NYC Health + Hospitals Honors Nursing Home Resident Centenarian Carmen Augustin at Age 112
Augustin was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 1914
Mar 25, 2026
NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler honored Carmen Augustin marking her 112th birthday celebration. Augustin is the oldest long-term care resident across the health system’s five skilled nursing facilities, and among the city’s oldest living New Yorkers. Born 1914 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Augustin spent most of her early adulthood managing a local market and teaching young children after school. She immigrated to the United States in 1984, joining her sister in Queens, New York.
Augustin has lived through significant historical events from the rise of aviation, the Spanish flu pandemic, World Wars, 19 United States Presidents, the transformative advancements of the phone, computer, artificial intelligence, among many others. In 2010, Augustin was welcomed to NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler and has resided there ever since. She enjoys singing in French and Creole with the residents and staff in its award-winning memory care unit, and spending time with her family.
As part of the celebration, Ms. Augustin received a special message from the Office of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recognizing her as one of the City’s oldest living New Yorkers and proclaiming March 24, 2026, as “Carmen Augustin Day”:
“Carmen is an authentic New Yorker, embodying the bold and radiant soul that defines the five boroughs. She stands not only as a living testament to the strength and enduring triumph of the human spirit, but also to the great pinnacle of joy and personal fulfillment that can be achieved here as well.”
“In her lifetime, Ms. Augustin has touched the lives of so many generations and built an inspiring legacy rooted in love and resilience. Our Coler Memory Care community is proud to be among her many chapters, and we look forward to more singing, dancing, and celebrating future birthdays,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler Chief Executive Officer Nataliya Yakovleva, LNHA, LMSW.
“Celebrating Carmen Augustin’s remarkable 112th birthday is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and rich life experiences that define our communities. From her early years in Haiti to building a life here in New York, Carmen’s story reflects the enduring spirit of generations who have shaped our city. As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every older New Yorker is treated with dignity, respect, and the highest quality of care. I am especially grateful to the dedicated staff at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler for providing compassionate, person-centered care that allows residents like Carmen to continue to thrive, connect, and celebrate life’s milestones. We honor Carmen today not only for her longevity, but for the joy, culture, and legacy she shares with all of us,” said New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging.
“Carmen has been surrounded by the unwavering care and compassion of the Coler Memory Care Unit (MCU) team, who have developed a profound and heartfelt connection with her,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler Associate Director of Nursing Deepa Vinoo, DNP, RN. “Their dedication and warmth make her 112th birthday even more remarkable, and they are deeply honored to celebrate this incredible milestone alongside her.”
“At 112 years young, Carmen reminds us every day why individualized engagement matters,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler Activity Therapist Christopher Wittman, CDP. “By focusing on the music and activities she loves, we create a therapeutic space that honors her life-long journey. Our award-winning approach to memory care is built on the belief that honoring a resident’s unique spirit is the key to true resilience.”
“Today, we celebrated my aunt’s 112th birthday, which is a testament to her strength and love for life. She would always tell us that her goal was to reach 115 years, and we’re confident she will get there with the love and support of those around her,” said Marie Baron, Grandniece of Resident Carmen Augustin.
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Media Contact: Rafael Dominguez, NYC Health + Hospitals/Post-Acute Care
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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler
NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler is an 815-bed skilled nursing facility located in Roosevelt Island, providing comprehensive skilled nursing, medical and rehabilitative care for more than 70 years. Coler is committed to serving New York City and the surrounding communities, while setting an example as a leader in memory care programming and rehabilitation. Ranked #11 in New York’s “Best Nursing Homes 2026” by Newsweek and received a rating of “High-Performing” in Long-Term Care and Short-Term Rehabilitation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nursing Homes 2026, the facility earned a Five-Star CMS rating which designates them among the top 10 percent of skilled nursing facilities in the country. The facility also ranks in the top 1st quintile in the New York State Department of Health Nursing Home Quality Pool. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/coler.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation, serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
