By Mimi Santry, CSA
A physician-led group is embracing the concept of Residential Care Homes (RCHs) and will be opening a series of senior residences called The Sycamore Collection, Inc. It is intended that these homes will operate under strict safety and operating standards and be fully licensed by the CT Department of Health. The management team have appointed Maria Scaros, formerly the longtime leader of The Greens at Greenwich, to be their Executive Director. Maria will use her 30 years of experience to create a homelike environment for up to six residents, striving to provide them with exceptional care and a loving and supportive atmosphere. This will provide a nice alternative for families seeking care and housing for those with dementia. Their first home in Stamford is expected to open in early summer, and the second will welcome residents in the Fall 2026. The Sycamore Collection will be exclusively private pay and not accept government monies such as Medicaid.
Maria Scaros was kind enough to share her views on why Residential Care Homes such as The Sycamore Collection homes might offer an attractive alternative for seniors requiring care.
What are Residential Care Homes?
“Typically located in residential neighborhoods, these homes generally serve between four and ten residents in a more intimate, home-like setting. They provide meals, medication management, assistance with activities of daily living, and 24-hour supervision for seniors who may no longer be able to safely live independently. The smaller size can allow for more individualized care, greater caregiver consistency, and a quieter environment that may feel less institutional for residents. “
Why do you think it’s time for more Residential Care Homes in CT?
“The Northeast has traditionally depended on larger assisted living communities, memory care residences, and skilled nursing facilities to care for older adults. RCH have been relatively uncommon despite the region’s aging population and increasing demand for senior housing and care options. In states such as California, Arizona, Nevada, and parts of the South, these smaller residential settings have become a meaningful alternative to traditional assisted living communities. Nationally, residential care homes are far more common than many Connecticut families realize. Federal data estimates there are more than 30,000 residential care communities across the United States serving nearly one million residents. Yet Connecticut continues to have relatively few small congregate senior homes compared to many other states.”
Are these homes appropriate for seniors, especially those with dementia?
“Our Sycamore Collection homes have been carefully designed to support the safety of the residents. Each apartment will have a private ADA accessible bathroom. We are incorporating technology that is not traditionally seen at Residential Care Homes. By partnering with Foresite Healthcare, our homes will feature non-invasive fall detection, gait analysis, vital sign trending and AI health prediction.”
The homes, which can accommodate 6 residents, will be properly licensed by the State of CT Department of Health, and we plan to operate according to strict safety standards. We will be surveyed every three years yet responsible for monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
Where will The Sycamore Collection homes be situated?
“We are taking over two homes in Stamford that were previously used by an unlicensed operator and sadly did not have a great safety record. We are making significant changes to address safety issues. We are a completely different model and have no ties to the previous owner/operator. Our intent is to create a care model for other homes that can be duplicated throughout the region. The Sycamore Homes will provide a better alternative, not a compromise.”
Please explain who is on the management team of The Sycamore Collection?
“The Sycamore Collection homes are family-owned and operated by a group of physicians including an emergency room physician, an oncologist, an orthopedic surgeon, a chiropractor and master’s level educator. The operators are seasoned medical professionals who want to provide a safe and caring environment for seniors.”
Will you work full time and who will you have supporting you?
““I will be working full time, splitting my time between two houses in Stamford. The owners of the Sycamore Collection are very supportive and committed to creating the best alternative in dementia care. They are always available for support. I look forward to supervising operations, facilitating programs, teaching and being present in every way to residents, families and staff. We will be selecting our own staff that will be specially trained in dementia care. If ever we should require agency caregivers, they will be consistent and trained by our staff.”
Will you have a dedicated RN/LPN or Physician associated with your homes?
“We will have a dedicated visiting Nurse Practitioner and PA that will oversee Primary Care within the homes and will offer imaging (XR, US), lab testing on site as needed. They will also offer in-service education.
Visiting PT, OT, Speech. Psychology, Massage Therapy, Podiatry, Dentistry and Audiology will also be part of our consulting staff.
We will also offer access to visiting Neurology and dementia specific care for residents and families that are interested.”
You were well-known at The Greens for introducing art/music and drama therapy. Will you do the same at these new communities?
“ABSOLUTELY. The creative arts therapies are my passion. The way in which they engage and awaken the brain are well documented through research. We will also develop an internship program for master’s level students.”
The readers of The Sentinel thank Maria Scaros for sharing this exciting news about the launch of The Sycamore Collection. When well-operated, Residential Care Homes can provide an attractive alternative to larger assisted living and nursing homes.
Mimi Santry is a certified senior advisor, senior living specialist and owner of Assisted Living Locators. She has worked with hundreds of families to help them better navigate the complex challenges aging.
