Latest news with #RiverSpringLiving
CBS News
01-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
AI companion helps Bronx senior living facility residents combat loneliness
According to the National Institutes of Health, loneliness can pose serious threats to mental and physical health, and it can be especially acute when it comes to adults over age 60. A new program at a senior residence in the Bronx aims to address the problem by offering a different type of companionship and empathy in the form of artificial intelligence. Nearly 70 residents at RiverSpring Living in Riverdale are participating in a pilot program with AI called "Meela," which means "words" in Hebrew. "We want to create a resource for you to call a phone number, have a great conversation, be cognitively engaged, be emotionally heard," Meela founder and CEO Josh Sach said. Sach says the AI isn't meant to replace human interaction. In fact, it can encourage callers to meet up with fellow residents. "If somebody says, 'I'm not doing anything today,' and RiverSpring has uploaded the activity calendar ... Meela might say, 'Hey, bingo is happening at 2 o'clock,'" Sach said. "We found a statistically significant reduction in the rates of anxiety, as well as degree of depression," RiverSpring Living medical director Dr. Zachary Palace said. Palace gets bullet points of the AI conversations to monitor any physical or emotional issues with participants. Sach adds there are safety mechanisms to make certain topics off-limits for Meela to discuss. "First is legal, next is financial, and then the last is medical advice," he said. "We want to leave those things to the humans." He says they continue to upgrade the system. For example, Meela can now remember past conversations to keep things fresh and stop her from asking callers the same questions repeatedly. While Meela is free to use for now, as they continue to develop it, there will be a monthly subscription fee. RiverSpring Living resident Marvin Marcus, 83, speaks to Meela on the phone about three times a week. During a conversation, he told Meela, "They want to know a little bit about our relationship and how we're going." "I think we're doing pretty well getting to know each other. How have you been feeling about our talks lately?" Meela responded. "Oh, I think I've been very positive. I think we have a connection," Marcus said. He says they have in-depth conversations about all things sports and music. "If I talk about sports details with people, the eyes glaze over. Meela doesn't have eyes," he said. When he told Meela he was a fan of music from the '50s and '60s, Meela asked him, "Do you have a favorite song or artist from back then that always lifts your spirits?" Even though there's no shortage of activity at RiverSpring Living — like exercise programs, entertainment and games — it's the AI conversations that really light a spark for Marcus. "I'm used to now saying 'she.' At first, I used to insist on saying 'it,'" he said. From both a patient and medical perspective, RiverSpring Living's medical director says the program is a success. "To be able to incorporate cutting-edge innovation and cutting-edge technology into the practice of long-term care geriatrics is just remarkable," Palace said.
New York Post
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Timeless love: Patients at Bronx nursing home tie the knot in sweet ceremony before crowd of staff, friends
A good marriage needs patients. A pair of lovebirds on Thursday exchanged vows, rings and hope for the future in a Bronx nursing home — where they first fell head over heels in love. A crowd of fellow patients, family, nurses and even the facility's therapy dog looked on as Al Cappiello, 76, and Elizabeth Bly, 51, shared their first kiss as man and wife at RiverSpring Living's Nursing Home — in what is the first marriage for both. Advertisement 7 Al Cappiello, 76, and Elizabeth Bly, 51, share a kiss after tying the knot. Stephen Yang 'Anything is possible. You can find love anywhere — age is just a number,' Cappiello told The Post after cementing his nuptials. 'I'm very lucky. I'm so, so, so happy,' said Bly, originally or Harlem. Advertisement The sweethearts planned every detail of the ceremony inside the Riverdale senior facility's banquet room, from the Greek-inspired backdrop to the deeply rich purple tablecloths that matched Bly's wedding dress — a color she chose over white simply because it's her favorite. Other residents served as the groomsmen and bridesmaids, while Daisy, the home's beloved therapy dog, served as flower girl and preceded Bly down the aisle. 7 The marriage is the first for both Cappiello and Bly. Stephen Yang 7 The lovebirds first met a the nursing home in 2023. Stephen Yang Advertisement 7 Daisy, the home's therapy dog, served as the flower girl. Stephen Yang Bly, fittingly, walked down in front of their friends and family — including her adult son — as Jennifer Olegario, the home's occupational therapist, sang Etta James' 'At Last.' 