One of the standards used to evaluate senior living communities in Massachusetts is the annual survey by the Mass. Department of Public Health. These unannounced exams span several days and look at all aspects of a community, from leadership to dining to nursing. Communities are rated by the number of deficiencies they receive in any given category.

Kara Feraco is the Life Enrichment Director at EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Melrose. She has been at EPOCH for about 8 years and is a Melrose native. She now lives in Medford. Kara is also working toward becoming a nurse.

Participating in worthwhile efforts within the greater community is a big part of what EPOCH does, from Daffodil Days to the Alzheimer's Memory Walk.

Residents at EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Melrose met with family and friends for the Sweet Table and Social last week.