WHERE
BENCHMARK
Experience the Difference
Learn how Benchmark at Rye sets the standard for an engaged lifestyle and senior care.
LIVING
Understanding the Different Types of Senior Living
How Seniors Can Stay Social All Year Long
Where Food is a Forum for Connection
Getting to know Programming Director Julia Evans 4 6 8 12 13 14 15 16 14 18 18 19 20 22 24 26 28
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ABOUT BENCHMARK AT RYE
Contemporary design, sought-after amenities, endless possibilities
LIVING INTERGENERATIONALLY
TWENTY-NINE YEARS OF SETTING THE STANDARD
ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES TO STAY SOCIAL
Stay connected at Benchmark at Rye
BENCHMARK AT RYE: YOUR SPRING & SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
FINDING LIFE’S CALLING IN AN UNLIKELY PLACE
THE NORTHEAST’S LEADING MEMORY CARE PROVIDER Mind & Memory Care that’s designed to be better
WHERE FOOD IS MORE THAN JUST A MEAL
Good food, conversation and entertainment that strengthens bonds
A FRESH APPROACH FINE-TUNED IN RESTAURANTS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS Getting to know Dining Services Director Guy Tino
SENIOR CARE 101 Making the right move
STRIVING TO BE THE BENCHMARK FOR DEMENTIA CARE FOR OVER A DECADE
Getting to know Lead Aide Katie Goyette
HAVING THE RIGHT SUPPORT CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Benchmark at Rye makes 60th wedding anniversary memorable
FUN THINGS TO DO
Benchmark at Rye
Being the benchmark for senior care.
The challenges of getting older are something that many of us are all too familiar with, especially those with aging parents.
I founded Benchmark 29 years ago with the purpose of Transforming Lives Through Human Connection. Today, Benchmark is based in Waltham, Mass., and is one of the Northeast’s leading senior living providers offering independent living, assisted living, Mind & Memory Care, respite care and continuing care at 70 communities in nine states and growing. We also operate the largest number of assisted living communities in New Hampshire.
Our associates are committed to not only providing an exceptional place for seniors to live but to helping them connect with what makes life so special, so they can truly feel at home.
Tom Grape
Founder, Chairman and CEO, Benchmark Senior Living
It’s our strong culture of caring that is my greatest pride and sets us apart from the other alternatives. We’ve also earned consistently high marks from residents and families during annual surveys, as well as hundreds of local, regional and national awards, including 67 U.S. News & World Report Best Senior Living excellence awards in 2025 alone.
Our dedicated associates strive to get to know every resident and accomplish their mission of keeping residents connected to the people, places and things that matter most to them at every stage of their lives.
Our culture is one that is rooted in our core values: Called to Care, Be the Benchmark and Better Together. By consistently making residents feel extra special, our associates not only provide comfort to our residents but peace of mind to their families.
Many residents, as well as family members, who may have felt reticent about moving into a senior living community, soon change their minds. Residents quickly become engaged and inspired in their new community and family members feel peace of mind.
At Benchmark at Rye, we are proud to be broadening our services this spring with the addition of assisted living so that even more families can enjoy the exceptional experiences we provide. In addition to serving the Seacoast community with memory care for several years, Benchmark has provided highquality senior care and services throughout New Hampshire since our early beginnings.
Benchmark at Rye residents will have the opportunity to thrive with a wide variety of on-site amenities, fun and educational programs and events, delicious restaurant-style dining and personalized care provided by compassionate associates. We are excited to meet more of our neighbors and hope you will stop by to learn more about the new assisted living and memory care offered at this premier Seacoast community.
Our dedicated associates’ mission is to keep residents connected to the people, places and things that matter most to them at every stage of their lives.
Benchmark at Rye A Home Away from Home
More Than Just a Place
Welcome to Benchmark Living Magazine! This is a publication dedicated to exploring senior living options and providing information about Benchmark at Rye. Although we are proud to have served Seacoast families with award-winning memory care for several years, we’re delighted to offer assisted living starting this spring for those who would benefit from supportive friends, fun things to do and a wide range of amenities in one place without the worries of home maintenance.
