STAMFORD, Conn. – August 26, 2026 – As Edgehill, a premier continuing care retirement community (CCRC), marks its 27th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the dynamic evolution of senior living. The Stamford-based community, which opened its doors in 1999, is not merely celebrating its longevity but is actively embracing a future shaped by the increasingly sophisticated expectations of older adults. This next chapter for Edgehill is defined by a profound shift towards greater choice, holistic wellness, deeply personalized experiences, and robust social connection, moving beyond traditional care models to foster vibrant, purposeful lives.
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A Legacy of Evolution: From Joint Venture to Industry Leader
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Edgehill’s journey began in 1999 as a pioneering joint venture between Stamford Hospital and Marriott Hotels. This initial collaboration laid the foundation for a comprehensive senior living community, offering independent living, assisted living, and an on-site health center. This integrated approach was forward-thinking for its time, recognizing the growing need for a continuum of care within a single, supportive environment.
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The community’s trajectory saw a significant transition in 2011 when it was acquired by Benchmark Senior Living, a recognized leader in senior living management. This acquisition marked a new era for Edgehill, injecting fresh strategic vision and resources that would further fuel its development and adaptation to the changing senior living landscape.
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Chris Cilano, Edgehill’s Campus Executive Director, has been an integral part of the community since 2004. His extensive tenure provides a unique vantage point from which to observe and articulate the profound changes in how older adults approach retirement. “Retirement isn’t simply about having a comfortable place to live and knowing that care is available; it’s about choice, purpose, wellness, social connection, and continuing to pursue your interests,” Cilano stated in an exclusive interview with Senior Living News. This sentiment encapsulates the core philosophy driving Edgehill’s ongoing transformation.
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Adapting to Evolving Expectations: A Campus Transformed
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The shift in resident expectations has not been a passive observation for Edgehill; it has actively informed strategic decisions, leading to significant enhancements in both its physical infrastructure and its programmatic offerings. A pivotal moment in this evolution was the 2017 expansion of its continuum of care, notably the addition of the dedicated Mind & Memory neighborhood. This $20 million renovation underscored a commitment to providing specialized, compassionate care for individuals with cognitive support needs, further solidifying Edgehill’s reputation as a comprehensive care provider.
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Beyond specialized care, Edgehill has demonstrably amplified its focus on enriching the daily lives of its residents. This includes a robust emphasis on:
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- Culinary Excellence: A commitment to diverse and appealing dining options that cater to individual tastes and dietary needs, moving beyond institutionalized meals to restaurant-style experiences.
- Holistic Fitness and Wellness: The expansion of fitness programs and facilities, including an indoor pool and well-equipped fitness center, designed to promote physical well-being and an active lifestyle.
- Cultural and Educational Enrichment: A vibrant calendar of cultural events, lectures, and lifelong learning opportunities that stimulate the mind and foster intellectual engagement.
- Engaging Social Activities: A wide array of social gatherings and recreational pursuits designed to build camaraderie and prevent isolation.
- Community Integration: Initiatives that encourage residents to remain connected with the broader Stamford community, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
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The community’s amenities, including accessible walking paths and a well-stocked library, further support these pillars of a fulfilling retirement. This comprehensive approach reflects a deliberate departure from older models of senior living that were primarily focused on providing basic care and shelter.
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The Philosophy of Empowerment: "We Help You Keep Living the Life You Want"
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The overarching philosophy at Edgehill has undergone a fundamental metamorphosis. Cilano articulates this shift with striking clarity: “The philosophy has evolved from ‘we provide care for you’ to ‘we help you keep living the life you want.’ The goal is to preserve independence and give residents the support and services that make it easier to pursue their passions, while having a full continuum of care available if their needs change.”
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This paradigm shift is not merely semantic; it represents a deep-seated commitment to empowering residents. It means recognizing that retirement is not an endpoint but a continuation of life, an opportunity to redefine personal goals and actively engage with the world. This philosophy permeates every aspect of Edgehill’s operations, from the design of its living spaces to the training of its staff.
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Beyond the Campus: Fostering Purpose Through Philanthropy and Community Engagement
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Edgehill’s commitment to fostering purpose extends far beyond its campus boundaries. The community has cultivated a profound and enduring relationship with the Children’s Learning Center of Fairfield County at Palmer’s Hill. Residents actively engage with young children, sharing their wisdom and life experiences through reading sessions and participation in holiday activities. This intergenerational connection not only enriches the lives of the children but also provides residents with a vital sense of contribution and continued relevance.
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Furthermore, Edgehill residents have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to philanthropy. Over the years, they have collectively raised an impressive sum of over $500,000 for Stamford Health’s Bennett Cancer Center, a testament to their dedication to supporting local healthcare initiatives. Additionally, nearly $400,000 has been raised for the Alzheimer’s Association, reflecting a deep understanding of and empathy for critical health challenges facing the community.
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Rose Cingari, who chairs Edgehill’s Social Action Committee, embodies this spirit of giving back. “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 rewarding, and it helps us stay energized.” Her words highlight the reciprocal benefits of such engagement: personal fulfillment for the residents and tangible support for vital causes.
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Navigating the Future: Innovation with Continuity
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As Edgehill embarks on its 28th year, the leadership faces the ongoing challenge of balancing innovation with the preservation of the deep personal connections that have defined its nearly three-decade history. Cilano emphasizes that this delicate equilibrium is paramount to future success. “Technology, amenities, physical improvements, and our vision of wellness matter, but the heart of Edgehill is still the relationship between residents and associates. That’s something we have to protect as we grow and evolve,” he stated.
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The community is strategically focusing on several key areas to meet the evolving needs of its residents:
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- Enhanced Wellness and "Health Span": Edgehill is increasingly viewing longevity not just in terms of lifespan but as "health span" – the duration of one’s life spent in good health. This translates into proactive wellness programs, preventative health initiatives, and a focus on maintaining vitality and independence for as long as possible.
- Hyper-Personalized Services: Recognizing that each resident is unique, Edgehill is moving towards increasingly individualized wellness plans and support services. This moves away from a one-size-fits-all approach to one that is tailored to the specific goals, preferences, and priorities of each individual.
- Hospitality-Driven Experience: The community is integrating principles of hospitality into its service delivery, aiming to create an environment that is not only supportive but also luxurious, comfortable, and highly responsive to resident needs and desires.
- Lifelong Learning and Engagement: Continued emphasis on providing opportunities for intellectual stimulation, skill development, and creative expression will remain a cornerstone of the Edgehill experience.
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These forward-looking initiatives are designed to address a broader industry challenge: how to effectively serve an aging population with diverse needs and expectations. CCRCs must be adept at providing high levels of care when required, while simultaneously catering to residents who arrive seeking an active, dynamic, and highly personalized lifestyle.
Cilano summarizes Edgehill’s strategic imperative for the coming years as “innovation with continuity.” The goal is to embrace new technologies, amenities, and approaches to wellness that enhance the resident experience, while steadfastly safeguarding the invaluable relationships and the strong sense of community that have been the bedrock of Edgehill’s success for its first 27 years. The future of senior living, as envisioned by Edgehill, is one where independence is celebrated, passions are pursued, and every resident is empowered to live their best life, for life.
