Simon C. Fireman Community resident Carole Goldstein is a recent recipient of our Power a Dream program, which funds long-held or deeply meaningful dreams of the seniors in our care. Carole, 85, has long wanted to ballroom dance. She took lessons at DanceSport Weymouth and learned a routine to George Strait’s “I Just Want to Dance with You.” Speaking to the volunteers who accompanied her to her final lesson — Susan Benjamin, Carolyn Gusenoff, Jayne Lampert and Margie Glou — Carole said: “We’re at a stage in life where isn’t it wonderful when someone grants us a wish? I thank you all for your time and energy, and especially for your love of doing what you’re doing.” Through Power a Dream, family members and staff can nominate residents of Hebrew SeniorLife's supportive living communities — Center Communities of Brookline, Simon C. Fireman Community in Randolph, Jack Satter House in Revere, and Leyland Community in Dorchester — to receive the dream of a lifetime. It can be anything of personal significance: a motorcycle ride, a New England Patriots game, or a trip to visit with beloved family. For the recipients, it's a spirit-lifting, hope-giving experience — a reminder that life continues to hold excitement and possibility. Power a Dream is funded entirely through the generosity of our donors. To make a senior's dreams come true, donate at https://bit.ly/3hx3Kei. (fb)

A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals significant sleep disruption among hospitalized older adults, especially on their first night, due to monitoring and medication. The study examined over 19,000 patient admissions and found that older adults experience nearly five sleep interruptions during their first night in the hospital, getting less than four hours of sleep. While sleep improves slightly on subsequent nights, these interruptions — often due to vital sign monitoring and medication administration — can impact recovery. “Our study sheds light on a persistent but underrecognized challenge facing hospitalized seniors: poor sleep due to frequent nighttime disruptions, particularly in emergency departments. These findings underscore the need to consider ways to promote sleep in the ED and minimize sleep disturbances on the first night,” said Sarah Berry, MD, MPH, senior scientist at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research. “Implementing interventions to improve sleep quality, particularly on the first night, could enhance recovery and health outcomes for hospitalized older adults.” Findings from the study demonstrate a need for hospitals to develop targeted interventions that protect sleep quality for older adults, especially during those critical first nights of care. The study was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging, underscoring the importance of this research in advancing the science of aging and care for older adults. Learn more 👉🏾 (fb)