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Jewish Senior Life Chief Medical Officer Honored with Carter Catlett Williams Award

 

(March 31, 2023 – ROCHESTER, NY) On Thursday, March 30, Dr. Daniel Mendelson, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Services at Jewish Senior Life, was awarded the prestigious Carter Catlett Williams Award for Excellence in Aging or Long-term Care Services. The award recognizes unsung heroes who are making remarkable contributions in the field of aging or long-term care services.

The Carter Catlett Williams Award was presented at Lifespan’s annual Celebration of Aging, an event aimed at ending ageism and promoting a more positive view of aging. The luncheon was hosted at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center and featured former Buffalo Bills quarterback, Jim Kelly.

Carter Catlett Williams, a Rochester social worker, co-founded the Pioneer Network, an organization that has helped revolutionize the way people live and work in nursing homes. Williams’ advocacy and vision have led to many reforms and have significantly enhanced the quality of life for those living in nursing homes. Williams’ impact can be seen through The Eden Alternative for person-centered long-term care and The Green House Project, which has been emulated on Jewish Senior Life’s campus.

Dr. Mendelson, who joined Jewish Senior Life in 2022, was recognized for his dedication and contributions to the field of geriatrics, palliative medicine, and person-centered care. Mendelson’s belief in “de-medicalizing elderhood” aligns with Williams’ vision, and he says, “We cannot possibly cure every disease or solve every problem, but we can always be humane, diligent, and try to do the right thing for each person.”

Mendelson had the honor of knowing Carter and learning from her and her husband, Dr. T. Franklin Williams, a former head of the National Institute of Aging and a pioneer in geriatrics. Carter and her husband trained many in the field of geriatrics and have been role models for countless trainees. Mendelson notes that Carter was a force to be reckoned with and never backed down when it came to advocating for those living in nursing homes.

In receiving the Carter Catlett Williams Award, Mendelson expressed his gratitude, saying, “I would hardly say I am unsung, but I am truly humbled to be recognized by Lifespan.” Mendelson’s dedication to improving the quality of life for seniors and his contributions to the field of geriatrics make him a well-deserved recipient of the Carter Catlett Williams Award.

 

About Jewish Senior Life:

Serving people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, Jewish Senior Life is Rochester’s only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Guided by the values of honoring family and aging in place, Jewish Senior Life offers all levels of care on a single campus, from independent living to skilled nursing care, along with a variety of programs and services for people living outside its campus.

Jewish Senior Life has CARF International accreditation for high quality and customer satisfaction, and has been certified as a Great Place to Work® since 2020. Its affiliate, the Jewish Home, has been recognized as a Newsweek Best Nursing Homes 2023 and U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Home for Long Term Care and Short-Term Rehabilitation 2022-2023. For more information, visit www.jewishseniorlife.org or www.facebook.com/jewishseniorlife.

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