On Wednesday, June 21, residents, families, friends and community officials gathered at Lafayette Avenue in Chelsea to mark the completion of a transformative $16 million renovation project. Chelsea Jewish Lifecare celebrated this achievement at its flagship property, Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home (CJNH).
Gilda Richman, chairwoman of the board for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare (CJL), Betsy Mullen, CJL chief operating officer, Edward Stewart, Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home executive director, Adam Berman, CJL president, and Barry Berman, CJL chief executive officer, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the $16 million renovation project at the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home.
The vision that Lena Goldberg established when she founded CJNH in 1919—creating a welcoming home for neighboring elders—has been realized anew nearly 100 years later through this comprehensive renovation. The five-story structure now embodies the Green House® skilled nursing model, complete with kitchens on every floor, abundant natural light, warm and spacious gathering spaces, a new café, rehab gym, chapel and courtyard. This represents a dramatic departure from the traditional nursing home experience.
A Skilled Nursing Residence that Feels like Home
“What’s so unique about our model is that we’ve combined contemporary design elements with the traditional concept of making one’s home as warm and inviting as possible.” He added, “In essence, we are going back to our roots.”
Rather than relying on a single central kitchen as traditional nursing homes do, CJNH features two modern kitchens on each of its three residential floors. This design choice is fundamental to the renovation’s success. The presence of freshly-cooked food aromas throughout the facility reinforces the home-like atmosphere. Residents enjoy autonomy in selecting their meals and determining when to eat. Fireplaces in living rooms and spacious dining areas create welcoming environments for residents to gather and share meals together.
The lower lobby contains the chapel and staff offices. The main lobby level provides access to a café and bakery, rehab gym, and salon and spa. Three upper floors accommodate up to 120 residents total.
The Nursing Home of the Future
Beyond its role as a renovated skilled nursing facility, CJNH exemplifies an emerging direction in senior care. “We believe this model of care has the potential to change the face of nursing homes throughout the country,” explains Barry Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “The home environment can easily be replicated by other skilled nursing facilities, vastly improving the quality of life for our nation’s elders.”
About Chelsea Jewish Lifecare
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare stands as a prominent senior living organization, employing more than 1200 people and serving over 800 individuals daily across campuses in Chelsea and Peabody, MA. Through its website at www.chelseajewish.org, Chelsea Jewish Lifecare offers a comprehensive continuum of services dedicated to redefining senior care and reimagining life for those with disabling conditions. The organization’s offerings encompass skilled and short-term rehab residences, specialized care for ALS and MS, traditional and specialized assisted living, memory care, independent living, adult day health, geriatric care management, home care, personal care and hospice agencies—all providing customized and compassionate care.