Enhancing Senior Healthcare: LifeSTEPS Partners with Nursing Students from Jessup and Samuel Merritt Universities

LifeSTEPS partnered with nursing students from Samuel Merritt University and Jessup University to provide hands-on clinical experience while improving healthcare access for seniors in our communities. A total of 14 students participated, delivering personalized care and wellness support at Vintage Oaks and Sierra Sunrise senior housing communities. Notably, Jessup University joined LifeSTEPS’ program for the first time, contributing bilingual students fluent in English and Russian to better serve Eastern European residents.

At Sierra Sunrise senior housing community, Jessup University students played a key role in breaking language barriers and ensuring Russian-speaking seniors received vital healthcare support. Their efforts included weekly blood pressure checks, assistance with medical appointments and personalized wellness interactions. The program concluded with a Health Fair on November 5, featuring interactive health education, live music and sponsorship from Home Depot. With topics like managing chronic pain, the event engaged over 25 residents, providing valuable resources.

Samuel Merritt University students, placed at both Vintage Oaks and Sierra Sunrise, tailored their activities to address residents’ specific health needs. At Vintage Oaks, they focused on nutrition education, helping seniors make informed dietary choices. At Sierra Sunrise, they encouraged physical activity through chair exercises and morning walks, fostering a culture of movement and well-being. Both locations wrapped up the program with resident-led health fairs, featuring cooking demonstrations, fitness activities and wellness resources.

Throughout the 10-week program, student nurses conducted regular health assessments and worked closely with LifeSTEPS’ Health and Housing Liaison to monitor residents’ well-being. Their contributions—from health screenings and educational workshops to one-on-one coaching—made a lasting impact. Moving forward, LifeSTEPS remains committed to expanding these partnerships, ensuring vulnerable seniors continue to receive the high-quality, accessible healthcare support they deserve.

LifeSTEPS has led the way with innovative healthcare solutions, including the “Housing Plus Services: RN Coaching” pilot program in partnership with USA Properties Fund Inc. This community-based initiative placed registered nurses on-site, providing essential support that helped older residents of affordable housing maintain their independence and avoid nursing home admissions. The program’s success was profound—preventing 70% of participating residents from premature placement in nursing facilities or emergency room visits while saving nearly $1.2 million annually in medical costs. This groundbreaking approach earned the prestigious 2020 HUD Secretary’s Healthy Homes Award, reinforcing LifeSTEPS’ commitment to health, housing and aging in place.