This article appeared in the October 11, 2013 Jewish Advocate.

EPOCH center provides a home to seniors with higher expectations

Boylston Place at Chestnut Hill offers exclusive lifestyle to those of appropriate means

By Susie Davidson

Special to the Advocate

Boylston Place at Chestnut Hill is located at 615 Heath St.Residents of Boylston Place at Chestnut Hill enjoy an exclusive lifestyle synonymous with a higher socioeconomic status. But the main focus is on their health, fitness, independence, and well-being.

According to materials made available by the independent assisted living and respite-care center, the vitality of each resident is both paramount and actively cultivated. Personal goals are set; group interaction is fostered in daily activities; and physical, mental and emotional wellness are all developed to the fullest potential.

So no, those who live in this idyllic community do not sit around being served. But, as its website stresses, the environment is also definitely not like that of other area independentliving or assisted-living communities.

“Because of the intimate, boutique style of our community,” said Executive Director Laura Crosby, “we are able to offer more personalized service and attention to our residents.” Such offerings include chauffeur and car, valet parking, daily towel service, 24-hour concierge, and a 24-hour nurse on site. “We aim to cater to their wishes,” she said.

High school friends Rhoda and Sadie, residents of Boylston Place at Chestnut Hill, are 103 and 104 years old, respectively.Located at 615 Heath St. in the tony area south of Route 9 (currently exploding with new, upscale development), Boylston Place is owned and operated by the EPOCH Senior Living organization. It is situated adjacent to EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Chestnut Hill, where residents receive traditional longterm care services, short-term rehabilitation, respite services, and memory care. Seniors who are therefore looking to relocate to the complex have a choice between two highquality living centers. Those of appropriate means who are more independent, and who wish to experience optimal individual growth while remaining active and engaged, will opt for the higher-end Boylston Place. And should their situations change, more acute medical care is close by at EPOCH Senior Healthcare. According to the website, there is no other provider in Chestnut Hill that can offer such a spectrum of services.

Residents of Boylston Place at Chestnut Hill enjoy arts and crafts.Residents at Boylston Place generally come from surrounding towns such as Needham, Newton, Natick, Weston, Wayland, Brighton, Brookline and, of course, Chestnut Hill. The center aims to perpetuate their local and family-oriented ambiance, as well as the full social lives to which they are accustomed.

And if they can’t get there, the center brings it to them. “Recently, we broadcast the wedding of one of our resident’s granddaughters via Skype in our cinema room,” Crosby told The Advocate. “We decorated, and had a lovely reception for family and friends who could not attend the wedding.” She said that guests dressed up, and enjoyed appetizers and champagne, as they viewed the wedding in real time. “It was a big hit,” she said.

Seniors enjoy a 2011 wintertime event at Boylston Place at Chestnut Hill.Two Boylston Place residents reconnected after not seeing one another since high school. (Those days were long ago - one, Sadie, is 104 and the other, Rhoda, is 103.) Crosby said that both women are still going strong. “They found each other here and are enjoying life to the fullest,” she said, adding that Sadie recently told Rhoda that she was going to take her to the Natick Collection to help her pick out a new dress for her upcoming birthday party.

“Another resident is active on several Brookline boards and committees, and is on the go all the time,” said Crosby.

Residents returned the praiseworthy sentiment. “It’s a beautiful environment,” said Mrs. Yucell. “Food is prepared for you, and is delicious.” She added that special requests are also taken.

“For me, it is very important that they have a variety of educational programs,” said Mr. Yucell. “I look forward to reading my weekly schedule. ”

Another resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said she is “very happy here, because I have my independence and I can choose what I want to do.” She added that the nursing staff was very devoted to her husband, too. “The staff is very friendly, but most important for me is that I’m allowed to keep my cat!” she said.

Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments range from 390 to 1,200 square feet in size. Rates vary, according to size and assistance needed, but Crosby quoted a range of $5,850 to $13,500 per month. It is all-inclusive, with services including, but not limited to, three meals per day, housekeeping, daily fresh towel service, all activities, a car and driver, 24- hour staff, assistance if needed, and other personalized service.

Other amenities include assisted living offerings that one might expect in nicer centers, such as a kitchenette or a full kitchen, a full emergency-response system, individually controlled central heating and cooling, private baths with stepin showers and window treatments. But outside of the apartments, residents enjoy a library with a fireplace, and a parlor with a baby grand piano and a limestone fireplace. There is a full-service restaurant with featured shows; a kitchen and lounge; a country kitchen; an arts and media center with Internet access; a modern cinema; private dining room; and a health and fitness club. In addition, there are whirlpool spas; a gift shop; a convenience store; pharmacy services; patios and sun decks; an English courtyard; a full-service salon; and a card and game room. There is also underground parking. As mentioned previously, fitness gets top billing at the center. With the belief that strength and endurance can greatly enhance personal health, the program incorporates aerobics, balance, exercise groups, stretching, flexibility, and light-resistance training. And with an equal focus on the inner self, residents can participate in yoga, Tai Chi or dance. An on-site Fitness Director facilitates personalized training and participation with options that include a spa and whirlpool, massage therapy, group exercise, cardiovascular equipment, and balance and strength training.

It’s obvious that above all, Boylston Place residents enjoy prime living in a caring environment. “At Boylston Place, we believe that once you’re a member of our family, you will always be a member of our family,” its website notes. “We provide an enjoyable, comfortable and dignified lifestyle in gracious surroundings, complemented by high-quality healthcare services. We’re committed to being the residence of choice for seniors.”

Boylston Place at Chestnut Hill is located at 615 Heath St. For more information, call (617) 244-6400.