS National Correspondent Bryan Llenas reports live from the Hebrew Home at Riverdale with COVID-19 preparation details and reactions from residents and staff.
Hebrew Home Prepares to Receive Covid-19 Vaccine
December 11, 2020 | WNBC
With COVID-19 vaccine distribution just days away, plans and preparations are well underway at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale.
WNBC-TV broadcast an exclusive look into how the Hebrew Home continues to Lead the Way Safely.
Hebrew Home Residents Show Gratitude for Staff with Thanksgiving Parade
November 30, 2020 | WABC
The residents of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale held a unique Thanksgiving Day Gratitude Parade for the incredible care team who has kept them safe throughout the year.
Korean War Veteran Raises POW Flag
November 11, 2020 | FOX 5 News
FOX 5 highlights Korean War veteran, Irving Liebowitz as he pays tribute to his fellow vets raising a POW flag on our Riverdale campus.
90-Year-Old Veteran to Raise POW Flag in Riverdale for First Time
November 11, 2020 | Bronx New 12
NYC Honors Our Veterans
November 11, 2020 | Spectrum News NY1
Spectrum News highlights Korean War veteran, Irving Liebowitz for raising a POW flag on our Riverdale campus.
What to Expect as Nursing Homes Ease COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions
August 13, 2020 | U.S. News
As COVID-19 restrictions ease in parts of the country, window visits, patio visits and even drive-thru visits are reuniting residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities with their family members. Unlike visits to nursing homes before the pandemic, however, these are carefully controlled encounters.
Crain’s NY Business Honors RiverSpring Health’s David V. Pomeranz
August 11, 2020 | Crain’s
Pomeranz made headlines by championing a new program that uses a drive-in movie model to allow residents to visit with family from a safe distance.
Visitors stay in their parked cars and communicate through a wireless speaker with loved ones visible in an enclosed vestibule.
RiverSpring Living Plans Aide of the Year Shaneequa Creighton
July 13, 2020 | News12BK
Shaneequa Creighton of Brooklyn was honored by RiverSpring Living Plans as Aide of the Year for keeping her 90-year-old patient safe while the daughter the patient lived with was sick with COVID-19.
Nursing Home Lessons from COVID-19: From Family Webinars to Zoom Staff Meetings
July 7, 2020 | McKnight’s
There is an expression used in economics: Never waste a crisis. It’s a concept that has a particular meaning for nursing home operators as a result of COVID-19.
From bolstering communications to supporting staff to stepping in to help residents in the absence of visitors, many providers around the country have used the pandemic not to merely maintain operations, but to improve them.
Hebrew Home “driving” for more visitors
June 30, 2020 | The Riverdale Press
Pomeranz and members of the Hebrew Home staff were determined to make in-person visits a reality once again. But with the virus still a concern, they had to get creative.
Pomeranz was inspired by the technologies used by drive-in movie theaters, and he conceptualized a way where Hebrew Home residents could stay safe but still see their loved ones in person.
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale is Preparing for its Campus Opening Day!
June 23, 2020 | CBSN New York
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale is hard at work, anticipating its “Opening Day” and looking forward to welcoming back families and visitors to its campus.
Hebrew Home at Riverdale Hosts Drive-In Father’s Day Visits
June 22, 2020 | WCBS2
Hebrew Home residents and their families had a unique Father’s Day celebration with drive-in visits to see each other safely in person for the first time in months.
Drive-In Visits Make Father’s Day Special for Hebrew Home Residents and their Families
June 22, 2020 | WABC7
The Philipson family has been FaceTiming and doing everything they can to stay close during the pandemic, but it was really special for all of them to safely reunite in person on Father’s Day thanks to the Hebrew Home’s new drive-in visitation program.
Hebrew Home Residents Reconnecting with Family
June 22, 2020 | CBS News
CBS News national correspondent Chip Reid reports how the Hebrew Home at Riverdale is helping residents reconnect with family members over FaceTime and in person with drive-in visits.
Drive-In Family Visits Introduced at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale
June 12, 2020 | NY1
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale has introduced drive-in visits for family members to be able to see their loved ones safely in person. Residents sit in a glassed vestibule while family members drive up in their vehicles and can converse over an intercom system.
Innovative Drive-Through Visits Reunite Hebrew Home Residents and Families
June 11, 2020 | WNBC4
For the first time in months, families reunited in person with their loved ones living at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale. Thanks to a safe new drive-through visiting system, families could see their loved one through the window and talk over a speaker without getting out of the car.
Hebrew Home Offers Drive-In Family Visits
June 11, 2020 | News12 Bronx
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale is giving families the opportunity to visit their loved ones in person for the first time since the pandemic began in March, thanks to a safe new drive-in set-up.
