EPOCH Starts Alzheimer's Training at 16 Senior Communities

WALTHAM, MA – EPOCH Senior Living has announced that it is expanding its Alzheimer’s/dementia training for employees at all its Bridges and Waterstone communities.

Christine Brooks, Executive Director at Bridges by EPOCH at Sudbury, is a certified Alzheimer's disease and dementia trainer who, in addition to her duties at Sudbury, has volunteered to train staff at EPOCH Senior Living communities.

“It’s so important for everyone who works with our residents to understand the signs of dementia – repetitive behavior, paranoia, wandering, aggressive behavior. These are just some communication issues that can result in misunderstandings that can be upsetting for residents and staff. People with dementia need us to advocate for them.’’ said Brooks.

Currently, 5.8 million Americans are living with AD with this number projected to rise to nearly 14 million people by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The first group of Life Enrichment Directors at EPOCH completed their training on September 19 and Brooks said the next training of 12 employees would take place later this month at Waterstone of Lexington at Lexington Mass.

Brooks, who has been in the senior living field for 24 years, said that she has always been drawn to caring for people with dementia, but that when it hit her family 10 years ago, she became personally aware of the toll it can take on families. It was then that she decided to become a certified Alzheimer's disease and dementia trainer.

“Our family has been living with this every day for the past 10 years. I’ve learned so much that has helped my own family. I just wanted to be able to share that with everyone,” she said.

Laurie Gerber, Chairperson of Epoch Senior Living, said that the dementia training is part of a larger company-wide program to improve culture, employee satisfaction, and customer service at the company’s 16 communities throughout the Northeast.

“Our commitment to our residents includes ensuring that we have the most comprehensive training of our staff. It’s one of the reasons why we have been recognized for excellence in dementia care with the Purple Flag for Dementia Care ™ accreditation, as well as recognition by US News as one of the best senior living communities.”

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About EPOCH Senior Living

Waltham-based EPOCH Senior Living has been a leader in New England senior living since 1997. Known for delivering outstanding experiences and purpose-built properties, the organization currently operates 11 Bridges® by EPOCH communities and five Waterstone Senior Living communities throughout the Northeast. EPOCH is committed to providing premier residences, high-touch services and wellness opportunities that enable seniors to enjoy comfortable, healthy and dignified lifestyles in gracious settings. Bridges® by EPOCH is New England's largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.’