River Ridge at Avon Welcomes New Executive Director
Seasoned Healthcare Professional & Avon Resident Kevin O’Connell Brings Decades of Senior Care Experience to Avon Assisted Living Community
River Ridge at Avon, a Benchmark assisted living and Mind & Memory Care community, today announced that Avon resident, Kevin O’Connell, has been appointed executive director. He has over 20 years of experience as a CEO, vice president and licensed nursing home administrator having worked for some of the Northeast’s most respected senior care providers.
O’Connell previously served as the CEO for a large continuing care retirement community in North Canaan, Conn. Before that, for over seven years, he was vice president for one of the nation’s largest senior healthcare providers. He served in a variety of capacities, including overseeing high priority skilled nursing facilities and the development of a new rehabilitation program.
“Kevin is truly committed to providing the best care and experiences for our residents,” said Justin Grady, regional director of operations. “He has both the strategic vision to continue the success of our community into the next 25 years as well as the tactical know-how that our residents and their families can depend on daily. We are excited to have him in board.”
In his free time, O’Connell serves as chairman of the Health Council for the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, a commissioner for the Winchester Economic Development Committee and as chair for Northwest Cares, an organization connecting seniors in Northwest, Connecticut to their local resources.
Conveniently located on Route 202 behind Whole Foods, River Ridge offers personalized, needs-based support for older adults needing help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, as well as specialized support for individuals with all stages of dementia. The assisted living with memory care community also offers Benchmark’s award-winning Mind & Memory Care program, which features a carefully created secure living environment and unique opportunities for residents to find joy in each new day. Memory care assisted living residents are supported by 24/7 care providers who have been specially educated in memory loss, communication and empathy.
River Ridge at Avon is also known for its customized programs that help senior assisted living residents connect to their passions and refined, resort-style amenities. Each day, residents enjoy activities that develop and deepen relationships with each other. New resident luncheons in the private dining room, parties in spacious living areas, Barre exercise classes in the fitness center, lively social hours in the bistro, pet therapy and live music on the outdoor patio and art classes in the recreation room are created around residents’ interests.
River Ridge at Avon