We’re excited to bring much-needed assisted living to the greater Portsmouth area. Seniors will have the opportunity to remain in the area they love, or be closer to loved ones with support and feelings of independence as they age.
Mallory Lord Executive Director, Benchmark at Rye
Inside you will find stories to help you understand when it’s time to consider senior living and about individuals who count on our services. You’ll also get to know some of our dedicated Rye associates who are committed to redefining the aging experience for our residents and about what makes our community so special.
For both our assisted living and memory care residents, Benchmark at Rye offers all the comforts of home with bestin-class amenities indoors and out. Residents have plenty of opportunities to participate in intergenerational programs with nearby schools as well as enjoy the area’s many shopping, dining, arts and entertainment options.
But, of course, we are much more than just a building. At Benchmark, we believe in the power of human connection to transform lives, and we cannot wait to bring our mission to even more Seacoast families.
We will achieve this through interactive dining options and culinary events curated by our acclaimed chef and social programs focused on our residents’ overall health and vitality. Also, nursing care and 24/7 personalized, needs-based support for those who need it now or in the future.
Whether it’s savoring a seasonal, homemade meal served on the patio or in the elegant dining room, enjoying music and refreshments in the bistro during social hour or catching up on current events while receiving some pampering in the hair salon, our assisted living residents will enjoy being surrounded by friends. We’ll also bring the best of the Seacoast to our residents with trips to our many beautiful beaches nearby, arts and music venues, historic sites, restaurants and more.
It is our mission to keep our residents connected to the people, places and things that matter most to them. We can’t wait to connect with you!
We’ll bring the best of the Seacoast to our residents with trips to our many beautiful beaches nearby, arts and music venues, historic sites, restaurants and more.
About Benchmark at Rye
Contemporary Design,
Sought-after Amenities,
Endless Possibilities
Benchmark at Rye is pleased to bring exceptional care and experiences to even more Seacoast families.
Located on Route 1 less than a mile from Lago’s Ice Cream, Benchmark at Rye currently offers secure Mind & Memory Care situated on a single level. Several large neighborhoods surround a feature-rich interior courtyard and exterior sunrooms, so residents have ample spaces to explore. Families have their choice of spacious studio apartments with many common areas, including multiple living areas, several dining rooms, a physical therapy studio and hair salon in which to connect and engage.
The new, adjacent assisted living will offer residents 60,000 square feet of space spread across two stories. Ample indoor and outdoor common spaces will cater to a wide variety of interests and maintenance-free apartments all with a contemporary design will make residents and visitors feel at
home. Seventy private studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with large bathrooms with safety features and kitchenettes will be available in a variety of sizes and floor plans. Together, Benchmark at Rye assisted living and memory care will comprise a 4.5-acre campus.
ASSISTED LIVING AMENITIES
Shared spaces will include an elegant dining room and bistro showcasing three chef-prepared meals served restaurant-style all day. Outdoor dining on the spacious patio will also be available seasonally.
Residents and their families will enjoy beautiful common areas, including fireplaced living rooms, a family kitchen and private dining room ideal for holiday celebrations and special events and a recreation room featuring daily programs. Overall health and well-being can be addressed with amenities such as a hair salon, fitness center, physical therapy center and other wellness spaces.
Outdoors, a large patio featuring a fireplace, grill and garden beds will host a wide range of activities from cookouts to concerts. Several covered porches and outdoor patios throughout the community provide an ideal place to socialize or simply enjoy the outdoors. A walking path that surrounds the community also offers additional fitness and recreational opportunities.
INTEREST-ORIENTED PROGRAMS
A cornerstone of Benchmark is award-winning experiences. Benchmark programming associates get to know each resident through interviews and discovery sessions and provide experiences that nurture their passions, connections and enhance their quality of life.
Residents can participate in individualized and group programs addressing physical wellness, the creative arts, socialization and more. Exercise classes for strength and balance, interest-oriented clubs, intergenerational programs, trips
to local attractions and educational lectures will all be available.
RESIDENT SERVICES
Benchmark at Rye includes many services that make retirement easy.
The concierge team can assist with appointments and more, maintenance staff handles the upkeep and weekly housekeeping, and laundry and linen service is also provided. Local, scheduled transportation is available for shopping and medical appointments. A 24-hour emergency response system is also accessible to residents.
