StoneRidge

MOMi

Moving to StoneRidge was an excellent move on my part. Meeting new and interesting people in an atmosphere in which an excellent staff set the tone — where facilities are available — fitness center, swimming pool, library. The change does require adjustment, but isn’t that always the case — no matter what your age.

Guy

I went to look at StoneRidge. They showed me around. And all of the rooms are beautiful. The facility itself was fantastic. The people were friendly. The only issue I had was the monthly costs. It was a little higher than I can afford right now, and my insurance doesn't cover it. They have 24-hour coverage. They have security. They have physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nurses. They have a shuttle bus that will take you anywhere you need to go. They have all the stuff that a place like that is supposed to have.

WDoremus

My 88 year old mother, a lively and spirited individual, moved to the StoneRidge Senior Living Community in Mystic, Connecticut four years ago. Though she was reluctant to give up her large home, she knew that it was sensible to downsize and to move closer to where her children live. The process of choosing StoneRidge reminded me (her daughter) of my own time of looking at colleges, in trying to find the right fit. My mom and I both agree that we found that StoneRidge has the desirable balance of offering independent living with the availability of great amenities, all within the delightful town of Mystic. It is also helpful to know that there is supportive care available if needed down the road. Having ownership of her apartment has allowed my mom to customize it to her liking. The meal plan choices and dining room options offer a nice variety of gourmet and comfort foods. Social activities and holiday celebrations from in-house musical and cultural programs, lectures, and excursions into the community, as well as exercise classes, craft classes, movies, a book club, game nights, gardening, and dozens of other happenings provide a wealth of stimulating pursuits. The good-sized beautiful pool with natural sunlight streaming in, the raised outdoor community garden plots, the choir program, and the well-stocked library were particular draws for my mom. The StoneRidge community residents are made up of an intriguing group of people including artists, musicians, veterans, and other accomplished professionals. Several folks who are past the age of 100 are shining inspirations of living fully and actively into their senior years. The staff, from the administrators, receptionists, activity coordinators, chefs, waitstaff, and maintenance workers convey friendly respect, and they honor residents by recognizing, celebrating, and showcasing individual’s contributions, past and present, throughout the year. As a daughter, I am incredibly grateful for the conscientious and agile manner in which the StoneRidge leadership has managed pandemic precautions, including arranging for COVID vaccinations on site, especially given the (still) unknown course of this calamity. The staff members have very effectively protected the health and well-being of my mom and all others who reside there, and by extension, also us, the families of these loved ones. To live at StoneRidge is a lifestyle choice and also a very fortunate privilege. It is reassuring that my mom can maintain her independence in such a bountiful setting.

M. Hannaford

Imagine my surprise when, after months of my doing research for them, my parents told me they were moving to Stone Ridge, sight unseen. You see, my parents lived in NC and I lived in CT. My dad had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and we feared he would soon need more help than my mom could provide. Stone Ridge is the perfect fit for them because my mom can live independently and thrive with her newfound friends and interests while my dad receives quality care just steps away as part of the continuuum of care that Stone Ridge and Avalon partner to so excellently provide. Stone Ridge is a vibrant community that is filled with activities and both Avalon and Stone Ridge have staff that deliver and unparalleled level of compassion and service. I am so glad they took a leap of faith and decided to become a part of this wonderful community.

