Benchmark Senior Living opens 50th senior housing community

Benchmark Senior Living, a leading provider of senior housing in the New England region, opened its 50th community on May 19. Benchmark owns and manages senior living communities in all six New England states. The LEED-certified community will be among the first of its kind to adopt industry-leading technology in both safety management and recreational activities for its residents, visitors, and staff. Split Rock is expected to achieve LEED gold certification. The building has been built to be energy, water, and resource efficient. It is durable and with a healthy atmosphere, resulting in a building that is good to its residents, as well as the environment. "Our 50th community is a great accomplishment for our team as we continue to embrace the same mission and ability to serve our clients, whether you are in the first or the fiftieth Benchmark quality community," said Tom Grape, chairman and CEO of Benchmark. "Today there are many choices for our clients and their needs are changing-we strive to stay one step ahead at Benchmark, seeking the ideal living experience for our residents by offering the very best in technology and advances, coupled with a passionate and committed staff." Gone are the days of traditional senior housing with Benchmark reinventing the way it serves clientele. With innovation top-of-mind, Benchmark is evolving its continuum of care by fostering a technologically savvy environment, as well as providing world-class sensory dining services and promoting active, healthy lifestyles. With 72% of its traditional assisted living residents using the internet, Benchmark is the one of the first companies of its kind to provide technology programs with access to both equipment and personnel dedicated to assisting users in the computer labs. Benchmark will also introduce the new Real-Time Location technology at Split Rock, which will help increase safety and security for residents, visitors, and staff. Assisted Living residents will have the ability to call for assistance from anywhere within the community via portable pendants that transmit exact locations, while the wander management solution will reduce the risk of wandering for residents in the memory care neighborhood. In addition, fixed call stations located throughout the community will enable residents, visitors or staff to call for assistance for themselves or others. According to the Pew Research Center, 77% of seniors ages 65 and up indicate they need assistance when it comes to embracing the internet and use of digital devices. Benchmark understands the impact of this statistic and is working to close the gap between America's seniors and new technology. Split Rock will offer every resident the opportunity to participate in extensive classes and training programs for Internet use. As a result, the residents at Split Rock will be equipped to stay connected with friends and family. The computer lab will also include touch screens for residents with arthritis, and large screens and keyboards for residents with faded vision. Having selected Shelton for its community-centered values and growing population, Benchmark and its team of professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of care to the residents of the city. Whether they will receive traditional assisted living services or specialized memory care, residents begin their stay with an individual service plan, developed by the team in partnership with the family. The associates pay special attention to the resident's specific needs, likes, dislikes, or desire for independence, allowing them to provide the best possible experience each and every day. Family members can enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved one is getting specialized attention from the caring, compassionate and trustworthy team at Benchmark.