PERSONALIZED CARE
For those who require additional support, Benchmark at Rye provides nursing assistance and 24/7 personalized care. Help with daily living activities, such as
managing medication or bathing, by compassionate caregivers educated in safety, infection control, empathy and relationship-building will be provided.
Upon moving in, each resident is assessed, and a personalized care plan is created for those who need it to help stay a step ahead of health changes and maximize independence. Care plans are created with their needs in mind, so they can continue doing some things on their own and maintain feelings of independence.
In addition, Benchmark at Rye offers residents access to supportive health care services provided on-site by external care providers to help them age well. Medical providers are available on-site for visits if desired, or residents’ choice of providers are also welcome on-site.
Benchmark at Rye Features & Amenities
• Conveniently located just a few minutes from many shopping and dining options
• Contemporary, maintenance-free apartments with housekeeping included
• Many spacious indoor and outdoor common areas in which to relax and have fun
• All-day, restaurant-style dining offering healthy, chef-prepared meals
• Full social calendar designed around residents’ interests
• 24/7 personalized, needs-based care
• Wellness amenities like supportive health care services and classes
• Local, scheduled transportation for shopping and appointments
Where All Ages Come Together
Redefining What it Means to Live
Intergenerationally
The idea of bringing many different generations together and interacting on a regular basis is one that often has enormous benefits for both younger and older people. In fact, in the U.S. and Europe, several cuttingedge intergenerational co-living communities have had tremendous impacts on the lives of both young and old.
Older people enjoy sharing their experiences with and having companionship with younger generations. In turn, young people can learn valuable life lessons from older adults and often enjoy having more people around them who may take a genuine interest in their lives and well-being.
Benchmark at Rye is committed to helping people of all ages uncover what they have in common. With a location near
several schools as well as carefully designed on-site amenities, features and programs, Benchmark aims to facilitate bonding moments among family members while fostering new relationships.
Partnerships with schools and places of worship have been incredibly rewarding, bringing together everyone from toddlers through high school students and providing residents with a sense of purpose.
Intergenerational offerings centered around holiday events, including Easter egg hunts, Halloween trick-or-treating, the arts and more will continue to be a regular part of a full social calendar for both assisted living and memory care residents.
Benchmark at Rye is excited to help continue to grow relationships between generations for years to come.
Tom Grape receives the MASS-ALA Lifetime Achievement Award
Twenty-Nine Years of Setting the Standard
In business, a benchmark measures business performance against other companies considered the best in their industry. When Tom Grape founded Benchmark Senior Living, he intended to set the standard — Be the Benchmark — by which all other senior living providers should be measured. Twenty-nine years later, Benchmark remains committed to Grape’s standards for excellence.
He has worked tirelessly to ensure that Benchmark sets a high bar and to raise awareness
for the entire industry by promoting and crafting regulatory standards and government guidance for the benefit of all seniors and assisted living providers.
As a founding board member and former chair of Argentum, the national assisted living association, Tom worked to establish much-needed standards for senior care and improve the aging experience for all.
He was also a co-founder of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association.
In 1994, along with Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services and former Governor Charlie Baker, Tom was instrumental in writing the legislation for assisted living in Massachusetts.
Such groundbreaking work was recognized in 2019 when Tom received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (MASS-ALA).
Tom is a frequent speaker, panelist and author on topics related to development, workforce, programming and the importance of human connection in senior living.
Endless Opportunities to Stay Social
Stay Connected at Benchmark at Rye
With older adults becoming less social and more likely to live alone as they age, it’s no surprise feelings of loneliness often peak between one’s mid-50s and late 80s. According to a six-year review of data by the National Poll on Healthy Aging released in 2024, one in three older adults experiences loneliness and isolation.
Social isolation can also be detrimental to health and wellbeing. Studies consistently show it is a serious public health issue linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and increased mortality.
Just as a well-balanced diet and exercise are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so too is staying connected as we age. Data suggests that communities like Benchmark at Rye can improve quality of life by being part of a socially rich environment.
