The Watermark at East Hill

The Watermark at East Hill sits on a lovely 55-acre campus in Southbury, CT, overlooking the Pomperaug River Valley, which gives you pretty views, shady wooded paths, and plenty of outdoor spaces to wander. Folks who live here can walk along the trails, rest at a gazebo, or play games like bocce ball, croquet, shuffleboard, or even enjoy the putting green, and you'll see there's room for pets, so residents don't have to leave furry friends behind. The apartments are roomy with big windows, and the building has spaces that look and feel like a country inn, with a lounge with a fireplace, a library, billiards, a theater, a computer room, and even its own small bank. There's internet, help with parking, and easy transportation too.

Residents choose from independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing, so people can stay as their needs change, which means couples or friends often stay close even if their care needs are different. The memory care programs are set up for folks living with memory problems, dementia, or Alzheimer's, with security features that help keep people safe from wandering while letting them enjoy their days.

The Watermark at East Hill has awards to show that people are happy with the care here, and folks who work here've got a reputation for being kind, helpful, and friendly with everyone, whether it's a resident or a visitor. People have choices when it comes to activities, and there are always options for social gatherings and cultural events-there's Watermark University classes for art, creative cooking, and yoga, and lots of programs for the mind and body. The Renew Wellness Center gives help with nutrition and preventive health, and residents can swim in the indoor pool, exercise in the vitality fitness center, or get pampered in the Indulge salon and spa. The Club runs more wellness activities and outings, and there's plenty of games, happy hours, golf trips, shopping, and even art classes scattered across the calendar.

Dining's more like a restaurant, with residents eating meals in the formal Mark Dining Room or the W Room, and there's an eco-friendly Gallery Café too for a more relaxed bite. If someone needs extra help, staff provide support with dressing, bathing, medication, and other daily tasks. The staff work with residents to make care plans that fit what each person really needs, so people can stay as independent as possible. There are tools, caregiver support, and resources available for guidance on planning, and folks can find support both for themselves and for family members. Whether you want to stay busy or just watch the world go by, The Watermark at East Hill tries to keep life peaceful and lively on its rolling Connecticut grounds.

The Watermark at East Hill is managed by Watermark Retirement.

Watermark Retirement Communities is a premier senior living operator managing over 70 communities across 21 states with approximately 5,800 associates, ranked as the nation's 9th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Founded in 1985 by David Freshwater and David Barnes as The Fountains in Tucson, Arizona, the company pioneered wellness-based senior living in collaboration with the University of Arizona Center on Aging before rebranding as Watermark in 2006. Headquartered in Tucson, Watermark became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore-based Keppel Corporation in March 2024, following Keppel's initial 50% acquisition in 2019, with Paul Boethel succeeding the founders as CEO while Freshwater continues as Chairman Emeritus.

The company's signature Watermark University is an award-winning intergenerational learning program where residents, associates, family members, and local experts—including museum curators, university professors, and world-renowned doctors—teach dozens of classes ranging from watercolor painting and ballroom dancing to language learning and sculpture workshops. Named among Fortune's Top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ by the Great Place to Work® Institute, Watermark provides comprehensive training through programs like GO (General Orientation) Ripples, Leadership by Design workshops, and specialized sales systems focused on understanding buyer motivations and customer service excellence.

Watermark's innovative Prema Memory Support℠ program features Naya caregivers—named after the Sanskrit word for "guide" or "person of wisdom"—who are Certified Dementia Practitioners trained through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. The Thrive Memory Care experience includes secure courtyards, multi-sensory environments with fresh flowers, music therapy, and sensory gardens. Their groundbreaking Thrive Dining (Gourmet Bites) program transforms nutritious meals into attractive, bite-sized portions that residents can enjoy independently without utensils. The Dementia Awareness Experience uses virtual simulations including impairment gloves and vision-loss glasses to help associates develop deeper empathy and understanding.

The company leads the industry in technology innovation with EngageVR, a virtual reality program using Oculus Quest headsets that enables residents to travel virtually to the pyramids of Egypt, swim with whales, or reconnect with veterans from their battalions in virtual living rooms. The 360Well wellness program integrates four key circles—mind, body, spirit, and community—to promote holistic health and independence. Through partnerships with the University of Arizona's Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute and Curana Health for value-based care delivery in Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania, Watermark continues advancing senior care research and innovation.

Following a "shrinking to grow" strategy under new leadership, Watermark focuses on operating premium communities while maintaining its founding philosophy that they are "a wellness company that happens to provide housing and services for seniors," committed to creating experiences where residents truly feel at home with purpose, possibility, and joy.