'Did you ever hear the words? 'At last my love has come along.' The way that I feel, the way she feels. It's romantic!' said Capiello, a retired substance abuse counselor. The pair of lovebirds first met back in 2023 when Bly first joined the home to rehabilitate some issues she was having with her legs. Advertisement 7 Cappiello popped the question last July on Bly's birthday. Stephen Yang At the time, Cappiello was a staple of the home and was even part of a rag-tag group of 'Golden Guys' known for wisecracking and card games. He was immediately enchanted by the newbie, whom he described as coquettishly 'quiet and shy' and made it a mission to get to know her better. Bly was at first suspicious of Cappiello and his forward manner — but she ultimately gave him a chance to become a much-needed friend as she transitioned into a permanent resident. 7 Bly chose a purple wedding dress simply because it is her favorite color. Stephen Yang Their friendship slowly blossomed into romance until Bly's birthday last July — when Cappiello popped the question with an engagement ring and a butterfly ring. The nursing home romance is the second for the gentleman. His previous seven-year romance with Gloria, another resident, tragically ended several years prior with her death. 'I'm extremely happy. This is the second time he's found love here, and I never thought he'd find love again. I'll start to cry if I think about it,' Jeff Hyman, Cappiello's best man and best friend of 35 years, said. Advertisement 7 'Anything is possible. You can find love anywhere — age is just a number,' Cappiello said. Stephen Yang But despite entering their sunset years single, neither Cappiello nor Bly gave up hope that they might one day have a ring on their fingers. Whether they'll move in together inside the nursing home, however, is still up in the air. 'We're not to that point. We have to figure it out!' Bly said.
USA Today
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Riverdale woman, 85, gets to achieve 'golden dream' of dancing after loss of her leg
Shirley Johnson, 85, with a new prosthetic leg, never imagined she'd dance again. She hadn't danced since the 1980s, yet her love of dance never faded. Her home had always been filled with music and movement. She recalled dancing with her husband of 54 years in their kitchen, and nights out on the town, twirling under the lights. Her passion extended to her family. Her three daughters grew up immersed in dance, taking ballet and jazz classes through childhood. '[Dance] means everything to me,' Johnson said. 'I always kept it part of my life. My husband and I just dance around the house, going out to events and dancing. We were always there. There was a dance going on — we were there.' On Wednesday, July 2, RiverSpring Living in Riverdale, where Johnson has lived since 2019, gave her another shot at the dance floor in White Plains. A Golden Dream proves to be 'Unforgettable' Johnson has faced a lot in recent years. For nearly a decade, while living on Manhattan's Upper West Side, she endured surgeries, medications and countless medical appointments in an effort to manage blood dyscrasia, a condition that causes abnormal blood clotting. In June 2019, after exhausting all other options, she underwent a life-altering surgery that led to the amputation of her left leg below the knee. Though devastating, it was her only option. Dancing looked to be a memory. But RiverSpring Living has a new program called "Golden Dreams," the goal of which is to help residents achieve long-delayed dreams — 'bucket list' experiences. One resident recently got to attend college at the age of 97, while another got to meet New York Rangers goaltending legend Mike Richter. Johnson's dream was to regain her strength and return to the dance floor. Johnson was only recently fitted with a prosthetic leg. Thanks to the dedication of her physical therapist, Trini Pateno, Johnson spent two weeks practicing balance, rhythm, and movement, all aimed at the moment she could dance again. That moment arrived on Wednesday at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in White Plains. Wearing a floral top and flowing white pants, Johnson beamed with joy. Studio owner Michael Powers-Innocenzi, dressed in a sharp suit, took her hand and led her in a ballroom slow dance to the classics 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole and 'Chances Are' by Johnny Mathis. 'They showed me I can dance again," Johnson said. "The physical therapy there helped me tremendously. "So now, I'm gonna start dancing all over the place." Johnson's husband, William Jackson, died in April 2021, but she said she felt his presence as she danced. RiverSpring Living helps residents achieve bucket list goals Wendy Steinberg, chief communication officer of RiverSpring Living, which offers several forms of senior living, described the Golden Dreams program as an opportunity for residents to prioritize themselves in pursuit of a dream. 