“We want to thank your staff for taking such good care of our mom since she moved into EPOCH in 2001. We often wondered if we had done the right thing, if we had moved Mom into assisted living too soon. So many times along this journey, the wellness staff helped us along, sharing insights, wisdom and comfort through their experiences caring for EPOCH residents. From the truly amazing and inspiring members of your memory club, activities and fitness center, maintenance department, kitchen wizards and front desk staff, transportation and housekeeping, and of course the extraordinary angels in Bridges, everyone we ever met and befriended at EPOCH treated Mom with genuine sensitivity, friendliness and compassion. Your team laughed with Mom, encouraged her, stimulated her, and as us as well, offered sympathetic understanding and guidance at our most difficult times. We appreciate everything your team did to make Mom’s days and nights as safe, comfortable and pleasant as possible. Mom did not want us to worry about her or fear for her welfare and safety; thanks to all the very special angels at EPOCH, we never did.”
Barry & Elliot Waterman, Sons

“I am a geriatric doctor and medical director at Evergreen House Health Center in East Providence. When my mother graduated from 80 days of rehab at my facility after her stroke, we found EPOCH, and bless that day... Good food, social stimulation, intellectual programs and chair aerobics have brought mom back to thriving health. Her nursing team has kept track of her every need, medication, and many visits to medical specialists and the dentist. I am a doctor, but I can come and just be her son.”
Dr. Allen Dennison, Son

“For 6+ years, my husband and I have had a family member living with you. My father—in-law was first. He was alone after the loss of my mother-in law. He made friends and was at peace while he was there. Then my mom called and said, “We can’t do it anymore. We need help.” With the support of your staff we moved them here. In selecting an apartment, I tried to duplicate their lovely, sunny Florida apartment. When my Mom first saw the EPOCH apartment, she cried. It was bright, sunny and lovely. In May, my dad celebrated his 95th birthday. He is fragile but always treated with respect and dignity. I work professionally with seniors and have the opportunity to be in many assisted living facilities - EPOCH on the East Side is the best. I am grateful for the love, care and nurturing you have provided for all our family members.”
Bonnie Ryvicker, Daughter

“What makes EPOCH special is the staff. They know your name and everything important to us. The dining staff is friendly and prompt — ever meal is a pleasure. My nursing assistant gives me attention when I need it and senses when I need to be alone. I signed up for three different theater subscriptions. That’s as good as being in NY and much easier! While I miss my old friends, I am making some new ones.”
Franny, Resident

Resident Name:

Henry E. Kates

Family Member:

Dorianne Kates

Tell us your personal story... what were the early signs that your loved one needed more support? How were those signs dealt with and what made you decide living at home was no longer an option for your loved one?

My father had a subdural hematoma that required two surgeries. He was living in NYC and it became clear that he was having some issues that made living alone a challenge. He also needed some help managing medication and some personal care.

How has life changed since your loved one made the move to EPOCH... for both your loved one and your family?

My father seems to thrive on routine and familiarity. The staff at EPOCH is absolutely wonderful – so supportive and loving. I feel secure knowing that he is cared for and about.

How has EPOCH helped your loved ones?

It has relieved him of some of the expectations of his life in NYC. He is free to manage his own time at his own pace. There is no pressure to perform as the businessman he once was.

How has EPOCH helped your family

EPOCH has given us tremendous peace of mind. My father did not want to be a burden to any of his family members (even though I wanted him to come and live with me!) I know that he is safe and well cared for.

How do you think EPOCH will help future residents and other families?

EPOCH made a very difficult transition a pleasant and easy one. They supported the whole family – not just my dad.

What was your loved one passionate about prior to his or her diagnosis? Can he or she continue to pursue those passions at EPOCH?

My dad was a businessman and entrepreneur. While he can’t pursue this path any longer, he is able to finds enough things to keep him busy. He also loved to exercise – he continues this at EPOCH quite nicely!

What hobbies does your loved one enjoy doing at EPOCH?

My dad loves crossword puzzles and trivia games. He continues to do both at EPOCH.

Tell us about the care your loved one receives from the EPOCH team.

The EPOCH team is an amazing one. The work with my father and myself to come up with the best plan. They are always available to talk with us about anything.

How has moving to EPOCH changed the way you spend time together?

