NORTH BETHESDA, Md. (September 9, 2026) – Landow House and Cohen-Rosen House, the award-winning assisted living residence and the dedicated memory care residence at Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC), are partnering with the University of Maryland School of Nursing to study how volunteering impacts motivation, sense of purpose and overall well-being in older adults.
The study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, is led by Principal Investigator N. Jennifer Klinedinst, PhD, RN, MPH, of the University of Maryland School of Nursing, in collaboration with Elisa Gil-Pires, MD, FACP, CMD, CPE, CESLC’s executive vice president of medical affairs, chief medical officer and medical director; Kathleen Triggs, Landow House and Cohen-Rosen House executive director; and leadership and associates at both residences.
“We know from anecdotal experience that an increased level of engagement plays a beneficial role for many of our residents, including those experiencing cognitive decline,” said Dr. Gil-Pires. “This study gives us the means to quantify that hypothesis with data and use this information, specifically about volunteerism, to strengthen our own approach and make a meaningful difference for the broader assisted living community.”
Up to 28 residents living with mild to moderate dementia will each take part in the study for six months. Each resident will be matched to a volunteer role tailored to their individual interests and abilities.
The participating residents will complete assessments regarding their memory, confidence performing their volunteer role, and sense of purpose before their activity, at three months, and again at six months.
Participants will also wear a MotionWatch, a movement-tracking device, for five days around each assessment point to measure whether volunteering reduces the time they spend idle during the day.
“Volunteering can reduce sedentary behavior and greatly improve quality of life by providing residents with a sense of purpose within the community,” said Dr. Klinedinst. “This is a critical need for residents who are experiencing cognitive decline. In this study, we intend to show that the Volunteering-in-Place (VIP) Program can help residents with cognitive impairment to engage in a volunteer activity with specialized support that will lead to more confidence in their ability to volunteer and increase engagement in the community.”
A pilot of the study conducted within other assisted living communities showed encouraging early results.
About Charles E. Smith Life Communities
Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) is a Jewish, nonprofit, nationally recognized leader in senior living and health care located in Montgomery County, Maryland. CESLC is committed to being the provider of choice for innovative programs and services that enrich and enhance the quality of life for older adults.
Founded in 1910 to house Jewish older adults in need, CESLC has grown into a vibrant community serving more than 1,400 older adults of all faiths and backgrounds. Today, CESLC offers a full continuum of senior living, health care, and community-based services on its 38-acre North Bethesda campus and throughout the region through Hirsh Health Center, SmithLife® Homecare, and other specialized programs.
Our campus includes independent living, affordable and middle-market senior housing, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care—creating communities that meet the evolving needs and expectations of today’s older adults.
