Comprehensive Review: Meredith Bay Colony Club

• Executive Summary

• 1. Facility Overview and Location
• 2. Services and Care Options
  • 2.1 Care Levels Offered
  • 2.2 Medical and Support Services
• 3. Accommodations and Living Options
  • 3.1 Residence Types
  • 3.2 Room Features
• 4. Amenities and Community Features
  • 4.1 Common Areas and Recreational Spaces
  • 4.2 Dining Services
  • 4.3 Convenience Services
• 5. Activities and Engagement Programs
  • 5.1 Daily Programming
  • 5.2 Wellness Initiatives
  • 5.3 Resident-Led Activities
• 6. Resident Experience and Testimonials
  • 6.1 Satisfaction Ratings
  • 6.2 Resident Testimonials
  • 6.3 Areas of Excellence
  • 6.4 Areas for Improvement
• 7. Pricing Information
  • 7.1 Monthly Costs
  • 7.2 Value Assessment
• 8. Comparison with Local Alternatives
  • 8.1 Key Competitors
  • 8.2 Comparative Advantages
• 9. Recognition and Awards
• 10. Recent Developments
• 11. Decision-Making Guide
  • 11.1 Ideal Resident Profile
  • 11.2 Tour and Visit Recommendations
  • 11.3 Financial Considerations
• 12. Conclusion

Executive Summary

Meredith Bay Colony Club is a not-for-profit retirement community at 21 Upper Mile Point Drive in Meredith, New Hampshire. It opened in 2009 and offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. This review covers services, amenities, and resident experiences to help you and your family evaluate whether it's a good fit.

1. Facility Overview and Location

Meredith Bay Colony Club overlooks Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire.

• Lake Winnipesaukee views
• Meredith has been recognized as one of the "best small towns on the East Coast" by Travel & Leisure
• Two hours north of Boston
• 0.8 miles from Belknap Family Health Care
• Scenic setting with outdoor recreation nearby

2. Services and Care Options

2.1 Care Levels Offered

The community offers three levels of care:

Care Level

Description

Key Features

Independent Living

For active, self-sufficient seniors

Maintenance-free apartments, social activities

Assisted Living

Support with daily activities

Personalized care plans, staff available 24/7

Memory Care

Specialized dementia care in "The Gardens"

Secure environment, trained staff

2.2 Medical and Support Services

Support services include:

• Medication management
• 24-hour supervision and emergency call system
• Help with bathing, dressing, and transfers
• Coordination with healthcare providers
• Support for mild cognitive impairment
• Hospice care coordination

3. Accommodations and Living Options

3.1 Residence Types

Options include:

• Studio apartments
• One-bedroom apartments
• Two-bedroom apartments
• Three-bedroom apartments
• Memory care private rooms

3.2 Room Features

Residences include:

• Spacious layouts with natural light
• Living rooms in many units
• Kitchen and dining areas in select apartments
• Private bathrooms
• Den or study in some floor plans
• Telephone access
• Cable and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Emergency call systems

4. Amenities and Community Features

4.1 Common Areas and Recreational Spaces

The facility has shared spaces for socializing and activities:

• Swimming pool
• Fitness and wellness facilities
• Outdoor walking paths
• Library
• Entertainment venues
• Multiple dining areas
• Community gathering spaces

4.2 Dining Services

The dining program features:

• Chef-prepared meals in restaurant-style settings
• Multiple dining venues with different atmospheres
• Flexible meal times
• Special dietary accommodations
• "Best Meals and Dining" award

4.3 Convenience Services

Services to simplify daily life include:

• Transportation for medical appointments and outings
• Housekeeping services
• Parking for residents who drive
• On-site beauty salon and barber
• Laundry services
• Move-in coordination

5. Activities and Engagement Programs

5.1 Daily Programming

Regular activities include:

• Fitness classes and exercise programs
• Social gatherings and community events
• Educational workshops and lectures
• Entertainment performances
• Arts and crafts
• Movie nights
• Field trips and outings

5.2 Wellness Initiatives

The community emphasizes holistic wellness:

• Health monitoring and education
• Fitness programs
• Social engagement opportunities
• Educational programs
• Arts room for creative expression

5.3 Resident-Led Activities

Residents organize some activities themselves:

• Cocktail hours (once or twice monthly)
• Lectures and presentations
• Community gatherings

6. Resident Experience and Testimonials

6.1 Satisfaction Ratings

Ratings from verified review platforms:

