New memory care neighborhood completes a seamless continuum of support for Connecticut families
SOUTHBURY, CT, July 29, 2026 – East Hill, a premier continuing care retirement community managed by Senior Living Hospitality Group, has expanded its memory care program with the opening of The Gardens, a thoughtfully designed memory care neighborhood for individuals living with moderate to late-stage dementia and significant cognitive decline. The expansion reflects Senior Living Hospitality Group’s continued investment in meeting the growing need for specialized memory care in Connecticut while providing families with expert, person-centered support close to home.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 77,000 Connecticut residents age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, underscoring the growing need for specialized memory care services across the state. As the need for specialized memory care continues to grow, The Gardens expands access to dedicated support in western Connecticut while reinforcing East Hill’s longstanding commitment to helping residents age with dignity in a familiar, supportive community.
"The opening of The Gardens reflects our commitment to continually investing in our communities and expanding access to specialized memory care. Families deserve the peace of mind of knowing their loved one can receive the right support at every stage of their journey while remaining in a place that feels familiar, welcoming, and caring."
With the addition of The Gardens, East Hill now offers a comprehensive two-neighborhood memory care model that supports residents throughout the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Residents can transition seamlessly between levels of care as their needs change without leaving the familiar surroundings, trusted caregivers, and meaningful relationships they have come to know.
“Senior Living Hospitality Group was founded on the belief that exceptional senior living begins with knowing every resident as an individual,” said Fred Zarrilli, President and CEO of Senior Living Hospitality Group. “The opening of The Gardens reflects our commitment to continually investing in our communities and expanding access to specialized memory care. Families deserve the peace of mind of knowing their loved one can receive the right support at every stage of their journey while remaining in a place that feels familiar, welcoming, and caring.”
East Hill’s memory care program now offers two distinct neighborhoods designed to provide the right level of support at every stage of memory loss:
- The Villa is designed for individuals with early Alzheimer’s disease and mild to moderate memory loss who remain active and engaged in daily life. The neighborhood features 14 private suites with private baths in an intimate household setting, secure indoor and outdoor spaces, including a patio and gardens, daily enrichment programming, and personalized support that encourages independence.
- The Gardens is designed for individuals experiencing moderate to late-stage dementia who require a higher level of daily support. The neighborhood includes 18 private studio suites with separate living and sleeping areas. Shared household spaces include a kitchen, dining area, gathering space, and outdoor porch.
Purposefully designed to promote comfort, familiarity, and dignity, The Gardens features calming household-style living spaces, supportive lighting, simplified layouts, secure walking paths, and controlled access. Residents receive around-the-clock supervision, individualized care plans, comprehensive assistance with daily living activities, and meaningful engagement through music, sensory experiences, gentle movement, and social interaction.
“Exceptional memory care is about much more than meeting care needs,” said Samantha Nook, Executive Director of East Hill. “It’s about honoring each resident’s life story and creating an environment where they feel safe, valued, and connected. The Gardens allows us to provide that level of personalized support for residents with more advanced memory loss while giving families peace of mind that their loved one can continue receiving the support they need within one trusted community.”
The opening of The Gardens represents another milestone for Senior Living Hospitality Group since assuming local management of East Hill in 2025, reflecting its continued investment in expanding specialized senior living services in Connecticut. By offering two distinct memory care neighborhoods within one community, East Hill gives families confidence that their loved ones can remain in a familiar setting with trusted caregivers as their care needs change.
About East Hill
East Hill is a continuing care retirement community located in Southbury, Connecticut, and managed by Senior Living Hospitality Group, a Connecticut-based organization dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality, personalized care, and outstanding value across every level of senior living. Situated on 55 wooded acres overlooking the Pomperaug River Valley, East Hill serves residents from greater Southbury and communities throughout western and central Connecticut. The community offers 133 Independent Living apartments, 51 Assisted Living apartments, Outpatient Rehabilitation services, and comprehensive Memory Care services featuring The Villa and The Gardens, which provide a seamless continuum of support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Guided by a person-centered philosophy, East Hill is committed to honoring each resident’s individuality while delivering personalized care in a warm, welcoming community.
