Benchmark Senior Living
Raising the Bar for Senior Care

In the twilight years of life, when the pace slows down and performing simple acts of daily living requires assistance, moving to a senior living center is a no-brainer. A well-crafted care plan customized with the right set of supportive services helps the elderly live out their days with dignity. Recognizing the significant health and social benefits a resident-centered approach to elder care would offer, Tom Grape founded Benchmark Senior Living in his two-room office in 1997.

Cut to two decades later, Benchmark Senior Living is one of the biggest senior housing facilities in the U.S., with more than 60 communities across eight states. It offers various care options, including independent living, assisted living and respite care. The senior living center is the largest provider of mind and memory care services in New England and has 11 centers dedicated to memory services.

“Our communities are truly a special place for our residents and their loved ones because of the great skill, love and intention our associates put into providing our industry-leading care and experiences," says Tom Grape, chairman and CEO.

Every element at Benchmark’s centers is thoughtfully designed to create a lifestyle that harmonizes comfort, luxury and care. The communities provide residents with a host of exceptional amenities that cater to physical wellness and mental enrichment. Seniors can enjoy a variety of cozy, inviting spaces, from lounges and game rooms to fitness and wellness centers. Outdoor walking paths and landscaped gardens offer tranquil retreats, while private dining rooms and libraries foster a sense of exclusivity and calmness.
Benchmark serves chef-prepared meals each day, which exceed mere sustenance. The culinary team meticulously crafts menus that honor special dietary requirements, including diabetic-friendly and low-sodium options, ensuring wellness and flavor coexist harmoniously. The company also offers specials like Osso Bucco or lobster, cooked with ingredients sourced from vegetable gardens tended by residents.

The ambiance is enriched by bistros and pubs where the elderly gather for social hours or casual snacks, fostering connections over shared tables. For those who cherish a private dining experience, apartments equipped with full kitchens or kitchenettes offer the convenience and freedom to prepare meals in a comfortable setting.

Within its memory care units, Benchmark approaches dining with a deep sensitivity to the challenges faced by residents. Dietician-reviewed dishes are meticulously prepared and served in adaptive tableware and glassware to stimulate appetite. Care teams are always available to provide feeding assistance compassionately, ensuring each senior receives the support they need.

To increase safety and engagement, Benchmark has forged alliances with leading research institutions and incubators, including MIT AgeLab, Aging 2.0 and Upward Labs. It is the first senior living provider in the Northeast to implement a digital platform developed using TSOLife technology that pinpoints residents’ interests and matches them to community programs and activities.

Interactive and immersive experiences reinforce Benchmark’s commitment to residents’ cognitive and physical wellness. SMARTfit Strike Pods transform exercises into engaging challenges, refining balance and coordination through responsive, game-like activities. On the other hand, GestureTek Cube’s motion-activated virtual reality immerses residents in simulations that stimulate mind and body. Rendever’s VR platform takes reminiscence therapy to new heights, allowing the elderly to revisit familiar places or explore new destinations, igniting joy and a sense of adventure.

Honoring the past and celebrating the present go hand in hand at Benchmark. Residents’ life stories are celebrated, and their legacies are preserved through personalized scrapbooks and digital memory collections. These treasured memories serve as a bridge between generations, allowing families to reconnect with the essence of their loved ones.

By integrating cutting-edge advancements and staying attuned to the needs of residents, Benchmark continues to define what it means to be a true leader in senior care.