Hebrew Home at Riverdale Launches Massive Testing Effort
May 26, 2020 | Crain’s New York
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, part of RiverSpring Living, has begun testing its 1,000 employees for COVID-19 twice a week.
The effort closely follows Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s directive for the state’s nursing homes—particularly hard hit by the pandemic—to do so. But the feat is far from easy.
Hometown Heroes: Taylor O’Neill
May 21, 2020 | The Riverdale Press
These days, there are few places more dangerous than a floor full of patients who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
But each day, it is where nurse Taylor O’Neill goes to work.
For Seniors, a Silver Lining: “The FaceTime is really quite unbelievable to me”
April 13, 2020 | Washington Post
For Kimmelstiel and many other seniors, one of the unexpected silver linings of covid-19 has been discovering the untapped joy of video calling, especially at a time when in-person interaction is strictly off limits. In fact, Kimmelstiel says she’s communicating with her family much more frequently than she did before the pandemic.
The novelty of video calling wore off long ago for most people across the country, but for this group of seniors, isolating in their New York retirement community, it’s a small miracle.
Making Cannabis Medicine Available To The Isolated Elderly – Two Institutions Show It Can Be Done
March 24, 2020 | Forbes
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale also instituted a series of creative policies and procedures that enable residents to receive, store and administer their medical marijuana, without the direct involvement of staff.
This way, the institution is protected in terms of its compliance with federal policy, while enabling residents to access cannabis medicine similarly to any other New York citizen.
75 Years Since Auschwitz Liberation
January 27, 2020 | NBC 4 New York
WNBC-TV commemorated the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with a two-part segment featuring survivors’ stories. One of these survivors is RiverWalk resident Jacqueline Kimmelsteil, who shared memories of her late husband Albert ‘s survival. Please take a moment to view both segments.
Bros for Life
January 24, 2020 | Spectrum News 1
NY1 spotlights an article in the NYPost about the camaraderie between five best buds at the Hebrew Home: Gil, Al, Irwin, Arnie and David. You’ll find them hanging out in the same spot everyday talking, bantering, and enjoying each other’s company.
Meet the ‘Golden Guys’ ruling the nursing home
January 22, 2020 | New York Post
For over 50 years, five wise-cracking seniors lived only a few miles apart from one another throughout New York City.
But they didn’t meet until last year, when they all moved onto the same floor of the Hebrew Home senior residences in Riverdale — and immediately became best buds.
The Hebrew Home’s Prayer for Peace Shines a Ray of Hope
November 19, 2019 |News 12 Bronx
On Friday, November 15th, the Hebrew Home at Riverdale and religious leaders came together for an interfaith Prayer for Peace on the Jewish calendar one-year anniversary of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting.
During the prayer service, newly commissioned “Ray of Hope” artwork was unveiled, featuring eleven rays of sun, one for each of the eleven Tree of Life victims.
This special gathering of healing and hope was captured in the following news stories:
The Healing Power of Medical Cannabis at the Hebrew Home
November 4, 2019 |News 12
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale’s medical cannabis program continues to provide an effective alternative to prescription medication and reduce pain for our residents.
News 12 The Bronx recently interviewed Hebrew Home Medical Director Dr. Zachary Palace and Zelda Fassler, one of the Home’s residents enrolled in the medical cannabis program.
RiverSpring Living CEO Dan Reingold is Keynote Speaker at Australian Elder Abuse Prevention Conference
October 24, 2019 |Hello Care
RiverSpring Living President and CEO Dan Reingold was the keynote speaker at the 2019 Elder Abuse Prevention Conference held in Sydney, Australia this week.
In his keynote address, Dan provided insights into the public health epidemic of elder abuse, our pioneering initiatives for elder justice, and how Australian and Southeast Asian colleagues can develop strategies to help end elder abuse.
RiverSpring MLTC in the News
October 4, 2019 |NY Post and WNBX-TV
RiverSpring MLTC provides robotic pets as an innovative solution for members who suffer depression, anxiety and loneliness.
Check out this New York Post article about RiverSpring MLTC member Susan Garelick.
Weinberg Center Tips on Avoiding Financial Scams
September 26, 2019 | Reuters
Every year, older adults are scammed out of nearly $40 billion.
The Weinberg Center for Elder Justice sheds light on the financial vulnerability of older adults and what each of us can do to keep our loved ones safe from exploitation.
CBS The Uplift Spotlights Jerry – a 92-year-old Hebrew Home Volunteer
September 19, 2019 | CBS The Uplift
Looking for a reason to smile?
Check out the CBS Uplift feature about Jerry Schneider, a 92-year-old volunteer at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale who spends quality time with our residents each week.
If you’d like to volunteer at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, contact our Volunteer Office at 718-581-1404 to learn more!
Sensory Cats Are The Purr-Fect Companions for Hebrew Home Residents!