It is much easier to spend time together. I do not have to worry that my father has wandered off or become lost. He takes pride in his living accommodations and I am a guest rather than a visitor.

Please share a favorite story of your loved one's time at EPOCH.

My father has always been outgoing and friendly. Over the past year I have seen him withdraw a bit because he does not remember things as well as he once did. One night he was dancing with the staff as a resident played the piano. He had a wonderful time and I know it made him feel like his old self!

Resident Name:

Elaine Liberman

What do you like best about living at EPOCH?

All the residents are very friendly. My family doesn’t have to worry about one. Wellness will call them if I’m ill. It’s an attractive place to live. It’s very clean. There are choices of activities.

What is the one most special thing about living at EPOCH?

You are well taken care of, if you need any help, but can still feel independent. You’re free to stay in your room or got to the various activities.

Tell us about relationships you’ve formed upon moving in.

Everyone says “hello” and is friendly. I knew some of the residents before I moved in. I play games with different people. I haven’t got a “special” buddy. At night I eat with the same 3 woman, but at lunch different people wherever.

Tell us about the staff.

They are very kind and considerate. Judy, the fitness director, keeps you feeling fit and knows what you can or should not do. The wait staff is very helpful and tries hard to please you.

Describe your typical day at EPOCH.

I get out of bed at 7:30 and have breakfast in my room (coffee, 2 crackers, 1/2 slice of Swiss cheese, applesauce, 1/3 banana). My daughter calls me at 8:30, I get dressed, Mon, Wed, Fri I go to chair exercise, Thurs morn Tai Chi, play Rummikub at 11, after lunch go to 2:00 program or play Bridge. I rest 1 to 2 hours in afternoon. Sometimes see the movie in my room or read.

What is your favorite activity? Favorite entertainment?

Rick Benjamin’s poetry class is the highlight of the week. I try never to miss a program of classical music. I like lectures, such as Gary Hylender.

How have our services and amenities made life easier for you?

I don’t have to worry about individual living expenses or bills or food shopping or transportation. There’s a certain routine of knowing what to expect each day.

Describe your apartment.

It is the most attractive one in the whole building. I have 7 windows and a beautiful view of the Seekonk River. I have 14 plants (3 hang up at the windows). I like the shape of the room, even though it’s only one room it seems like two. It’s very comfortable. I can adjust the temperature the way I want it to feel. It is bright and usually very sunny.

Tell us about the dining experience.

We have many choices. I am used to a low salt diet. Sometimes I can’t eat what I’ve chosen. I can ask for something else. I think the wait staff could be better organized. Wait can be 15 minutes between courses. We need better choices of fresh vegetables.

What does your family have to say about the community?

My family is very pleased with the care that I get at Epoch and the programs that are available.

How has EPOCH changed your life?

A complete different life is available for me at my age.

What made you choose us over other communities?

I wanted to stay on the East Side of Providence. I had friends who were here and I visited as a guest at Epoch many times. I wanted to rent and not buy. I can for 3 months; after 2 weeks I wanted to remain.

Tell us about the care and supportive services you've received.

When I needed to go to the hospital, they sent me immediately and made sure I had transportation back to Epoch. My blood pressure is taken whenever I ask them. When I have been sick (rarely) a nurse checks me to see how I am feeling.

Tell us about the peace of mind that comes with knowing more care is available if needed.

During the day I don’t have to worry. But from 8PM to 11AM a nurse isn’t scheduled. I’m told a nurse from Bridges is on duty during those hours.

Would you like to share a favorite story?

One evening a waiter from the dining room met me at the door, holding out his hand. In it was two rings of mine. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know they were not on my finger. I had a guard on the finger, so they wouldn’t slip off. John had found them on the floor. He had asked several people until I was the only one left from the table I was sitting at. One was a very valuable diamond ring. Honesty – Integrity!

Resident Name:

Cecilia Katz

What do you like best about living at EPOCH?

My husband Joseph and I lived here about 3 years and now I am here alone at Epoch with all the loving help I am getting at age 92.

What is the one most special thing about living at EPOCH?

All the staff is very attentive to my needs (hopefully not too many). Epoch is a clean and pretty place to be. I am well adjusted to this Epoch community.

Tell us about relationships you’ve formed upon moving in.