Benchmark communities are at the forefront of working to
prevent social isolation with programs like Something in Common. Upon moving in, associates conduct resident interviews and discovery sessions to get to know them. The information makes it possible for associates to help connect and deepen relationships with other residents and associates who share the same interests or experiences. For example, residents with shared backgrounds, whether it be growing up in the same place or prior military service, are identified and now regularly enjoy reminiscing casually or regularly in groups.
In addition, Something in Common helps to develop particular programs and connect residents to specific group or individual offerings. For example, a shared interest in learning how to paint has led to a regular class and many resident art shows.
At Benchmark at Rye, residents will have ample
opportunities to connect with others through a full calendar of educational experiences, trips to favorite and new destinations, volunteer opportunities, health and wellness experiences, interest-oriented clubs and more.
No matter how seniors choose to engage, Benchmark associates get to know each resident and encourage participation in many ways to ensure they take full advantage of everything offered.
Unique stories and experiences are truly what tie everyone together. The Benchmark at Rye team looks forward to connecting and getting to know each story!
Your Spring & Summer Entertainment Destination Benchmark at Rye
In the coming months, we’re excited to bring back some of our most popular events for Benchmark at Rye residents and their families. From annual events that honor the special people in our lives to intergenerational programs and social events, the next few months are jam-packed with fun ways to stay active.
Next month, we are celebrating the people who matter to us the most with a Valentine’s Day luncheon. Our acclaimed chef is harnessing his fine-dining experience to create a showstopping experience you won’t want to miss.
At Benchmark at Rye, Fat Tuesday is serious business, so no March is complete without our annual Mardis Gras party. Live jazz music, costumes and authentic snacks are sure to get everyone into the spirit of New Orleans.
In the spring, we’re delighted to offer events that will bring back memories and make everyone feel young again. Returning by popular demand is
our Under the Sea themed Senior Prom. After spending the day getting dolled up, we look forward to dancing the night away. Then, for Easter, we’re welcoming little ones in for our community-wide Easter Egg Hunt.
During graduation season, we’re going to prove that you’re never too old for “Senior Photos.” Residents love the experience of getting dressed to impress while families adore having beautiful keepsake photos of their loved ones.
In June, we celebrate the beautiful weather with plenty of outdoor events for the entire family.
A Summer Solstice celebration complete with live music, a petting zoo and balloon art, our Annual Cookout for a Cause fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, which last year raised more than $1,500 and our Fourth of July barbecue all will grace our busy summer calendar.
These are just a few of the big events we have planned in the coming months. We hope you or a loved one will join in the fun!
Finding Life’s Calling in an Unlikely Place
Getting to Know Programming Director Julia Evans
Julia Evans never quite knew what she wanted to do with her career. Following an interest in history and world economics, she earned a bachelor’s in political science from the University of New Hampshire, but soon found it didn’t suit her. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she fell into teaching for several years, which she loved.
But it wasn’t until Evans took a summer job as a programming assistant at Benchmark at Rye while waiting for a permanent teaching position to open up that she discovered her true passion. “I was able to spend quality time with residents and truly enjoyed getting to know them. I had finally found my dream job, one that uses all my strengths, my love for the Seacoast and allows me to make people smile every day,” said Evans.
Before long, she was promoted to programming coordinator and then programming director. She will oversee the Benchmark at Rye programming team for both assisted living and memory care.
“We have so many great things planned for our new assisted living residents, but I look forward to getting to know their interests and goals so that, together, we can create the best possible program. For example, I’d love to do an overnight stay somewhere amazing,” said Evans.
It’s no wonder Evans found her calling working at Benchmark. She grew up in a large, tight-knit family where kindness was the No. 1 value. “It was
modeled for me daily throughout my upbringing. My parents encouraged us to take part in community service, from bell-ringing for the Salvation Army to volunteering locally, they taught us the importance of putting others first,” she said.
Evans also shares a close relationship with her grandfather, Papa Ralph, who continues to be her inspiration. “He is truly incredible, and shares such a meaningful senior perspective whenever we talk about my work. His senior group on Long Island where he lives seem to run the town, and I want that same experience for our residents.”