Markham Starr

Having reached the age where they realized it was time to think about a home that could provide the assistance they would need in the future, my parents decided to move to StoneRidge, in Mystic, Connecticut. Unfortunately, their move came in the middle of a pandemic, which we thought would add many difficulties to the process. After contacting them for information, however, we found that this complicated transition would be made much easier by the staff at their new home. Along the path to buying their apartment and eventually moving in, the staff at StoneRidge went out of their way to make every step as easy as possible. When unexpected health issues sprang up to further confuse the process, the people at StoneRidge simply took it all in stride and helped my parents through. They patiently answered the thousand questions we all had on every topic we broached. My parents made their decision and moved. The pandemic meant that their move would differ from most other transitions. A top priority for StoneRidge was, of course, the safety of all of its vulnerable residents and staff, and so they came up with a workable plan that provided safety for all while allowing us to move our parents in. In talking to residents both before and after the move, the one thing we heard over and over again was about the friendliness and welcoming nature of the entire community, and we soon found this to be true. Everyone we met in passing went out of their way to chat and make my parents feel welcomed. The difficulty for my parents came with the pandemic. Like everywhere else, normal flew out the window. For the moment, there are no communal lectures, movies, group dining or informal get-togethers. As everyone to whom we introduced ourselves said, “This is the worst time to have moved here, as the community normally comes out to help with everyone’s transition. All the activity you would usually see is currently curtailed, but once this is over you will really like it.” So while the pandemic has drastically changed my parent’s experience from the norm, StoneRidge has remained a great choice for my parents. With the unusual forced isolation during such a life-changing event as moving into a new home, StoneRidge realized my parents might need a little extra help, and allowed me to become a caretaker by taking weekly Covid tests. This has made the move workable. Their doctor has an office in the building, their meals are delivered daily, they've had their Covid shots, and the facility has done a great job of keeping the pandemic at bay. All of this has relieved many of our worries for our parents. Like most, my parents are social people, and I believe that once social distancing is behind us all, they will come to love StoneRidge even more, because it is the community that really makes a home in the long run. So this is an atypical review, as their move came during unprecedented times. While I can say how incredibly helpful and friendly the entire staff has been, I can’t talk about the many friends my parents have met or the functions they’ve attended – yet. I have no doubt, however, that once things return to normal (hopefully soon, as nearly all the residents and staff have had their vaccine doses) they will fully immerse themselves into the community right outside their door.

M3C

My mother has lived happily in StoneRidge for over 5 years. This year, like for so many others, has been a challenge. While living out of state, I've tried to keep in close contact as she has undergone a variety of medical issues. Presently, at Avalon, she is receiving amazing care. The staff are tremendous and their care is just as a family. Moreover, the care teams are helping me to understand her needs and plan accordingly. As someone new to caring for for a parent who is failing physically and mentally, this is very reassuring.

gcw904

StoneRidge We are living through an unprecedented pandemic and we realize how fortunate we are to be living at StoneRidge. The management team, guided by our very en- gaged Executive Director, and the Administrator and all department directors, has managed the staff as they respond to the evolving challenges. Many StoneRidge staff members whose primary jobs were affected by the COVID19 precautions were actively and fully employed in the community. It be- came immediately apparent that the new precautions required many different duties, and available staff members set about providing those services as needed. Many team members volunteered to alter their schedules to better protect the community. They have done an outstanding job during this time of heightened precau- tions performing the necessary duties. To quote the Executive Director, “I am moved beyond words by the commitment, dedication and compassion of our team members who are true heroes in my eyes.” COVID-19 precautions were implemented early, wisely and clearly communicated by the Executive Director. Residents sent ‘Hands of Hope’ note cards with mes- sages of ‘Love, Appreciation and Hope’ to members of our amazing staff for all they were doing so cheerfully and well to support us in our home. Grocery and many other deliveries helped protect residents who chose not to venture to the open stores. Every department has been impacted by COVID-19 precautions either directly or indirectly. This has ranged from an entirely new job to the same role but greatly expanded, as in the case of Community Life Services. They have provided more movies, musical offerings and other virtual programs to keep us entertained and engaged during the precautions that have prevented us from gathering in person. Living at StoneRidge, we feel safe and a remarkable sense of community. Quoting our Executive Director, “I take your health and safety as my highest duty and responsibility. Together we will walk through this pandemic safely.”

AMM 691

Six years ago, my sister moved to StroneRidge/Avalon a senior living community in Mystic, CT that offers their residents a continuum of care. While my sister faces several healthcare-related issues she was able to live semi-independently until last year when she transitioned to Avalon, the nursing care side of the complex. I have been impressed with the quality of the facility, the staff and management team that operates this complex. This became even more apparent in the last six months as the Covid-19 pandemic has gripped our nation. The management team has shown true leadership in responding to the crisis and ensuring the safety of their residents (our loved ones). They have instituted operating policies and procedures based on best practice that ensure the health and safety of both staff and residents. They are highly effective communicators sharing weekly video updates on their on-going Covid-19 screening and prevention efforts. During this time not a single case has been reported at StroneRidge/Avalon. For someone who lives more than 1,000 miles away, this provides tremendous peace of mind for me and other family members spread across our county. They have also offered the residents social distant activities and events that help to mitigate the sense of isolation that comes with a long-term quarantine. In-person family visits are not possible currently due to government mandates and best practices prevention polices. In response, Avalon’s management team has developed multiple platforms and help to facilitate family member communication with their loved ones via Zoom, FaceTime, window visits, and more recently, outside social distance visiting through a plexiglass partition. I am most impressed with the quality of the direct care staff. I cannot say enough about the respect, genuine care and concern they staff have for the residents. I have witnessed this over and over during my weekly Zoom sessions with my sister. I am so thankful my sister is in Avalon and receives such high-quality care. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely, Andrew M. Mosko

