Carmel Roques

CEO
Keswick

Carmel Roques envisioned broadening Keswick’s services not just for the seniors it serves on campus, but for the community-at-large as well when was named president and CEO of Keswick six years ago.

The senior center developed a new model under Roques’ leadership that enhanced the quality of life for older adults in Baltimore, one that focused on wellness and holistic support. The new model includes social activities, such as gardening and art and disease prevention and health maintenance. Later this year, the center plans to open the Wise & Well Center for Healthy Living, which will serve as a hub for Keswick’s community health programming and a place for older adults to pursue their health and well-being goals.

“Keswick is unique in the way we partner with older adults along their health journey,” Roques says. “The goal is to help them stay home and healthy for as long as possible. We take a holistic approach to aging and that’s unique in this sector.”

Keswick, which has served Maryland’s older adult community for more than 130 years, has on-campus services such as rehabilitaiton, long-term care and adult day services. The organization now also offers community health services such as art engagement programs, brain health classes, yoga, tai chi and cooking and nutrition demonstrations.

Roques is leading Keswick’s efforts to expand, replicate and scale up the organization’s integrated population health approach. These efforts include policy work on the Maryland State Commission on Aging and coordinating programs and services with the Baltimore City Health Department.

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