Throughout her nearly three years at Benchmark, Evans has planned showstopping programs and trips throughout the Seacoast using her experience in lesson planning and creative engagement. She considers no request too large and aims to engage each and every resident. “At 1 p.m., a resident asked if we could go to the Brook Casino that afternoon, and by 2:30, we were on the bus headed there. I have an incredible team who makes it possible to keep planning the next bigger and better adventure,” she said.
For Evans, it’s all about bringing some light into each resident’s day. “Every day, I look forward to seeing the residents and connecting with them one on one. It’s the reason I wake up with a smile on my face! I truly believe I have the best job in the world,” she said.
Julia is all about bringing some light into each resident’s day.
The Northeast’s Leading Memory Care Provider
Mind & Memory Care
That’s Designed to Be Better
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, family members are often confused about what steps to take and fearful about what lies ahead.
There are many different types of dementia, and they affect each person differently. Caregivers often face issues such as how to prevent wandering outside the home, ensuring proper nutrition and support, and keeping loved ones connected and engaged.
Benchmark has been the Northeast’s leading memory care provider for nearly 30 years, addressing dementia challenges while facilitating strong connections that instill a sense of belonging and purpose. Comfortable, secure neighborhoods, individualized, round-the-clock care and
specialized programs are overseen by skilled associates trained to provide optimal experiences.
Below are just some of the many ways Benchmark at Rye will continue to support families and loved ones living with dementia.
SECURE & SPECIALIZED SETTING
Benchmark at Rye’s large, secure memory care neighborhood is one in which residents have ample common spaces, including living, recreation, dining areas and sunrooms to explore. Outdoors, a spacious patio offers plenty of ways to have fun, dine or relax. A walking path provides residents with regular access to the outside for exercising.
ENGAGING PROGRAMS
Residents and their families also benefit from programs created around their interests and skills. Art, music, fitness classes, reminiscence programs and other brain-boosting activities address cognition
as well as short- and long-term memory.
24/7 CARE
As dementia progresses, it’s common to need help with daily living. The Benchmark at Rye nursing and resident care teams create personalized care plans for each resident and provide 24/7 assisted living services.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
A sensory-stimulating environment with socialization, unique dining experiences and delicious smells from the kitchen help get residents excited for mealtime. Adaptive tableware and colorfully plated healthy, homemade meals served restaurant-style are enjoyable and easy to eat. Support for special diets and additional nutrition services are also available.
The experienced Benchmark at Rye Mind & Memory Care team has helped many families impacted by dementia, and they look forward to working with families to create solutions.
Where Food Is More Than Just a Meal
Good Food, Conversation & Entertainment that Strengthens Bonds
It goes without saying that food brings people together, and that couldn’t be truer at Benchmark at Rye, where food is more than just a meal. Rather than dining alone, residents come together with their friends throughout the day to enjoy food, conversation and culinary entertainment that strengthens bonds.
Keeping everyone connected through trying new things, nostalgic food memories and culinary experiences is what our dining services team aims to provide.
Each day, Benchmark at Rye’s talented team of chefs takes great pride in creating and showcasing daily seasonal specials and a set menu of meals and snacks offered indoors and out. Residents savor meals prepared according to their tastes and served restaurant-style by associates who are committed to knowing what they enjoy. In addition, chef-led cooking demonstrations and classes educate and extend everyone’s joy of cooking and food.
Best of all, meals aren’t on a set schedule — they’re served when it’s convenient for each individual. With all-day dining, residents don’t have to change their lifestyle. Late risers, for example, will enjoy continuing to have breakfast at the time they’re accustomed to.
Helping residents discover or continue to dine at their favorite Seacoast area restaurants will be part of our comprehensive social calendar. Whether it’s savoring Seafood Newburg at Galley Hatch, or enjoying fresh apple cider donuts at Cider Hill Farm, the Benchmark team helps residents explore the Seacoast’s excellent food.
Food is memories, and we look forward to helping our residents continue to make memories!
Guy was awarded an inaugural Senior Housing News Dining Innovation Award for raising the bar on culinary excellence.
A Focus on Fresh Fare Refined by 25 Years in Restaurants
Getting to Know Dining Services Director Guy Tino
Guy Tino’s passion for food started at an early age. The comforting smells of tomato sauce cooking, fresh strawberries from the garden and days spent hiding under his grandparents’ rhubarb plants eating rhubarb and “stolen” sugar defined his childhood.