MarthaMD

My sister has been a resident of StoneRidge/Avalon since she experienced a traumatic brain injury. She first entered the community in the independent living facilities and has now moved over to continuing care in Avalon. I am so impressed by the quality of care and attention she receives as well as the genuine, caring attitude that each and every member of the Avalon staff has as they work with the residents. Every interaction I've had from working with the director to the aides has been professional as well as caring, and I am comforted knowing that she is in the best possible community and that she has a quality of life that is rewarding. Her room is beautiful, and she has a number of her own pieces of art and furniture that make it feel like home; the food is wonderful, and there are numerous social activities to engage in that are rewarding and nourishing for brain, body and soul. My family and I are so grateful for the care the Avalon team provides, and I highlight recommend it for anyone who is looking for long term care for a loved one or family member.

ruthies

Bottom Line: Moving my father to StoneRidge was the best possible decision we could have made. The whole process went as smoothly, quickly, and positively as possible--far better than I could have imagined. He now has instant access to amazing friends, delicious food, and a fantastic range of activities, facilities, and support when he wants it. Now that he's settled, I only wish we'd found StoneRidge sooner. -- More Detail -- People: The people set StoneRidge apart. I cannot emphasize enough how incredible each and every member of the staff has been. From the first conversation through to ongoing care and support, it's clear everyone wants to go above and beyond to help residents be at their best. This goes far past meeting basic needs and comfort, to enabling residents to do whatever they love most. In addition to the staff, I was blown away by how friendly, engaged and helpful other residents were to newcomers--and how many sharp, interesting, active people have opted in to the StoneRidge community. Staff and residents helped connect my father to others with shared interests. We were running into friendly faces in the halls and having genuinely fun and meaningful conversations over meals within days; in just a matter of weeks it started to feel like home. Apartments and facilities: The facilities team were willing and able to make any customizations we requested to the apartment, meeting a very tight timeline and staying within our budget (note: my father has an incredibly extensive personal library he wanted to bring with him, so they installed beautiful, durable shelving from floor to ceiling to hold all the books that would not fit into bookcases). All shared spaces are modern, clean, spacious and very well-maintained. They have a wide range of amenities: salt water pool, gym, library, computer lab, large auditorium for speakers, break out rooms for special events, salon, on-site health services (as well as Transportation services to help with groceries, doctor appointments, etc. off-site). Food: Last but certainly not least, Richard and his dining team offer absolutely delicious food and impeccable service. I work in Food & Beverage and was very impressed with the high quality and variety of offerings. Most importantly, my father loves the food and is enjoying more vegetables (albeit as sides) than I've seen him eat in years!

benjos

The building is a carefully planned structure and is well maintained. Administration is receptive, responsive and forward looking. Present executive director is a sweetheart whom you hope will be there as long as you are. Campus was thoughtfully landscaped and is carefully looked after by both in-house staff and outside contractors. Availability of covered parking is a plus. Food is well prepared and there is a wide variety of choices in two venues (plus outside in summer). Dining room staff are pleasant, obliging and caring beyond their youthful (average) years. The fitness center manager is super and her activities extend far beyond the pool and exercise room. Community life services has organized a huge variety of activities on and off campus for those who are not yet at the couch potato stage, ranging from card games and movies to the Great Decisions program of the Foreign Policy Association. Environmental services is highly dedicated to maintaining cleanliness of resident and public spaces and has quick turnaround of those items accepted for laundering. The available garden plots are just big enough to get your hands dirty without generating anxiety about being able to take care of them. The associated nursing facility (Avalon) speaks for itself with a 5 star rating.

A Fellow Reviewer12

They have beautiful apartments at Stone Ridge. It was quite gorgeous and didn't feel like a nursing home. It feels like a senior living place. It is just a really beautiful place.

Caring70805350

I would love to live at StoneRidge. It is wow. It is a different model from everything else. It is very expensive but magnificent. You have assisted living, you have long-term care, you have rehab. The food is delicious. Their facilities are elegant and beautiful. It is unbelievable.