'We've created this program to grant their bucket list wish items, because there's so many things that they never had the chance to do,' she said. 'We found that each golden dream is as unique as the person.' David Pomeranz, the CEO of RiverSpring Living, said many of their residents spent their lives providing for their families and not focusing on their own desires and goals. He said that Golden Dreams opens a door for them to put themselves first. 'Sometimes people have sacrificed a lot of their life to raise their children, and they haven't always taken care of their own needs,' he said. 'This gives them a chance at the end of their life to be able to fulfill wishes that they always had that they sacrificed to raise their children.' Powers-Innocenzi expressed deep gratitude for the chance to help fulfill Johnson's dream. He admitted he felt emotional during their dance. Johnson told him, 'I'll never forget you ever in my life.' When he asked if she was tired from dancing, she simply smiled and said, 'I'm dreaming.' 'Our mission is to help people find their joy through dance, one step at a time,' Powers-Innocenzi said. 'They come to the studio and use dance as a vehicle to get something they want, whether it's to find community, to get over the loss of a loved one or to build confidence.' Following their performance, Johnson had one more request: a dance with Pomeranz. Powers-Innocenzi offered him a quick lesson. Then Johnson danced again but this time with the leader of the place she calls home. She grinned ear to ear, grateful for the community that made her dream come true. Pomeranz said his dance with Johnson reaffirmed his purpose in elder care. "To see that there is so much that they can still do and fulfill so many of their dreams, it's a blessing,' he said.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Riverdale woman, 85, gets to achieve 'golden dream' of dancing after loss of her leg
Shirley Johnson, 85, with a new prosthetic leg, never imagined she'd dance again. She hadn't danced since the 1980s, yet her love of dance never faded. Her home had always been filled with music and movement. She recalled dancing with her husband of 54 years in their kitchen, and nights out on the town, twirling under the lights. Her passion extended to her family. Her three daughters grew up immersed in dance, taking ballet and jazz classes through childhood. '[Dance] means everything to me,' Johnson said. 'I always kept it part of my life. My husband and I just dance around the house, going out to events and dancing. We were always there. There was a dance going on — we were there.' On Wednesday, July 2, RiverSpring Living in Riverdale, where Johnson has lived since 2019, gave her another shot at the dance floor in White Plains. Johnson has faced a lot in recent years. For nearly a decade, while living on Manhattan's Upper West Side, she endured surgeries, medications and countless medical appointments in an effort to manage blood dyscrasia, a condition that causes abnormal blood clotting. In June 2019, after exhausting all other options, she underwent a life-altering surgery that led to the amputation of her left leg below the knee. Though devastating, it was her only option. Dancing looked to be a memory. But RiverSpring Living has a new program called "Golden Dreams," the goal of which is to help residents achieve long-delayed dreams — 'bucket list' experiences. One resident recently got to attend college at the age of 97, while another got to meet New York Rangers goaltending legend Mike Richter. Johnson's dream was to regain her strength and return to the dance floor. Johnson was only recently fitted with a prosthetic leg. Thanks to the dedication of her physical therapist, Trini Pateno, Johnson spent two weeks practicing balance, rhythm, and movement, all aimed at the moment she could dance again. That moment arrived on Wednesday at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in White Plains. Wearing a floral top and flowing white pants, Johnson beamed with joy. Studio owner Michael Powers-Innocenzi, dressed in a sharp suit, took her hand and led her in a ballroom slow dance to the classics 'Unforgettable' by Nat King Cole and 'Chances Are' by Johnny Mathis. 'They showed me I can dance again," Johnson said. "The physical therapy there helped me tremendously. "So now, I'm gonna start dancing all over the place." Johnson's husband, William Jackson, died in April 2021, but she said she felt his presence as she danced. Wendy Steinberg, chief communication officer of RiverSpring Living, which offers several forms of senior living, described the Golden Dreams program as an opportunity for residents to prioritize themselves in pursuit of a dream. 