And, of course, there were plenty of failed cooking experiments. “I was five or six years old when I tried melting chocolate and pouring it into a glass soda bottle ... of course, it exploded,” said Tino.
At 14 years old, he began working in restaurants and soon fell in love with the fast pace and the unpredictable nature. After high school, his interests in science and health led him to pursue an associate’s degree in chemistry from Western Carolina University, but he always kept coming back to cooking.
His first chef position was at the Trillium Links and Lake Club, a private golf community nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “I was given responsibility of The Landings restaurant with no budget, total freedom to explore food in new ways so as to keep members guessing and the reservation book full. It was a dream job,” he said.
For decades, he honed his craft as a private chef and at fine-dining restaurants in the Southeast and New England, including working at acclaimed Chef Michael Schlow’s Radius in Boston, before founding his own in 2009, The Northeast Café in New Boston, and turning an empty
building into a sustainable restaurant.
At Radius, Tino earned his stripes catering a Christmas party at New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s house and the final The Sopranos TV show cast party. “Working there was an incredible experience. The level of food and service was top tier. People would sit and eat eight or 10 courses over four or five hours,” he said.
In 2024, Tino joined Benchmark at Rye, a role he calls his most satisfying experience to date.
“Working at Benchmark has changed my life. I was drawn to senior living because I felt like it was under served and that maybe I could provide a positive impact.”
In a short amount of time, he’s gained popularity from residents and families alike for his scratch cooking and fine attention to detail with homemade breads and desserts; slow, braised meats; creative takes on local seafood; and wowing residents with special events like monthly themed fine dining nights. Last year, he was awarded an inaugural Senior Housing News DISHED Dining Innovation Award for raising the bar on culinary excellence.
For Benchmark at Rye’s new assisted living residents, he’s excited to raise the bar even higher. “I’m excited about the entire program, but particularly to really elevate breakfast with dishes like homemade sausage, and continue to present colorful food and friendly service,” he said.
Senior Care 101
Making the Right Move
With so many senior care options available, it can be difficult to determine the best one and the right time to make a move. Some focus more on quality of life, while others provide varying levels of care. Here are some things to consider in your search.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Independent living provides a relaxing environment for those over the age of 55 who don’t need any care and desire a social lifestyle without the hassle of homeownership. Residents have access to a range of amenities and services so they can focus on making connections, engaging in meaningful activities and enjoying their golden years.
ASSISTED LIVING
Seniors who need help with daily living activities, such as showering, grooming and managing medication, and other services should consider assisted living. For these residents, Benchmark at Rye encourages independence while offering residents greater support, such as 24/7 personalized assistance,
enriching social programs and meals, along with the opportunity for long-term care.
MEMORY CARE
Memory care can meet the unique needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Programs like Benchmark’s Mind & Memory Care offer specially designed, secure environments with unique features that help those with memory impairment prosper. Caregivers who’ve received specialized training provide programs that address memory and cognitive skills as well as sensory dining experiences to support residents’ nutritional health.
SKILLED NURSING
Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities are generally physician-prescribed, clinical environments for those with acute illnesses requiring complex, round-theclock medical care. While Benchmark at Rye is not a skilled nursing facility, they will make it possible for residents to receive skilled nursing services from external providers in the privacy of their apartment.
HOME HEALTH CARE
Home health care agencies that employ caregivers, nurses or therapists can be an option for those needing short- or longterm assistance. Unlike Benchmark at Rye, home health care services are generally exclusive to physical care, often leaving families worrying about things like nutrition, social engagement and transportation to appointments.
Communities like Benchmark at Rye have been uniquely designed to offer a range of senior living options and care to help meet individuals where they are or maybe in the future. Whatever choice is right for you or a loved one, look for experience and associate satisfaction as quality indicators.
For Katie, a successful day at work is “reflecting on the positive impact I’ve had on my residents’ day.”
Striving to Be the Benchmark for Dementia Care for Over a Decade
Getting to Know Lead Aide Katie Goyette
Katie Goyette of Hampton Falls began her nursing career in the community over 10 years ago around the time she moved to the Seacoast from Southern Maine.
