Bridges by EPOCH at Lexington - Lexington, Massachusetts

Joseph N.

Bridges-Lex provides a high level of safety, comfort, and well- being for our loved one, who requires their highest level of service. Management is exceptionally caring, listening and responsive--always seeking to improve the experience, always accessible, and wonderful. There are many talented, dedicated and caring staff (strongly encouraged by Management, and by exceptional staff leaders). The facility is modern and immaculate, with great activity and entertainment programs every day. The network of in house/onsite services is excellent (e.g. PT/OT/ST; visiting NP-PCPs; Spa; Dental; Footcare and more; all of them coordinate well with the staff and the in-house Wellness Director (a real plus). Family and other visitors are welcome and encouraged, anytime. Input is always welcomed.
Overall, this exceptional facility accepts responsibility and provides tailored comfort and well- being not only for the resident, but for the family-- thus improving many lives. It has our thanks, and strongest recommendation! March, 2025 (after 6 months of residence).

Phil L.

Our mother moved to Bridges in Lexington in December of 2024. Both my brother, Lucian, and I have been incredibly impressed with every aspect of our mother’s care. The intake process, with amply opportunities to ask advice and learn was very beneficial for us. Every staff person we have interacted with has been friendly, competent and caring. They all go above and beyond in caring for our mother. In addition, Bridges recognizes the need for close coordination with family, offering many opportunities to participate in activities, meals, care giver groups and plenty of communication. There is a great team approach with a focus on what is best for each resident. Before we placed our mother in Bridges Lexington we toured several other memory care facilities, Bridges stood head and shoulders above other nearby options. We recommend Bridges without reservations, and it is comforting to know our mother is in great hands with such a caring and compassionate staff.
Sincerely,
Phil and Lucian Lemnios

Meghan R.

My grandmother moved into Bridges last March and despite the decision to move her from home into a community was incredibly difficult, my entire family is so so relieved now that she’s settled in Bridges. One of the hardest things for her is that she’s still very physically active, always on the go and needing things to do to stay busy and the activities there have been such a game-changer for her. The activity director, Emily, comes up with great programs whether they’re big programs or even just things to keep her busy at downtimes, and it’s helped her a lot. She is less anxious having fun and creative things to do. Additionally, all of the staff has been wonderful—always smiling and so patient. They take pride in their work, and love their jobs. The building is beautiful. It has a great courtyard that has a big walking path for her to enjoy when the weather is nice which is super important since she’s so active. The food is great, my grandmother has a gluten sensitivity and they easily have accommodated her and got her gluten free options and alternatives for everything, being creative and making sure she’s not missing out because of it. The caregivers are attentive and patient, just all around we can’t say enough good things. They even have an alpaca visit every month! I highly recommend checking them out if you’re starting the tough journey of looking for a place for your loved one.

David R.

My wife has suffered from Alzheimer's for many years. She became a resident at Bridges by Epoch at Lexington and was there for over two years. It was recommended by a friend who placed his wife there and has lived up to the positive pitch he gave me.

I found the management to be caring and professional. They truly cared about the welfare of the residents and the families' requests. Their policy was to hire only aides who were CNAs and not to rely on agencies to provide transient caregivers. They also assigned the same aides to the same residents on the various shifts so that the residents were always taken care of by familiar faces. I found most of these aides caring and truly interested in my wife's welfare.

The facility is a great place for the residents both inside and out. I spent many hours there daily with my wife and we both felt quite at home. The rooms and common spaces are well-designed and the outdoor space is enjoyable in warmer weather. The residents are never left alone and always in view of at least one of the aides.

I established a good relationship with everyone there which made it feel like family for me and my wife. I give Bridges high marks in every category.

Wendy D.

Lovely Hanukkah program today. Sharon, Melissa, and Emily have been great in helping my husband feel comfortable and engaging him in activities to aid his transition here. Also Luidja, executive director; Shea, wellness director; and Camille, senior advisor; have all provided guidance and support around his care. Nurses are very caring as well.

M

From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this facility feels more like an institution than a home. The receptionist’s demeanor is off putting . Many residents express dissatisfaction and a strong desire to leave. The staff is disrespectful and inconsiderate not to mention badly trained and on several occasions, my mother was left alone on the floor for hours after suffering a stroke.
They don’t bother putting her dentures in or charge and put in her hearing aide. More often than not no one can find anything for her to wear even though she has an outfit for 7 days a week.
They can’t even keep the out fits together with half the bottoms missing. Then two weeks after you have asked about them they throw them in a corner where you would never look. Towels are in the dresser and new outfits thrown in a shelf no one can reach. All crumpled up and discarded.
When you ask at the nurses station who is in charge of the clothes, they yell at you “ do it yourself”
Every time I come there her room is a mess and she can’t eat or hear anything. They brush her teeth with glue and never wash her hair. She’s always badly dressed and smells. This is neglect.

The food is subpar, with ingredients that make many residents hesitant to eat. On Thanksgiving, for example, they served shriveled carrots and bad cuts of turkey that had been sitting out for hours. Residents are often left waiting for meals, with nothing in front of them, sometimes for 45 minutes, after being moved from their rooms—by the time they’re served, the food is unappetizing. They invite guests for Thanksgiving who rsvp to four different people and are still not served the special meal.Some of the staff there didn’t even know that it was a special Thanksgiving dinner with invitations.
Don’t expect any Savoir-Faire here or old world charm.
The staff here are disrespectful and inconsiderate . They only call you to help with your mother’s laundry or cleaning her mess or that she fell and hit her head. Not to invite you to a special lunch for the family or party.
They show all these beautiful photos of people having a nice time but when I go in I see are angry residents not wanting to be with “other old ladies.”
The common areas don’t appeal to the residents, who would rather stay in their rooms. If you want to ensure your loved one gets anything, you need to ask—there’s little initiative from staff. And even then they don’t do it. They have special lunches that half the residents aren’t notified about , left alone in their rooms while everyone else is enjoying a special treat.
The nursing station is often unmanned, making it difficult to reach someone for assistance or even a simple request like a glass of water for your mother. One time I even found the nurse sleeping at her desk.
The library, they tell me, is for their meetings not for residents to enjoy a book !

Despite the pleasant grounds and well-appointed rooms, this place doesn’t provide the kind of service or care that justifies its high cost. For what you’re paying—more than double the tuition at Harvard—you should expect more than basic, minimal care. Most people enjoy their time in their old age homes; here, no one does.

Karen K.

Bridges in Lexington has been taking excellent care of an older friend of mine for several years. I believe my friend is kept in excellent condition, fed a wonderful diet, and receives first-rate medical care.

Jane P.

This really is an outstanding memory care community. Lots of caring folks work here. The leadership is interested in feedback from families and continues to develop more resources for the residents including wonderful entertainment overseen by Emily. Mom's favorites are the Ballroom Dancing with Steps in Time and then Valerie the Tap Dancer! Wonderful images of all the fun captured on Facebook thanks to Sharon's photography! Look them up. Now let's talk about food! Sarah leads her team with good cheer and creative cooking from scratch each day. Mom adores the daily soups at lunch every day, a good way to get fluids too. There are always at least two options for the meals. Sarah is often at the meals checking in on the residents and seeing how they like the food. AND they make wonderful special foods for special events. Pictures of those can be seen on their Facebook page also. All the leadership care about the residents and step in to help. Here's Luidja, the Executive Director, helping wipe some chocolate off of Mom's face 🙂