Comprehensive Review: Meredith Bay Colony Club

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 its services, amenities, pricing, and recent ownership change to help you and your family evaluate whether it is 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

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

7. Pricing Information

7.1 Monthly Costs

Service Level

Estimated Monthly Cost

Memory Care (shared bedroom)

$6,370

Memory Care (private room)

$7,410

Studio/One-Bedroom

$5,598 (average)

7.2 Value Assessment

• 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. Distinguishing features

Notable features of the community include:

• 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

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

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. In November 2024 it was acquired by Taylor Community, a nonprofit operator in the lakes region.

Most services and amenities are included in the monthly rates, and its not-for-profit structure may help contain costs.

For families considering senior living in Meredith, the scenic lakeside setting and full spectrum of care options are its defining characteristics.