“I was drawn to the opportunity to truly make someone’s day better,” said Goyette. “In addition to ensuring my residents receive the best care possible, I consider a big part of my role to be a safe place for our residents and their families. Giving them feelings of security and that they are heard is something that’s very important to me.”
After more than a decade, Goyette considers each resident family. “Our residents may have memory issues, but they are no different than anyone else. I like to joke with them and make them laugh, so they can have a good day,” she said.
“Katie is the best example of our Benchmark values at work,” said Mallory Lord, executive director of Benchmark at Rye. “Not only has she been Called to Care for our residents, but she works collaboratively with everyone in the best interest of our residents and strives to Be the Benchmark by providing excellent care.”
For Goyette, a successful day at work is “reflecting on the positive impact I’ve had on my residents’ day and knowing I helped them make the best of what is sometimes a very difficult situation.”
In her free time, Goyette loves exploring the Seacoast. “I love this area and couldn’t picture myself living anywhere else. Even though it has a small-town feel, there are endless activities.”
Having the Right Support Can Make All the Difference
When Dick Strickland’s wife of over 60 years, Peg, suddenly started having health problems in 2024, it devastated their entire family.
“We had moved all over the country and to Europe for my logistics job. Peg raised our three children, and was an active social butterfly. So, it was hard to watch as her health declined,” said Dick.
other issues that had her in and out of rehabilitation and left her with long-term effects. She has trouble with her balance, shortterm memory and some confusion.
After her last rehab stay, Dick struggled with juggling care of Peg at home, cooking and other household chores. “After almost a year of trying to make it work at home, as a family, we decided it wasn’t sustainable,” he said.
Together, the couple has found community at Benchmark at Rye where Peg now has the care she needs, and is thriving as a result. Benchmark at Rye Makes 60th Wedding Anniversary Memorable
After being healthy for most of her life, Peg had two strokes, a bad reaction to anesthesia following a routine surgery and
As soon as she moved into Benchmark’s memory care program neighborhood, the goal became, “Let’s get her out of bed and moving around,” said Dick.
Daily on-site rehabilitation and support from Benchmark’s nursing and programming staff who encouraged her to become active proved to be just what the doctor ordered.
Where Peg had mostly been bedridden before, was occasionally non-verbal, couldn’t walk unassisted and had to have pureed foods to eat, she is now talking up a storm, walking with only a walker, attends the
community’s many off-site trips and music program, and enjoys regular meals in the dining room.
“The nursing staff and their communication is exceptionally good,” said Dick. “The improvement Peg’s made since moving to Benchmark at Rye has been monumental. I can’t thank them enough.”
think would be possible. They celebrated at Benchmark at Rye with a beautiful luncheon planned by the programming team.
Last year, Dick and Peg were able to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, a milestone a few years earlier Dick didn’t
Dick, who lives in Newburyport and visits Peg most days, looks forward to hopefully joining her at the community soon when they open their expansion.
Fun Things To Do
The Seacoast Offers Tons of Activities for All Ages
With a location that’s nestled within a vibrant and historic seaside community, at Benchmark at Rye, there are endless ways to spend time outdoors, explore the best of what the ocean has to offer and stay active. The popular Seacoast region is home to many of New Hampshire and Maine’s most sought-after destinations and many are just a short drive away. Best of all, Benchmark at Rye’s comprehensive social calendar allows residents to take full advantage without having to drive or plan their own travel.
Beaches
Within a 20-mile radius of Benchmark lie all of the Seacoast’s most popular beaches.
Beginning with Jenness Beach in Rye just five minutes from Benchmark and North Beach in Hampton, N.H., seven miles away, visitors enjoy long
walks along the shore and watching the area’s many surfers.
Five and a half miles from Benchmark, at Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, visitors enjoy 30 acres of sandy shoreline and beautiful views of the historic Isles of Shoals with plenty of
space for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.
Seven miles from Benchmark, the 135-acre seaside Odiorne Point State Park and the Seacoast Science Center museum in Rye delights with sweeping ocean views, scenic walking trails and the opportunity to get up close and personal with and learn more about dozens of types of fish and marine mammals.