Rating Source

Score

Sample Size

Key Insights

Caring.com

4.5/5

6 reviews

Staff rated 4.8/5

Seniorly.com

6.4/10

Based on 6 quality metrics

Based on 6 quality metrics

6.2 Resident Testimonials

Residents and family members describe their experiences:

"I went to look at Meredith Bay Colony Club. The administrator was really good. The location is great. The facility was nice. It felt very homey and welcoming." – Erin (February 2022)

"I write this to those of you who, like me, feel guilty and scared at not being able to care for your loved one who is suffering from ever-developing memory loss any longer… My mother just died of Alzheimer's Disease after having lived two years in 'The Gardens' at Meredith Bay Colony Club. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for having found this care facility, and

"My mother lives at Meredith Bay Colony Club in a beautiful apartment and I cannot say enough to convey the dedication and kindness of the entire staff and management… Having my mother live at Meredith Bay Colony Club is a true blessing." – Loving daughter forever (February 2019)

6.3 Areas of Excellence

Residents consistently praise:

• Staff quality and caring
• Homelike, welcoming atmosphere
• Quality of dining
• Beautiful location and views
• Sense of community

6.4 Areas for Improvement

Some residents mentioned:

• Limited space in memory care common areas
• Room for more activity programming
• Waitlist for some units

7. Pricing Information

7.1 Monthly Costs

Service Level

Estimated Monthly Cost

Area Comparison

Memory Care (shared bedroom)

$6,370

Below area average of $7,025

Memory Care (private room)

$7,410

Competitive rate

Studio/One-Bedroom

$5,598 (average)

Slightly above city average of $4,950

7.2 Value Assessment

Pricing compared to the local market:

• Memory care costs less than the area average
• Independent and assisted living are moderately priced given the amenities offered
• Most services and amenities are included in monthly rates
• Not-for-profit status may keep costs down

8. Comparison with Local Alternatives

8.1 Key Competitors

Other senior living options in the area:

Facility

Rating

Price Point

Key Differentiators

Forestview Manor

4.0/5 (10 reviews)

Starting at $5,515

Memory care focus, smaller setting

Golden View Health Care

4.3/5 (29 reviews)

Starting at $6,195

Nursing home services, larger facility

Taylor Community Laconia

Mixed reviews

Varies

CCRC with multiple care levels

8.2 Comparative Advantages

Compared to local competitors, Meredith Bay Colony Club offers:

• Lake views and scenic location
• Not-for-profit mission focused on community
• All care levels in one location
• Multiple dining venues
• Indoor swimming pool and fitness amenities

9. Recognition and Awards

The community has received:

• "Best Meals and Dining" award
• "Best of Senior Living" award eligibility based on resident and family reviews
• In November 2024, Taylor Community acquired the facility, which may bring additional improvements and resources

10. Recent Developments

In November 2024, Meredith Bay Colony Club was acquired by Taylor Community:

• Taylor Community is a nonprofit operator with other sites in New Hampshire's lakes region
• Purchase price was $11 million
• The buyer assumed $10.5 million in resident entrance fee refund liabilities
• This acquisition may provide financial stability and shared resources across Taylor's local sites
• Taylor Community operates three other sites in the local area, which may allow for shared resources.

11. Decision-Making Guide

11.1 Ideal Resident Profile

Meredith Bay Colony Club may suit:

• Seniors seeking a scenic, peaceful setting with lake views
• Those who value a homelike, intimate environment
• Individuals or couples planning for changing care needs
• Residents who appreciate quality dining and programming
• Those who prioritize attentive staff and personalized care

11.2 Tour and Visit Recommendations

When visiting, consider:

• Visiting during a meal to see the dining program firsthand
• Asking to see multiple unit types and floor plans
• Inquiring about current availability and wait times
• Speaking with staff about the community's care approach
• Attending a community activity if possible
• Asking about how the recent ownership change affects daily operations

11.3 Financial Considerations

When evaluating costs:

• Understand the entrance fee structure and refund policies
• Ask about monthly fee increases over the past few years
• Learn what additional costs apply for higher care levels
• Inquire about financial assistance if needed

12. Conclusion

Meredith Bay Colony Club is a lakeside retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents praise the staff, homelike atmosphere, and dining services. The recent acquisition by Taylor Community may add stability and resources.

Pricing is competitive for memory care and reasonable for other levels of care, given the amenities and services included. Current and former residents, particularly those with loved ones in memory care, report good experiences.

If you are considering senior living in Meredith, this community is worth a closer look, especially if you value a scenic location and full spectrum of care options.