August 29, 2019 |News 12 the Bronx and The Riverdale Press
Sensory cats are purr-fect companions for many Hebrew Home at Riverdale residents.
Please enjoy this recent media coverage about our feline friends and their positive impact on the Hebrew Home community.
From the Eastern Bloc to the Bronx
July 22, 2019 |News 12 the Bronx
The latest Derfner Judaica Museum exhibition From the Eastern Bloc to the Bronx:Early Acquisitions from the Art Collection is featured on News 12 The Bronx.
This exhibition tells the fascinating story of how the Hebrew Home came to possess a unique collection of paintings and works on paper from the 1950s and 60s by artists from Soviet Russia, Armenia, Hungary and Czechoslovakia.
Click here to watch News 12 The Bronx
The Museum is now open on Saturdays, 12-4 p.m. in addition to regular hours, Sunday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Please visit us and check out this exciting exhibition before it ends on August 25th.
Hebrew Home volunteer Jerry Schneider is a “Beautiful Soul”
July 12, 2019 |Riverdale Press
Hebrew Home at Riverdale volunteer, Jerry Schneider, found connection, friendship and meaning by spending time with our residents as a weekly volunteer.
Read his story in thisRiverdale Press article.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering, contact our Volunteer Services office 718-581-1404.
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale Receives Highest 5-Star Rating
May 17, 2019 | Lo Hud
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale is consistently top ranked with the highest 5-Star Rating among nursing homes.
We are proud to once again receive a 5-Star Rating.
Vanity is not a deadly sin. It is one of life’s last vital signs
May 16, 2019 | The New York Times
Today’s New York Times shines the spotlight on older adults and how one’s appearance – at any age – is an integral part of good health.
Who Asks the Four Questions at the Hebrew Home?
Apr 21, 2019 | WCBS-TV
WCBS-TV goes behind the scenes for Passover at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, asking The Four Questions and more!
An inside look at Passover Preparations at the Hebrew Home
Apr 18, 2019 | The Wall Street Journal
When it comes to Passover, the Hebrew Home at Riverdale “answers to a Higher Authority!”
Check out this Wall Street Journal article about the meticulous Passover preparations at the Hebrew Home
The Hebrew Home’s HOPE Program Aces Its Senior Year
Apr 4, 2019 | CNN Great Big Story
Seniors and students learning together in the classroom and beyond.
Beautifully featured on CNN’s Great Big Story
The Hebrew Home Celebrates the 108th Birthday of its Oldest Resident
Mar 26, 2019 | ABC and Fox News
Hebrew Home at Riverdale resident Frances Lockwood makes a wish and blows out her birthday candle as she celebrates turning 108! Check out this wonderful media coverage of her birthday!
Click here for WABC-TV segment
MEDICAL CANNABIS “STRIKES A CHORD” WITH OLDER ADULTS
Mar 13, 2019 | WFUV Radio
Medical Cannabis at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale has had a positive impact on reducing our residents’ dependency on prescription medications and opioids.WFUV Radio recently visited the campus and featured the Hebrew Home in its “Strike A Chord” series.Click here for WFUV Radio Segment
AGING WITH GRACE
Mar 7, 2019 | CNN Web Series
CNN’s popular web series, Great Big Story, features Thelma and Jacqueline, two RiverWalk residents who are “aging with grace” in this beautiful and touching video.Click here to watch Great Big Story
WAFFLE DAY CELEBRATION
Mar 4, 2019 | Riverdale Press
The sweet smells of homemade waffles wafted throughout the Hebrew Home last week during our annual Waffle Day celebration. Residents enjoyed homemade waffles topped with fresh fruit, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Click here to read Riverdale Press Article
THE GREENING OF ARTHUR AVE
Mar 4, 2019 | Crain’s NY Business
Arthur Avenue just got a little greener with the groundbreaking of Arthur Avenue Apartments, the new affordable housing development with services for low-income older adults. This energy-efficient development fosters independence and features support services provided by the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, including activities that promote socialization, life skills training, education and fitness-based instruction groups, nutritional education, cooking, and music therapy. Click here to check out the Crain’s NY Business and News 12 Coverage
BLESSINGS OF AGING
Feb 28, 2019 | Atlantic
The Hebrew Home at Riverdale Dinner video, first picked up by The New Yorker, is now featured on The Atlantic website. Our humorous and very real look at aging has reached hundreds of thousands, helping to redefine what it means to grow older. Click here to watch the Blessings of Aging on The Atlantic websiteor The New Yorker video
PRESS INQUIRIES
For all press inquiries or to arrange a visit or interview, please contact
Director of Communications, Wendy Steinberg:
Email: Wendy.Steinberg@RiverSpringHealth.org
Phone: 718.581.1253