Tamarisk

Mission & Vision

Tamarisk Senior Living, a community of Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS), was built to incorporate traditions while providing a catered Lifestyle with safety and security for residents. Today, Tamarisk continues to respect ALL traditions while offering needed or wanted supportive services, so residents can live an engaged life with dignity and choice. The Tamarisk tree symbolizes hospitality, making all who come here feel welcome, comforted, and protected. Discover Tamarisk and join a community that provides exceptional Assisted Living and Memory Care in Rhode Island.

We are proud to be featured in Assisted Living Magazine for Best in Assisted Living!

Meet the Tamarisk Team

Pamela Morris, MSW

President and CEO of JCS

Pam is responsible for all business, finance and personnel operations for Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS). In that role, she oversees the agency and its professional staff in delivering the highest quality services to the community and all stakeholders. She also directs the planning process for the agency’s future development and growth. Pam has over 30 years’ experience working in senior and human services and is certified in gerontology and long-term care administration.

Helayne Goldstein-Ramirez, LICSW, ALRA, NHA, CDP

Executive Director

Helayne Goldstein-Ramirez brings 20+ years of management experience in senior living and community services. She is licensed as a nursing home administrator, Assisted Living Residence Administrator, Independent Clinical Social Worker, and is Nationally Certified as a Dementia Practitioner. Helayne is also a talented potter, painter, and quiller with a great sense of creativity and fun.

Leigh-Ann Renfro, RN

Director of Resident Care

Leigh-Ann started her career in the non-profit sector over ten years ago and has spent time in home care and senior living. Originally specializing in Sales & Marketing, Leigh-Ann shifted her career to pursue her degree to fulfill her lifelong passion for nursing.

Fran Debras, CNA, CMT

Director of Renaissance Memory

Fran is a compassionate and dedicated member of the Tamarisk team. As a Certified Nursing Assistant and Certified Medication Technician, she has many years of experience working with seniors. Her passion for serving residents and their families is evident in her work with the Renaissance Memory Support Program. Fran is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care, working closely with her team to ensure that residents receive the support they need.

Michele Shull

Director of Community Relations

Michele has worked with residents and their families in varies roles from life enrichment and admissions to community relations. She has cared for residents in SNF, Memory Care and Assisted living and practiced the philosophy of MMIT (Montessori moments in time.)

She is certified in holistic modalities, such as Reiki and Reflexology and utilized them on the integrative care team @ Kent and RI hospital as well as Women and infants. Michele loves anything do with creating and designing, She is an avid writer and gardener.

Lisamarie Carbone

Director of Life Enrichment

Lisamarie began her career 17 years ago as an activity assistant in memory care. Quickly learning that bringing quality of life to the elderly population was her passion, she took every course, class, and program she could, to further her knowledge of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, which has helped her to grow and succeed.

Lisa encourages her residents to try new and exciting things. Always striving to give residents a sense of purpose, providing them with challenging physical and cognitive programs, as well as entertainment, outings, and so much more.

Victoria Rinne

Community Relations Coordinator

James Goncalves

Director of Food Services

David Poole

Director of Facilities

Hear what our residents, family and staff are saying about Tamarisk

“My mother has been at Tamarisk for almost four years now and has thrived since arriving. Although she was not initially happy about giving up her independence at age 94 and moving from the home that she loves, the move to Tamarisk has had wonderful benefits for her. Gone is the loneliness and isolation-replaced by new friendships, mental stimulation, and loving care. Seeing her at the top of her game has made us, her family, thrilled to bits!!! My entire family and I will be forever grateful!”

— Tamarisk Resident’s Daughter

“My mom moved to Renaissance Memory Care and dad to traditional Assisted Living at Tamarisk – This presented certain challenges as they were functioning at different levels. At every step of the way, their medical, psychological, physical, nutritional, and spiritual integrity were top priorities of the entire staff. My mother has found new friends, loves food, and is participating in a wide range of stimulating activities. My father received physical therapy for reconditioning, enjoys newfound dining partners and friends, and is encouraged to visit my mother and continue their relationship in a way which is therapeutic to both. I would highly recommend Tamarisk to anyone searching for highly skilled, kind and compassionate care of their loved one.”

— Tamarisk Resident’s Daughter

“To all who answer the call at Tamarisk during isolation, lock-down, call it what you will…You have shown us how much you care. Rain, sleet, snow or heat you answer the summons when you are needed. You are here, you anticipate our request before we ask, you deliver with a smile, showing us, you go the extra proverbial mile. What you do here often exceeds “job” descriptions, and that kind of care needs no prescription. We thank you all for what you do and hope you know how much we appreciate each one of you. I know I speak for all the residents. I do so with complete confidence.”

— Tamarisk Resident

“Sylvia lived to 99 and Norma to 95…strong and independent they could be amusing and difficult at the same time. But to the credit of the dedicated staff, who understood the emotional side of losing independence and becoming frailer, they were treated with dignity and respect. The staff were a source of strength and comfort to us and guided us through the difficulties we were going through trying to understand the aging process. When Norma became very ill and needed extra care, she was able to stay in her apartment. Her care consisted of her private aides, Hospice nursing and the dedicated Tamarisk Wellness staff. This group of wonderful, caring, talented providers embraced Norma in the last months of her life allowing her to be in her home with the people who knew her and loved her. Norma’s Rhode Island family will forever be grateful to the Tamarisk staff for all that was done to make Tamarisk a “home” for Norma and Sylvia Goldman in their last years.”

— Family of Tamarisk Residents

What is assisted living?

An assisted living residence is for seniors who no longer desire to live alone, who don’t want the burden or responsibility of living in their own homes, or who are no longer able to live alone but don’t require 24-hour, intensive medical care. For a monthly fee, assisted living residences generally offer housing, ranging from studio apartments to one and two bedroom apartments, as well as meals served in a common dining room, personal care assistance, health and medication monitoring, 24-hour emergency response, housekeeping and social and recreational programs.

How do assisted living residences differ from independent living residences?

Independent living residences generally do not include a full meal plan, personal assistance, health monitoring, etc. as part of the monthly fee. Some supportive services may be available at an additional cost.

How is assisted living different from a nursing home?

Assisted living residences offer a home-like environment for people who do not require 24-hour complex medical care. Residents in RI assisted living facilities usually maintain a relatively high degree of independence and privacy in their own apartments.

Who should consider RI assisted living?

Assisted living is a bridge between total independent living and the need for skilled nursing care. The environment is safe, secure, and supportive. It is most appropriate for seniors who wish to maintain a high degree of independence, but may need some help with bathing, dressing, medications, transportation and other assistance. For people whose social life has become limited, assisted living makes it easy and enjoyable to be with other people and to participate in a wide variety of activities. Many assisted living residences also offer separate, secure areas with specialized programs for people in the early to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

What are the benefits of assisted living?

Assisted living provides a safe, secure home-like environment and relieves the resident of many of the responsibilities of home ownership and living alone. Families receive the peace of mind of knowing that their loved ones are in a safe environment where professionals monitor their medications, diet and general health and well-being. Residents, freed of many of their worries, are able to enjoy a better quality of life while remaining independent. With better health and dietary oversight and opportunities for socialization and recreation, residents often become more active, happier and more socially connected than they have been in years.

Are RI assisted living residences licensed?

In Rhode Island, assisted living residences are licensed by the Department of Health and must follow stringent regulations.

Community Photo Gallery

Catch a glimpse of our beautiful community nestled in tranquil gardens that welcome you with warmth and charm. Tamarisk offers opportunities to celebrate what residents cherish most, LIFE.