Venture over the Maine state border, only eight miles from Benchmark, and you’ll discover York’s Long Sands and Short Sands beaches with even more opportunities for fun in the sun.
Odiorne Point State Park
Jenness Beach
History & Military
For history and military buffs, the Seacoast area presents tons of opportunities to explore the past and present.
Many historically significant seaside forts offer fun for the entire family. Dating back to the 1630s, Fort Stark in New Castle, seven and a half miles from Benchmark, acted as a strategic defense point for Portsmouth Harbor from the 18th century through World War II. Nearby Fort Constitution, also home to the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, was a colonial British fortress before being captured by Patriot forces during the Revolutionary War.
Sitting just over the border in Kittery, Maine, under eight miles from Benchmark, you’ll also find Fort Foster and Fort McClary, which offer beautiful views and
plenty of activities for all ages.
Built in 1800, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Kittery’s Seavey’s Island, just a little over eight miles from Benchmark, is the oldest continuously operating shipyard in the U.S. Navy. Located on the Piscataqua River that separates New Hampshire and Maine, submarines can often be seen in the harbor undergoing repairs. At nearby Albacore Park in Portsmouth, visitors can get up close and personal with a Shipyard-built decommissioned research submarine, the USS Albacore.
Nearby in Newington, N.H., just seven and a half miles from Benchmark, is the Pease Air National Guard Base located at the Portsmouth International Airport. Formerly the Pease Air Force Base, it served as a Strategic Air Command bomber base until 1991. Today, both commercial and military planes can be seen flying in and out on a daily basis and is the site of popular air shows.
For those who want to learn more about what life was like in the early days for Indigenous peoples and English colonists dating back 12,000 years, Smithsonian affiliate Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, a little over six miles from Benchmark, is a must visit. The waterfront outdoor museum has preserved a complete neighborhood comprising 24 homes, stores and shops. It’s also home to heirloom gardens, exhibits and role players, and hosts many events throughout the year including ice skating at Puddle Dock Pond, Springfest and an outdoor summer concert series.
Strawbery Banke Museum
Fort Stark
Fort Foster
Arts & Entertainment
The Seacoast also offers a vibrant arts scene with many museums, music and theater venues. Downtown Portsmouth, in particular, which is less than six miles from Benchmark, offers many options for viewing or enjoying the arts all within an easy walk of one another.
Restaurants & Food
With over 100 restaurants on the Seacoast, there are options to delight every palate. Although all types of cuisine are wellrepresented, the area is known for its fresh seafood and many come from near and far to enjoy lobster, chowder, clams, oysters and more.
No visit to the Seacoast is complete without a bowl of Fluffy Chowder made famous by Rye Harbor Lobster Pound and The Hungry Lobster, both in Rye. Although visitors drive from hours away to enjoy the creamy chowder topped with lobster in a butter sherry sauce, Benchmark at Rye residents are fortunate to get it anytime living just a mile away from this delicious dish.
The largest performing arts venue is The Music Hall dating back to the late 1800s when it opened as a Vaudeville Theater. It hosts hundreds of shows each year including movie screenings, concerts, lectures and comedians featuring many well-known artists. In October, it
Set beside the ocean in a charming Rye location next to a bubbling brook, Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar less than five miles from Benchmark is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. With many awards for best lobster roll, fried clams and clam chowder, there is something for everyone.
Perhaps two of the most well-known restaurants in the area are Hampton’s The Old Salt and The Galley Hatch, both favorites among Benchmark residents for their traditional seafood dishes. At The Galley Hatch, Seafood Newburg, Portuguese Fisherman’s Stew, fresh popovers and a must-visit bakery
hosts the New Hampshire Film Festival showcasing the best in current independent cinema. Other performing arts venues include Jimmy’s Jazz Club, the Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 3S Artspace and the Players’ Ring. For those who enjoy the visual arts, the Museum of New Art (MONA) features contemporary artists, and there are many independent art galleries throughout the area.
featuring homemade desserts are most popular. At The Old Salt, 1700s wood paneling and a large, warming fireplace set the stage for comforting dishes like clam chowder, fish and chips, haddock au gratin and an impressive Sunday buffet brunch with carving stations and a chocolate fountain.
The Music Hall
