Art, in many forms, is a hugely popular activity at senior living communities across the country, and at EPOCH in particular. We’ve held resident art shows, featured resident art in our communities, and even have a few professional artists living in our communities. Whatever the vehicle, art is a wonderful way for seniors to express creativity and individuality in a calming and often therapeutic way. ALFA, the Assisted Living Federation of America, is holding a senior living art showcase this month and they’re seeking submissions from senior artists across the country. Two winners will be chosen, and paintings will be judged on how well they answer the question, “What makes a pleasant day for you?”

Click 'Read more' to learn about how to submit your entry.

At EPOCH Senior Living, we take employee wellness seriously. It’s no secret that employees working with companies that place an emphasis on wellness initiatives are happier in their jobs, are more productive, and, of course, enjoy greater physical and mental wellness. We’ve seen our EPOCH team pursue wellness in a number of ways, from walking initiatives to healthy potlucks to blood pressure checks and more.

At EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Brewster, the Wellness Team there is making great process in transforming part of their break room into a relaxation area. They’ve separated a portion of the space from the rest of the room with a screen featuring relaxing outdoor imagery, and they’ll soon include comfortable chairs and a reading rack with materials focused on wellness.

EPOCH and its fantastic employees have spent a good deal of time and energy on employee wellness, whether it’s forming walking teams, holding healthy potluck lunches, creating healthy recipe books to share, and much more. Employee wellness doesn’t stop at just the physical, though; EPOCH understands the importance of helping employees maintain a healthy, positive outlook on life as well. That’s why EPOCH leaders have taken steps to help employees who may be anxious or depressed.

Efforts toward increased employee wellness at EPOCH have continued through the summer months. On Cape Cod, at EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Brewster, employees there have taken a number of steps to improve their individual as well as collective well being. One example: fresh fruit at is being offered and encouraged at all community cook-outs, giving all a healthier option for snacking. Staff members also have started a wellness newsletter. It includes tips on nutrition, exercise examples, tips for stress relief, healthy recipes, natural and holistic remedies, and a spotlight feature on an inspiring team member.

The number of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related illnesses continues to grow. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that by 2050, there could be as many as 16 million individuals with Alzheimer’s in the United States.

Such numbers have inspired a slew of resources for individuals, caregivers and families, from blogs and websites to a wave of memory-related health care experts weighing in on the best care for these individuals.