HCN News & Notes

Rockridge Retirement Community to Break Ground on Violette’s Crossing

NORTHAMPTON — Rockridge Retirement Community, a Deaconess Abundant Life Community, announced the addition of a new neighborhood to the campus. Violette’s Crossing will feature 25 independent rental apartments for those of moderate income. The project will also feature a new Gardens Neighborhood for Memory Support on the first floor of the building.

A ceremonial groundbreaking will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 3:30 p.m. and will be followed by light refreshments in the community room. Those expected to attend include Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz; Christopher Sintros, president and CEO of Deaconess Abundant Life Communities; and John Young, son of the late Elmo and Violette Young, founders of Rockridge Retirement Community.

Violette’s Crossing will allow residents to live independently in their own apartment while eliminating the chores often associated with home ownership. It will also give the residents an opportunity to become part of a supportive community. Extensive research conducted both locally and nationally has revealed a gap in quality housing for those considered moderate income.

The Gardens Neighborhood for Memory Support will be updated and expanded to include 24 suites on the first floor as well as a private, resident-accessible, secure courtyard. The Alzheimer’s Assoc. predicts that more than 28 million Baby Boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease, and it will consume nearly 25{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of Medicare spending. By adding additional apartments in Violette’s Crossing and additional suites in the Gardens, Rockridge aims to provide quality housing for seniors for years to come.