Benchmark opens new assisted living, 'open design' residence for seniors in Hanover

HANOVER – Some 200 guests gathered at the new Benchmark at Hanover senior living community on Route 53 to toast the opening of the town's first residence with both assisted living and memory care options for aging adults.

"We have had an amazing start," executive director Fatima Feliciano, of East Bridgewater, said. "I have an awesome team."

Benchmark at Hanover is the 31st community the company has in Massachusetts and the building uses a different design concept from the others. Construction started in January 2021.

"It has a very modern, open design with a lot of glass, sunlight and natural light," Feliciano said. "The concept of dining is also different."

The options include all-day dining which allows residents to order  from a separate all-day menu, and then watch the chef preparing their food. 

Benchmark at Hanover has 97 apartments in two sections. Several sizes are available. More than half of the 97 apartments have been rented.

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The assisted living wing has 77 apartments and can accommodate 88 residents. The choices include studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms and "companion" apartments, where residents have their own bedroom and bathrooms but share a common space.

The other section is for residents with memory loss, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It has added security features and 20 units, both studios and companion apartments, that can house 26 residents.

 The monthly rents start at $4,680. The price depends on the apartment size, the view and the number of support services used.

Residents have already moved there from Hanover, Norwell, Hingham, Scituate, Cohasset and Marshfield.

The building is on Washington Street near the Hanover Crossing shopping complex and the South Shore YMCA Emilson Branch.

Special features include a garden where residents can grow fruits and vegetables to be use in their meals, a bocce court, a fitness studio, an art gallery and an art studio.

Benchmark provides 24/7 personalized, needs-based care. The memory care program includes special lighting, described as therapeutic circadian rhythm lighting; water features; and gardens.

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