I have formed good relationships with most of the residents, especially in the various activities that we participate in together. Karen the activities director sees to it that we keep busy all the time!

Tell us about the staff.

The administrator and her staff are very concerned about our well-being. The wait staff is unbelievingly aware of what each person likes to eat. Nurses are always there when needed. The receptionists and maintenance are very helpful.

Describe your typical day at EPOCH.

Get up, dressed, have breakfast, go to exercise class (3 times a week), read paper or play Rummikub, small lunch in room, teach Yiddish class once a week or participate in current events, go to scheduled entertainment, have dinner, watch a movie or television, go to bed at 10 o’clock.

What is your favorite activity? Favorite entertainment?

My favorite activity is armchair aerobics, drama group, music, movie review class and even poetry class and many other activities; too many to mention.

How have our services and amenities made life easier for you?

Surely – I truly enjoy not have to shop for groceries, cook and clean my house. The driver takes me to my Temple, physician or purchases I need to make.

Describe your apartment.

Living room, bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 3 closets and it is a very sunny bright apartment. My flowers and I love it!

Tell us about the dining experience.

The food is good and nutritious. I really like breakfast. There are so many choices. I usually skip lunch – have some yogurt and crackers followed by a full dinner at about 5:15 o’clock.

What does your family have to say about the community?

My family who comes to see me live in VA and Maryland like the Epoch community very much. They come here very frequently, they know that I am comfortable here. In fact, my daughter has a chat with many residents that know her well by now.

How has EPOCH changed your life?

Yes, it changed our life quite a bit. For 46 years we lived in Greenville, RI. We have our homebuilt there. It was a quiet neighborhood, just six houses in this called Whispering Pine Street. Lots of trees, our son and daughter grew up in this then rural community.

What made you choose us over other communities?

Because of our age we had to make a decision to move, to be near a synagogue, our many physicians and friends at Epoch that my husband and I had visited, and so we decided to join this good community!

Tell us about the care and supportive services you've received.

Wellness was with its caring nurses helping us through our episodes of illness and even after recovery making sure that we would be able to be active members of this community again.

Tell us about the peace of mind that comes with knowing more care is available if needed.

I never really worried about not being taken care. All I have to do push a button or call and help is on the way. Though I am living among many other people now, I can still be independent and not isolated in the winter.

Would you like to share a favorite story?

On my 92nd birthday – our “Poetry Professor and Teacher” presented me with a scrapbook with 18 poems which my husband Joseph had written, illustrated by a family friend who is a famous artist. I was so touched by their kindness and thoughtfulness.

Resident Name:

Lynne Silver

What do you like best about living at EPOCH?

No cooking – good meals served with courtesy and some “kidding”.

What is the one most special thing about living at EPOCH?

I can speak to anyone on staff at any time.

Tell us about relationships you’ve formed upon moving in.

Many residents and all staff members that deal with us.

Tell us about the staff.

All members of the staff are courteous. Then there are some who have become close friends (the kissing kind). If someone is ever rude – out they go.

Describe your typical day at EPOCH.

Late sleeper so start with brunch – afternoon entertainment or two. I usually can manage a short nap (I am 93).

What is your favorite activity? Favorite entertainment?

Activity is bingo. All musical programs – certain lectures. I like history speakers.

How have our services and amenities made life easier for you?

No cooking – no cleaning – and more than a few friends.

Describe your apartment.

1 room and bath – Pullman kitchen.

Tell us about the dining experience.

If you eat with friends – regularly it is good – if with “strangers” less good.

What does your family have to say about the community?

My family lives in this community – East Side. They say little about the residents.

How has EPOCH changed your life?

It has relieved me of all chores that previously were a burden. I have also met some new and interesting people.

What made you choose us over other communities?

Proximity to my children and a great reputation. They checked it out first.

Tell us about the care and supportive services you've received.

Luckily I have no need for care. I am independent.

Tell us about the peace of mind that comes with knowing more care is available if needed.

A very good feeling if needed.

Resident Name:

Lorraine Hudson

Family Member:

Madolin Maxey

Tell us your personal story... what were the early signs that your loved one needed more support? How were those signs dealt with and what made you decide living at home was no longer an option for your loved one?