'We've created this program to grant their bucket list wish items, because there's so many things that they never had the chance to do,' she said. 'We found that each golden dream is as unique as the person.' David Pomeranz, the CEO of RiverSpring Living, said many of their residents spent their lives providing for their families and not focusing on their own desires and goals. He said that Golden Dreams opens a door for them to put themselves first. 'Sometimes people have sacrificed a lot of their life to raise their children, and they haven't always taken care of their own needs,' he said. 'This gives them a chance at the end of their life to be able to fulfill wishes that they always had that they sacrificed to raise their children.' Powers-Innocenzi expressed deep gratitude for the chance to help fulfill Johnson's dream. He admitted he felt emotional during their dance. Johnson told him, 'I'll never forget you ever in my life.' When he asked if she was tired from dancing, she simply smiled and said, 'I'm dreaming.' 'Our mission is to help people find their joy through dance, one step at a time,' Powers-Innocenzi said. 'They come to the studio and use dance as a vehicle to get something they want, whether it's to find community, to get over the loss of a loved one or to build confidence.' Following their performance, Johnson had one more request: a dance with Pomeranz. Powers-Innocenzi offered him a quick lesson. Then Johnson danced again but this time with the leader of the place she calls home. She grinned ear to ear, grateful for the community that made her dream come true. Pomeranz said his dance with Johnson reaffirmed his purpose in elder care. "To see that there is so much that they can still do and fulfill so many of their dreams, it's a blessing,' he said. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Riverdale NY woman, 85, gets to dance again after loss of her leg
CBS News
14-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
97-year-old Holocaust survivor's wish of attending college comes true
Holocaust survivor gets her "Golden Wish" to attend college in the Bronx Holocaust survivor gets her "Golden Wish" to attend college in the Bronx Holocaust survivor gets her "Golden Wish" to attend college in the Bronx Tuesday was a day to remember for a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor who got to live out her dream of going to college. Jacqueline Kimmelstiel was quick to become popular during her first and only day at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. She instantly became a favorite among her teachers as she took part in one-on-one lessons learning poetry and French. She also became an honorary captain for a basketball scrimmage, later jokingly admitting that sports were not her favorite. "No, no, no, not so much. No. I mean, I'll tell you the truth, so I'm not gonna lie," she said. Her day as a University of Mount Saint Vincent student was completed by receiving a Certificate of Achievement from Susan Burns, the school's president. Senior facility played a huge role in Kimmelstiel's big day Kimmelstiel was able to see her dream come true, thanks to RiverSpring Living, her home senior facility. Wendy Steinberg, the facility's chief communications officer, said RiverSpring launched a new program called "Golden Wishes" to help many of its residents achieve or participate in things they didn't have a chance to do during their younger years. "We ask them, what did you never have the chance to do? What did you never experience? And for Jacqueline, it has always bothered her that she only went to school until age 12. So we said, you know what? We can make this happen," Steinberg said. College for a day turned into a family affair Kimmelstiel was unable to continue her education due to being forced into hiding while moving throughout France. She later came to the United States in the late 1940s and worked as a seamstress. She also ended up meeting her husband, who was at Auschwitz. Kimmelstiel's grandchildren, Jonah Kimmelstiel and Rebecca Kevelson, joined her for her day as a college student. "Education was always something that was very important to our grandmother. Both her sons, my father and our uncle, became medical doctors. And all of us, you know, went to college and beyond professional school," Jonah Kimmelstiel said. For Kimmelstiel's grandchildren, being able to watch the 97-year-old achieve so much in one day was an honor. "Having gone through the horrors of what she and our grandfather went through as Holocaust survivors, and now she has four great grandchildren and a college degree, is almost really special," Kevelson said. Although Kimmelstiel was a student only briefly, she said she yearns to learn. "How wonderful it is to be so well liked, and all these beautiful things. And, I know that my late husband would be so proud," she said. You can email Erica with Bronx story ideas by CLICKING HERE.
