STAMFORD, Conn. – August 26, 2026 – As Edgehill, a premier continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Stamford, Connecticut, marks its 27th anniversary, it stands at a pivotal juncture, reflecting on its rich history while proactively shaping a future defined by the increasingly sophisticated expectations of today’s older adults. The community, which opened its doors in 1999, has consistently adapted to the evolving narrative of retirement, moving beyond traditional models of care to embrace a philosophy centered on choice, holistic wellness, profound personalization, and vibrant social connection.
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Edgehill’s journey began as a visionary joint venture between Stamford Hospital and Marriott Hotels, initially offering a comprehensive suite of services including independent living, assisted living, and a dedicated health center. This foundational commitment to integrated care laid the groundwork for its future growth and adaptability. In 2011, Benchmark Senior Living acquired Edgehill, a move that further infused the community with resources and a forward-thinking approach to senior living management.
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Chris Cilano, Edgehill’s campus executive director, has been an integral part of the community’s evolution since 2004. His extensive tenure provides a unique perspective on the dramatic transformation in how older adults envision and approach their retirement years. "Retirement today is a far cry from what it was even a couple of decades ago," Cilano stated in an exclusive interview with Senior Living News. "It’s no longer simply about securing a comfortable dwelling and having access to care. It’s fundamentally about the freedom of choice, the pursuit of purpose, a deep commitment to personal wellness, fostering meaningful social connections, and the continued exploration of one’s passions and interests."
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A Foundation of Innovation and Growth
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Edgehill’s commitment to meeting these evolving expectations is evident in its strategic investments and expansions. A significant $20 million renovation project underscored this dedication, leading to the addition of its specialized Mind & Memory neighborhood, designed to provide compassionate and tailored support for individuals with cognitive changes, and an enhanced skilled nursing unit, ensuring a seamless continuum of care for residents with more complex health needs.
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Beyond infrastructure, Edgehill has meticulously cultivated an environment that prioritizes resident engagement and enrichment. The community has significantly amplified its focus on a diverse range of programming, encompassing culinary experiences that celebrate variety and quality, robust fitness initiatives that promote active lifestyles, stimulating cultural and educational opportunities designed for lifelong learning, and a vibrant calendar of social activities. Crucially, Edgehill fosters opportunities for residents to remain actively connected to the broader Stamford community, reinforcing the idea that retirement is a time for continued contribution and engagement. The campus boasts an impressive array of amenities, including a serene indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, beautifully maintained walking paths, dedicated classrooms for learning, and a well-stocked library, all designed to support a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
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The Paradigm Shift: From Care to Empowerment
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The philosophical shift that Cilano articulates represents a profound departure from the more paternalistic models of senior living that once prevailed. "The philosophy has evolved from ‘we provide care for you’ to ‘we help you keep living the life you want,’" Cilano explained. This paradigm shift is rooted in the understanding that true well-being in later life stems from empowering individuals to maintain their independence and pursue their lifelong passions. Edgehill’s approach is to provide the necessary support and services that act as a catalyst for residents to continue engaging with their interests, all while offering the reassurance of a full continuum of care should their needs change. This proactive, resident-centered approach ensures that individuals can live vibrantly and authentically throughout their retirement journey.
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Community Engagement and Philanthropy: Making a Difference Beyond the Campus
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Edgehill’s 27th anniversary also shines a light on the profound impact its residents have made within the wider community. This commitment to civic engagement is not a recent development but a deeply ingrained aspect of the Edgehill ethos. Residents have cultivated a longstanding and cherished relationship with the Children’s Learning Center of Fairfield County at Palmer’s Hill. Here, they actively participate in heartwarming initiatives, such as reading to young children and joining in festive holiday activities, fostering intergenerational connections and sharing their wisdom and experience.
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Furthermore, the philanthropic spirit of Edgehill residents is truly remarkable. Over the years, their collective efforts have resulted in substantial contributions to vital causes. They have successfully raised over $500,000 for Stamford Health’s Bennett Cancer Center, a testament to their dedication to supporting local healthcare initiatives. In addition, nearly $400,000 has been raised for the Alzheimer’s Association, highlighting their commitment to advancing research and support for those affected by this challenging disease.
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Rose Cingari, a resident who also chairs Edgehill’s Social Action Committee, eloquently expressed the sentiment that drives these impactful endeavors. "We truly appreciate the life we’ve built at Edgehill, and our ability to continue making a positive impact in our community," Cingari shared. "Giving back is incredibly rewarding, and it helps us stay energized and connected to something larger than ourselves. It’s a vital part of living a full and meaningful life." This dedication to service not only benefits external organizations but also enriches the lives of the residents themselves, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
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Navigating the Future: Innovation with Continuity
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As Edgehill looks towards its future, a key challenge identified by Cilano is the delicate balance of innovation with continuity. The community recognizes that as it evolves and updates the resident experience to meet contemporary demands, it must simultaneously safeguard the deeply personal connections and the strong sense of community that have been cultivated over nearly three decades. This requires a continuous commitment to listening to residents, investing in the professional development of its employees and leadership, and a flexible approach to adjusting services to align with evolving expectations.
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The coming years will see Edgehill place an even greater emphasis on several key areas. Wellness will be a cornerstone, extending beyond physical health to encompass mental, emotional, and social well-being. The community is committed to enhancing hospitality-oriented services, ensuring that every aspect of a resident’s experience feels welcoming, personalized, and of the highest quality. Lifelong learning will continue to be a priority, with a focus on providing diverse and engaging educational opportunities that cater to a wide range of interests. Moreover, the commitment to more individualized approaches to residents’ goals will deepen, recognizing that each person’s aspirations are unique and deserve tailored support.
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Cilano highlighted a significant shift in how Edgehill perceives longevity. The focus is increasingly on "health span" – the period of a person’s life spent in good health and free from debilitating illness – rather than solely on "lifespan." This forward-thinking perspective underscores the community’s dedication to not just extending years, but enhancing the quality of those years.
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Personalization is another area of paramount importance. Wellness plans and services are moving away from standardized models and are being increasingly tailored to individual priorities, preferences, and health objectives. This bespoke approach ensures that residents receive the support that is most relevant and beneficial to their unique journey.
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These trends are emblematic of a broader challenge facing CCRCs nationwide. These communities must adeptly prepare to provide higher levels of care for residents as their needs evolve, while simultaneously attracting and serving older adults who may arrive with the expectation of an active, highly individualized, and engaging lifestyle. For Edgehill, Cilano believes the next stage of its development hinges on successfully balancing these two critical imperatives.
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"Technology, amenities, physical improvements, and our vision of wellness all play crucial roles, but the true heart of Edgehill remains the profound relationship between residents and associates," Cilano emphasized. "That is something we must fiercely protect and nurture as we continue to grow and evolve. It’s the human element, the genuine care and connection, that truly defines us."
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As Edgehill embarks on its 28th year, Cilano encapsulates the community’s forward-looking strategy as "innovation with continuity." The ultimate goal is to continually enhance the resident experience through thoughtful advancements and adaptations, while steadfastly preserving the invaluable relationships and the deeply rooted sense of community that have been the bedrock of its success over the past 27 years. This dual focus ensures that Edgehill will continue to be a beacon of excellence in senior living, a place where individuals can thrive, connect, and live their most fulfilling lives.
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