For a year or longer, my mother had slowed down on her community activities and time with friends. Her hearing was becoming worse and isolating. By the Summer of 2010, she was angry, confused, raging at imagined slights or insults, and simply not herself. We brought her to Providence to stay with us during large snowstorm in January 2011. Her breathing became labored, she was pale and nauseous, and so at night we rushed her to the hospital. She needed immediate pacemaker surgery. That finalized the decision that my mother should move to EPOCH after a stay in rehab. We took advantage of the respite care program and after three months, mother expressed a desire to live at EPOCH Assisted Living on the East Side near us. We talked together and she was ready for the move.

How has life changed since your loved one made the move to EPOCH... for both your loved one and your family?

Life is calmer now. Fears for mother’s safety and well-being have lessened. When we visit, we can enjoy one another and live in the moment knowing that the daily little worries are shouldered by EPOCH.

How has EPOCH helped your loved ones?

Mother once again has a social and intellectual life. Her world had been closing in when she lived alone. Her poor hearing limited her participation in social committees. Mother was always the one who drove her friends to lunch, but she began to worry in winter and stopped going out. Now when I drop by EPOCH, mother may be off to her gym class, lunching with friends, attending a lecture, or at one of the many activities. I am delighted that she is sometimes too busy to visit with me.

How has EPOCH helped your family

Our family is small, a line of only child daughters. My husband and I are the only relative that mother has in New England. But EPOCH has become our family. Our friends love to drop in to visit my mother and always mention feeling welcomed by the EPOCH staff. EPOCH sits conveniently by the grocery store, drug store, and cleaners. It is so easy to drop by for a few minutes during my shopping trips to see Mother and be treated as family by the EPOCH staff.

How do you think EPOCH will help future residents and other families?

We have already recommended EPOCH to people who have gone on to become residents. Their families talk of the great relief to have a place like EPOCH where the staff is so loving and attentive. The location is ideal being near the shops for residents who like to walk out on their own or with family. The main advantage of EPOCH Assisted Living on the East Side is the ability for residents to pay monthly, particularly in the beginning during a time of transition and life-style changes. It seems less of a grand end-of-life decision and more of a smooth move into an adult apartment setting.

What was your loved one passionate about prior to his or her diagnosis? Can he or she continue to pursue those passions at EPOCH?

Mother always worked when she lived in Washington, DC, first in law and later in banking. Her passion was her work. When she moved to Rhode Island twenty years ago to be near us, she settled in Wickford and became involved in the North Kingstown Senior Center, finally as its vice-president for many years. But she is in her 90’s now and doesn’t want to run committees and plan events. She is delighted to be at EPOCH and take part in all the festivities without having to lift a finger!

What hobbies does your loved one enjoy doing at EPOCH?

Mother isn’t a hobby person. Books are her interest and sadly her reading has slowed in recent months. She does enjoy the lectures, especially history, and special events at EPOCH because they are like bringing a book to life.

Tell us about the care your loved one receives from the EPOCH team.

Mother is pretty independent bur relies on the Wellness Center for her medications. Having never been on any medications until two years ago, it was all confusing and beyond her capability to figure out doses and times. Just the casual chats with staff in the halls mean a lot to mother. The staff always knows what she is interested in, what activities or trips our family is planning, or friends who have come to lunch recently. The sense that she is safe and surrounded by her EPOCH family is calming to my mother.

How has moving to EPOCH changed the way you spend time together?

All the small day-to-day hassles and worries Mother may have are whisked away rapidly by someone on the EPOCH staff. Maybe with just a quick hug or a simple explanation. So time with us can be loving, relaxing, and playful.

Please share a favorite story of your loved one's time at EPOCH.

Halloween. My proper and restrained mother loves Halloween. She loves the tiny children parading through the EPOCH lobby visiting grandparents. And my mother loves dressing up in costume! Her first year at EPOCH she dressed as a witch with a scraggly gray wig, black clothing, scarves tied all around her waist, and crazy mismatched socks. Mother being a normally reserved person, it took staff members some time to figure out it was Lorraine. This past Halloween Mother asked me to make her into a geisha. Luckily I am an artist with friends in the theater. I had kimono and fan; my friend had a Mikado wig. The screams and peals of laughter up & down the halls as person after person saw my mother as a geisha was priceless.